Rain Screen
A rainscreen is a wall assembly detail that creates a drainage and ventilation gap behind the cladding so incidental water can drain and the wall can dry more effectively.
In Detail
Why It Matters
Rainscreens dramatically improve drying potential behind siding, which is why they are increasingly recommended in wet or cold climates and on premium cladding assemblies.
They are especially valuable behind wood and other detail-sensitive siding systems.
Related Terms
Clapboard
Clapboard is a traditional horizontal lap siding profile where each course overlaps the one below to shed water and create a tapered shadow line.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is an exterior cladding material made from cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and additives, valued for painted durability and noncombustible performance in many wall assemblies.
Related Materials
Cedar Siding
Cedar siding is a premium natural wood cladding valued for appearance, dimensional stability, and natural extractives that help resist decay when properly detailed and maintained.
LP SmartSide
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding product line made from treated wood strands and resin-bonded substrates, designed to mimic wood while improving impact resistance and dimensional stability.
ZIP System Sheathing
ZIP System sheathing is a structural panel with an integrated water-resistive barrier (WRB) and air barrier built into the panel face, eliminating the need for house wrap. Manufactured by Huber Engineered Woods, it combines structural sheathing and weather protection in a single step.