Rainscreen Siding Problems

Venting behind your siding is just as necessary and valuable as venting your attic.

Rainscreen siding problems.

Wood is clearly the best choice for rainscreen siding. They also come with a higher carbon footprint than those from renewable resources. Trapped moisture from driving rain or condensation can cause major problems. Some attribute energy savings to rainscreens but if your wall is so thermally weak that it benefits from a rainscreen there should probably be a re evaluation of the air sealing and insulation strategies.

Drip edge flashing installed over rainscreen mat to allow an un interrupted drain plane behind the siding. I re read the article and did notice that it called out the compression concerns. Although mentioned in a previous write up the hydrogap product has small bumps on it that actually compress under lap siding if nailed too tightly thus defeating their purpose. Alternative products like pactiv s raindrop 3d do not show that same tendency.

A rainscreen is a system of materials used to create a gap between the siding and the water resistive barrier wrb. For a clean finish the bottom of the foam will need trim anyways a piece of custom bent up perforated j trim is not that much. Air flows behind siding in continuous airspace of rainscreen drain plane. Rainscreen exterior wall construction.

Expansion gaps of 1 4 would need to be designed in at least every 12. Trim always costs money. Other builders use natural materials but omit a rainscreen which can lead to premature failure. Block the bottom of the foam with lumber and cover the rain screen gap with perforated metal flashing.

It should be pretty obvious that using composites or pvc could create numerous problems in rainscreen siding applications. Rainscreens increase the durability of the siding cladding and the exterior walls behind them. Air enters behind water table and exits through gap above top trim piece. What every homeowner needs to know while homes are made to get wet occasionally excessive amounts of water such as during rainy seasons can cause problems if it seeps past the home s siding and vapor wrap.