Your home is meant to get wet on occasion, but excessive amounts of water can cause problems if it seeps past the siding to reach the wooden framing. Traditionally, a home’s siding gets installed flush against the framing, harming the ability of structural components to dry properly. That increases the risk of costly problems like mold, mildew, rot, and decay.
One of the most effective ways to protect your home from moisture damage is to install a rain screen siding system in lieu of regular siding. Keep reading to learn more about these systems and how they work.
What Is Rainscreen Siding?
A home’s walls and frame can handle some moisture just fine. However, they must be able to dry off to stay safe and healthy. Insulation, though necessary, doesn’t allow proper airflow to wood that butts up against the siding. Therefore, it can stay wet, allowing mold and rot to take hold.
Rainscreen siding is designed to solve this problem. As rain hits the siding, most of it runs down the surface. Water that penetrates behind the siding enters a 3/4-inch gap between the cladding and the framing. Gravity pulls it downward where it can safely exit at the bottom of the wall. Meanwhile, air circulating through the gap helps dry out any residual moisture.
The idea behind rainscreen siding may sound new, but it’s based on a method that’s centuries old. Some 12th-century wooden structures in Norway utilized similar building techniques and are still standing today.
Why Should I Use Rainscreen Siding?
Rainscreen siding gives you and your home a few different advantages:
- Better ventilation: This is the most obvious benefit and can save you thousands in remediation and repair costs over time.
- Low-maintenance: Contrary to what you might think, hardwood rain-screen siding doesn’t require much maintenance. The wood may need restaining every few years to keep its original tone. However, for some materials like Ipe, you can choose to let it age and turn a beautiful gray.
- Fire resistance: Some rainscreen siding options have a Class A Fire Rating, the highest that building materials can receive. That also means they’re approved for use in West Coast states where wildfires are a serious issue.
- Insect resistance: Wood rainscreen siding is usually insect and rot-resistant. By staining the siding on both sides, you can add an extra layer of protection.
- High ROI: Rainscreen siding has a long lifespan, and should you decide to sell your home, it can increase your property value.
Choosing a Rainscreen Siding System
Rainscreen siding can be made from materials like PVC and plastic composites. However, these aren’t necessarily the most stable materials to use. This is because they can move from 1/4-inch to 1 foot as temperatures fluctuate.
By contrast, hardwood rainscreen siding systems don’t move much during temperature changes. They do move when changes in moisture content occur, which is common for the material.
You’ll also want to consider your local climate when you purchase rainscreen siding. If your area has high rainfall or humidity, you may want to choose a type with wider air gaps and more robust drainage features.
Installing Rainscreen Siding
Regardless of the type of rainscreen siding you choose, the modern installation process is the same. Generally, professional installation by a licensed siding contractor is the best option. However, you’ll still want to know what each step involves.
- Preparation: Before installation can begin, the existing siding needs to come off. Installers should inspect for damage and repair it before continuing. They should also add a water-resistant barrier to the sheathing that serves as an extra layer of protection.
- Making the air gap: The air gap typically gets made using furring strips or a specialized rainscreen mat. These components are typically attached to the water-resistant barrier.
- Staining the boards: Adding stain to the front and back of the boards can protect them and preserve their appearance.
- Siding installation: Once the air gap is established, you can install the siding. Modern systems use clips screwed into the home’s cladding, which allow for natural expansion and contraction and remove the need for extra screws.
Maintenance and Care
While rainscreen siding systems generally require less maintenance than traditional siding, some care is still necessary to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
At a minimum, you should inspect and clean your rainscreen siding at least once per year. Use a mild detergent and look for signs of damage, loose panels, or clogged damage points. By spotting issues early, you’ll save money down the line.
You may need to refinish wood rainscreen siding over time to maintain its appearance and protective features. How often you’ll need to do this will depend on the type of wood and your local climate.lation it requires so it can stay dry and in top shape.
