Traditional wall construction attempts to eliminate moisture intrusion into a building through the use of sealants and/or gaskets at all cladding joints.
While this is an ideal goal, it’s a flawed strategy. If seals are not installed perfectly and rigorously maintained, in time, moisture will penetrate behind the wall cladding. Once trapped inside the wall, with no means of draining or drying, this moisture wreaks havoc by corroding fiberglass insulation, gypsum boards, and framing and creating ideal conditions for mold growth.
Instead, rainscreen wall construction accepts the reality that, despite our best efforts, moisture will eventually find its way behind cladding and that, when it does, a means to drain and dry this moisture quickly and effectively must be provided.
AWP panels are available in various water, pest, and rot-resistant materials, as well as an array of thicknesses, to ensure that your rainscreen system stands the test of time.
The air cavity in the rainscreen system creates an additional, external insulation layer, keeping buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter through a natural convection process that maintains internal temperatures.
The Nichiha rainscreen system increases drainage and drying potential to remove water from the wall assembly and mitigate material degradation and promote healthier inside air quality for building occupants.
The system requires virtually no maintenance or upkeep after installation. No sealants or gaskets to maintain. All that’s required is an occasional washing.
The enhanced energy efficiency, sound insulation, and durability of rainscreen outfitted façades add value to commercial and residential properties.
Like any insulation, rainscreen systems provide additional sound insulation through their sound absorption capabilities.
Our hidden clip installation system allows for fast, easy wall assembly in any season and any climate.
Nichiha rainscreen systems are certified to the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s stringent 509-9 standards, which tests the system’s ability to allow for ventilation and drying.
A rainscreen cladding system is a wall assembly designed to manage moisture through a combination of water shedding and controlled drainage. Nichiha’s system is a closed-joint, drained and back-ventilated rainscreen, meaning it limits water intrusion at the surface while providing a cavity behind the panels that allows any incidental moisture to drain and dry.
Traditional wall systems rely heavily on sealants and face-sealed barriers to block moisture at the exterior surface. Nichiha’s closed-joint rainscreen system adds an additional layer of protection by combining a tightly controlled exterior façade with a drained and ventilated cavity, helping manage any incidental moisture while enhancing overall wall durability.
Rainscreen systems enhance exterior wall performance by improving moisture management, increasing durability, supporting energy efficiency, reducing maintenance needs, and contributing to long-term building performance.
Nichiha’s system incorporates a ventilated cavity behind the cladding and in front of the water-resistive barrier, allowing any incidental moisture to drain downward and evaporate through airflow. This helps reduce the risk of trapped moisture, mold, and material degradation.
Yes. Nichiha rainscreen systems have been tested to AAMA 509-9, which evaluates the system’s ability to manage water, promote drainage, and support ventilation within the wall assembly.
Yes. The ventilated cavity in a rainscreen system can help regulate temperature by reducing heat gain and allowing airflow, contributing to improved overall energy performance of the building envelope.
No. Nichiha rainscreen systems are designed for low maintenance, with durable materials and no reliance on exposed sealants or gaskets that require frequent upkeep.
Yes. Nichiha’s rainscreen systems are suitable for both commercial and residential applications, offering consistent performance, durability, and design flexibility across building types.
By effectively managing moisture through drainage and ventilation, rainscreen systems help protect wall assemblies from moisture-related damage, supporting long-term durability and extending the life of the building.
Nichiha provides technical support, detailing assistance, and project guidance to help ensure rainscreen systems are properly designed and installed within the overall wall assembly.
For more details and answers to any questions about using the AWP rainscreen system for your next project, please contact us today.
