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Rainscreen cladding is a building façade system with an outer layer of panels and a ventilated air gap between it and the inner wall. This system acts as a protective barrier, with the cavity reducing wind pressure on the structure and allowing trapped moisture to drain and escape, preventing water damage.
Rainscreen cladding can last between 20 years and 60 years, especially for well-maintained systems. The life expectancy depends on the materials used, level of maintenance, and the degree of exposure to harmful environmental conditions.
The outer panels protect against weather, while the cavity improves thermal performance and helps dissipate moisture through natural air circulation.
Cladding must be able to withstand rain, wind, and snow to maintain structural integrity and occupant comfort. Regulations require testing for water and wind resistance to prevent issues such as damp and mould.
The rainscreen cladding system consists of a load bearing wall, a layer of insulation and a covering material fixed to the building with the help of a supporting structure. This system creates a gap between the insulation and covering material called an air cavity.
The minimum gap between the backing wall and the façade must be at least 25mm. NHBC recommends a minimum of a 38mm gap with rebated joints and 50mm for those with open joints.
There are many important advantages of installing a rainscreen cladding system in buildings and private homes.
A rainscreen façade system reduces condensation and humidity coming from both the inside and the exterior of the building. The continuous circulation of air inside the air cavity works as an extra layer of protection which removes water filtrations which can slip through the cladding joints.
Constant ventilation inside the air cavity improves the durability of the exterior cladding material by keeping it dry. The façade’s lifespan can be extended further via a durable and resistant material such as natural slate.
The air cavity allows for a more stable temperature in the building construction envelope. This helps to prevent the risk of cracks and other structural issues. As a result, the structure is not subject to extreme temperature changes, so it becomes less liable to suffer expansion and contraction movements.
The insulation layer is optional, but when it is combines with a rainscreen cladding system, the thermal and acoustic insulation of the building improves significantly. This can have a positive impact on health since environmental pollution – such as noise – is reduced.
Rainscreen cladding provides better control of a building’s heating during winter. It also makes cooling a building easier during summer. Both of which have energy saving and personal comfort benefits. In some cases, energy bills can be reduced by up to 40%.
Rainscreen cladding systems require little or no maintenance, especially if a cladding material that can withstand adverse weather conditions has been used.
The extra initial investment is recovered through the energy efficiency and minimal maintenance costs of the façade. Therefore, rainscreen cladding is an excellent choice for new construction sites and refurbishment projects.
Rainscreen cladding can be safe if designed with non-combustible materials and the correct fire-stopping measures. However, it can become a significant fire risk if combustible materials and inadequate fire breaks are used, which turn the cavity into a chimney for fire.
Modern systems aim to use fire-rated materials and intumescent cavity barriers to seal the gap and prevent fire spread. Overall safety depends on correct installation, material selection, and adherence to regulations including BS EN 13501-1 for materials and Approved Document B.
Fire Spread – An open cavity in a rainscreen façade system can act like a chimney, allowing fire to spread vertically through the building if fire breaks are not implemented.
Material Choice – The type of materials used is critical for safety and risk mitigation. Some façade systems, particularly those using ACM (aluminium composite material) with flammable cores, have a higher risk of failure and fire spread.
As of 31st May 2025, 495 of the 517 high-rise (18 metres and over in height) residential and publicly owned buildings with ACM cladding systems had either begun or completed remediation works.
In response to the Grenfell Fire Tragedy of 2017, the government has banned the use of metal composite material panels with unaltered polyethylene cores (MCM PE) in cladding systems. This applies to both new builds and to the retrofitting of existing buildings where this type of cladding is used.
Non-Combustible Materials – Using Class A1 and A2 rated materials, which are non-combustible and have low contributions to fire, is essential for safety.
Fire Breaks (Cavity Barriers) – Fire breaks are installed horizontally and vertically within the cavity to prevent fire from travelling through the system.
Intumescent Strips – Many modern cavity barriers incorporate these strips, which expand when heated to seal the cavity. This prevents fire from entering and spreading throughout the system.
Drainage and Ventilation – The ventilated cavity allows moisture to drain and evaporate, preventing damp and mould, which is a key benefit of rainscreen systems.
Compliance – Adherence to fire safety regulations and standards, such as UK Building Regulations and European classifications like BS EN 13501-1, is crucial.
Penalties for failing to comply with fire safety regulations can include minor fines up to £5,000, with major fines potentially unlimited, imprisonment (up to two years for serious offences), significant reputational damage, and the risk of civil claims and issues with insurance policies.
For minor issues, a fire safety inspector may issue informal advice, but for serious breaches, formal enforcement notices or prosecution in court can be initiated.
Testing and Certification – Using systems that have been fully assessed and certified, demonstrating they meet fire safety requirements, provides peace of mind.
Correct Design and Installation – The façade system’s safety relies on proper design and expert installation of the cladding. This includes the correct use of fire breaks and the appropriate choice of materials for the building’s height and risk profile. That’s where 3B Training’s world class accredited training adds value.
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Disadvantages of rainscreen cladding include a significant increase in fire risk if combustible materials or poor design are used. Cladding installation can be costly and complex. It can also increase the structural load on the building’s foundations with the potential for structural failure if improperly fixed.
In some cases, there is the possibility of damage from extreme weather conditions which can degrade cladding materials over time.
Modern materials constantly look to address the key issues below:
Increased spread – The ventilated air gap in rainscreen systems can act as a chimney, creating a pathway for fire to rapidly spread vertically through the building if combustible materials are used.
Material choice – ACM (aluminium composite material) cladding and systems incorporating polyurethane (PUR) or expanded polystyrene (EPS) are vulnerable to fire spread.
Structural compromise – If combustible materials with poor fire resistance are used, they can negatively affect the building’s structural integrity.
Complexity and cost – The design and installation of rainscreen systems require careful attention to detail, which can add to costs and complexity.
Structural load – The added weight of the cladding needs to be supported by the building’s foundations. This requires careful structural considerations to prevent delays or additional costs.
Fixing integrity – Inadequate fixing methods, such as bonds between membranes and cladding profiles, can lead to separation and failure, potentially damaging the cladding and building.
Vulnerability to extreme conditions – Materials used in rainscreen systems can degrade faster in areas with harsh weather, such as intense sun, heavy rain, or high winds.
UV exposure – Materials are susceptible to fading or becoming brittle due to prolonged exposure to UV rays. Thus, making UV-resistant coatings a necessary consideration for longevity.
Not completely watertight – While designed to reduce water contact, rainscreen cladding is not completely watertight and relies on an already watertight and airtight external wall to prevent water ingress.
Detachment risk – Improper installation or poor design methods can make cladding systems vulnerable to detachment during high winds.
Rainscreen cladding is a multi-layer system designed of the outer protective layer of a building’s envelope. It features a ventilated cavity to allow water to drain and dry.
Curtain walling is typically a complete, sealed glass and aluminium façade that forms the entire external wall.
“Cladding” is a broad term for any external material that covers a building’s structure. “Rainscreen” is a specific type of cladding that uses an air gap to manage water and improve thermal performance.
Purpose – To shield the backing wall from direct rain while allowing water – which penetrates the outer layer – to drain and evaporate via the ventilated cavity.
Components – A multi-layer system including an outer cladding layer, an air gap, insulation, and a backing wall.
Mechanism – Open or baffled joints between panels allow air and moisture to move, preventing hydrostatic pressure and reducing condensation.
Benefits – Provides excellent moisture protection, thermal performance, and aesthetic flexibility with various materials such as metal, stone, or composite panels.
Purpose – form a continuous, non-structural outer wall system that separates the building’s interior from the exterior.
Components – A framework of mullions and transoms (horizontal bars which divide an area such as a window or door into smaller parts), usually made of aluminium, which holds glass panels, and sometimes other lightweight materials like stone.
Mechanism – A sealed, weather-tight system that completely encloses the building envelope.
Benefits – Offers aesthetic appeal, transparency, and protection from external elements.
Purpose– To cover and protect the exterior of a building.
Components – Can be produced from a range of materials, including wood, brick, vinyl, metal, or composite panels.
Mechanism – The mechanism can be installed using various methods, including wall anchors or by fixing the cladding to an infill or structural system.
Key Distinction – Rainscreen cladding is a specific type of cladding assembly, while “cladding” itself is a much broader term for any external material used to cover a building.
In summary, rainscreen cladding is a specialised, high-performance assembly designed for moisture management, curtain walling is a complete, sealed façade system, and cladding is the overarching category of materials used to protect the building’s exterior.
In the UK, cladding regulations focus on fire safety. Legislation requires non-combustible or limited-combustibility materials (Euroclass A1 or A2-s1-d0) for residential buildings over 18 metres high and relevant buildings above 11 metres high.
The stricter rules stem from the Building Safety Act 2022 and other legislation. They include completion deadlines of 2029 and 2031 for remediation work on existing unsafe cladding. The regulations also cover thermal performance and weatherproofing for cladding systems.
Height Thresholds – 18 metres and above: Non-combustible or limited-combustibility (A1 or A2-s1-d0) materials are required for residential buildings and other relevant buildings such as hospitals, care homes, and student accommodation.
Material Standards – The is used to classify materials by their contribution to fire.
Non-combustible materials are Euroclass A1, and materials of limited combustibility are A2-s1-d0, which means they are virtually non-flammable and produce little smoke.
Specific Building Types – The regulations are particularly strict for residential buildings, hotels, hostels, and boarding houses. This is due to the risks associated with occupants being unfamiliar with the building or being intoxicated during an evacuation.
Remediation Deadlines – Landlords are required to complete remediation of unsafe cladding by the end of 2029 for buildings 18 metres or higher. The deadline is the end of 2031 for buildings over 11 metres high.
Building Safety Act 2022 – The Building Safety Act 2022 establishes the framework for stricter fire safety standards and creates new duties for building owners to protect residents.
The Cladding Safety Scheme – The Cladding Safety Scheme provides funding to address safety risks from cladding on residential buildings over 11 metres in height in England.
Approved Document B – This is the primary source of detailed guidance for preventing fire spread in buildings, which has been updated to include the new regulations.
Yes, installers should be qualified to install rainscreen façade systems to ensure the system’s long-term performance and safety. A qualified cladding installer should also be able to mitigate the risks of water ingress and structural issues.
Read our article to find out more about cladding installation qualifications.
Rainscreen façade contractors can enhance their careers with a cladding qualification. 3B Training offers Rainscreen Façade Training for installers and installation supervisors across the UK.
The supervisor course provides delegates with technical leadership, supervision skills, and the knowledge to improve their installation quality assurance processes.
The installer course provides the knowledge and skills to install state cavity barriers, carrier systems, and rainscreen façade systems. The course also covers how to install backing walls.
To find out more about rainscreen façade training for installers and supervisors, please visit our Rainscreen Cladding Training Courses webpage.
https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/rainscreen-cladding-letting-air-in-to-keep-rain-out
www.finishfacades.co.uk/what-is-acm-cladding/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-safety-remediation-monthly-data-release-may-2025/building-safety-remediation-monthly-data-release-may-2025-accessible-version
www.cupapizarras.com/uk/news/what-is-rainscreen-cladding-advantages/
www.elemental.ie/rainscreen
https://www.klassegroup.co.uk/blogs/insights/what-are-euroclass-fire-ratings-and-why-are-they-important-in-construction-materials
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