Unlike V-groove, shadow gap and shiplap, rainscreen cladding boards are not connected. This can provide the finished product with an undeniably unique and eye-catching appearance, at the expense of waterproofing.
Considering rainscreen for your next project? Let’s explore this unique profile in a little more detail.
What is timber rainscreen cladding?
Rainscreen cladding, also known as ‘splayed’, ‘rhombus’ or ‘open jointed’ cladding, is made up of boards that are cut at an angle to provide a chamfered edge on each side, producing a parallelogram shape. Once installed, these boards are equally spaced apart (usually between 5mm and 10mm) to form a clean, contemporary shadow slat appearance.
Rainscreen cladding is so-called because the profile’s shape encourages water runoff; installed boards create an overlap. Unlike most other types of cladding, rainscreen cladding boards are not interlocked or connected. As a result, it should only be applied to a structure that is fully waterproofed.
The pros and cons of using rainscreen cladding: is it right for my project?
A cladding profile that can provide a contemporary decorative touch and design flexibility, rainscreen is suitable for architecturally-led projects of any size. Since the boards are not interconnected, rainscreen provides optimal ventilation, but it should only be applied to structures that are waterproofed.
It’s architecturally stunning
Once installed, the gaps between the boards produce a sleek look, with strong, eye-catching shadow lines that cascade throughout the day as a result of the sun’s movement or any lighting in your space. The consistent linear appearance is easy on the eye, with the beauty of timber as a natural material adding to the visual appeal.
Humans are biophilic creatures — that is, we have an innate attraction to nature. Materials like wood make us feel good. Biophilic design — the use of nature and natural materials when creating spaces to increase our connection to them — is on trend, and this underlies rainscreen cladding’s suitability for design-led spaces.
It offers design flexibility
Rainscreen cladding can be installed horizontally or vertically, providing plenty of freedom to get creative. The use of a mixed width arrangement can add further design flair — it can even be installed at an angle, or with a mixture of orientations.
It’s sustainable
Timber is a 100% renewable material that, during its life cycle, absorbs greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This can suit it to new and retrofit projects with a sustainable focus, or just for making a sustainable statement with natural, eye-catching flourish to design-led outdoor spaces.
So, as well as the aesthetic benefits and design flexibility, rainscreen cladding (indeed, all timber cladding) represents a long-lasting, eco-conscious choice. By choosing a quality, naturally durable species (such as those we’ll mention later on), rainscreen cladding can last for many, many decades.
It optimises ventilation, insulation and allows for movement
Timber is a hygroscopic material, meaning it gains and loses moisture as it interacts with the surrounding atmosphere. Since the boards do not interlock unlike with tongue and groove cladding, rainscreen allows air and light to pass through, meaning optimal ventilation.
With the gaps, rainscreen naturally permits for more dimensional movement (shrinking and swelling) than other types of cladding profile, guarding against swelling and bulging that can sometimes plague poorly-installed tongue and groove cladding. The chamfered edges mean that the boards overlap, helping to drain water away.
Rainscreen cladding can also boost a building’s heat efficiency, as well as protecting against UV damage. When retrofitting a very old building that may not be able to be internally insulated, a professionally installed rainscreen cladding system can be a solution.
… but it doesn’t provide waterproof protection
Functional though it may be for allowing ventilation and movement, since the boards have gaps in between, rainscreen does not provide a waterproof surface. As such, it’s not suitable for use on a non-waterproofed structure, like a garden shed.
It should only be applied on buildings where layers of waterproof and protective materials are installed behind the cladding, or on areas where exposure to the elements won’t compromise any structures it’s applied to.
Reckon rainscreen could be suitable for your project? Let’s delve into a little more detail about choosing the right type for your project and budget.
The different types of rainscreen cladding
When choosing a type of rainscreen cladding, you’ll need to select a size — relating to the dimensions of each cladding board — and a species (the type of tree the wood comes from).
Choosing a rainscreen cladding size and dimension
One of the most popular specifications of rainscreen cladding we offer is the clean, contemporary DTC27 profile. Each board has a size of 18x94, providing 86mm of cover when installed. DTC28 has a larger board, meaning your cladding will cover more surface once installed (136mm per board).
The rainscreen profile you choose will, of course, depend on your aesthetic vision.
Another consideration might be cost; as it uses larger boards, profiles that provide more cover typically cost more per m². Western Red Cedar in our DTC28 profile, with its greater cover provided per board, costs £91.90 + VAT per m². Contrast that to DTC27, coming in at £80.80 + VAT per m². *
* Costs are correct as of late 2022 and are subject to change.
It's also worth noting that you can have similar open-jointed cladding styles, including straight edge and straight edge with round corners. This is a rainscreen style of cladding, but a smart alternative to the rhombus shape.
Choosing a rainscreen cladding species
Popular species for rainscreen cladding include beautiful, durable classics like Western Red Cedar, Siberian Larch and Alaskan Yellow Cedar. On-trend too are modified timbers like ThermoWood, and Thermo-Ayous — their tropical dark brown tones effortlessly exude luxuriousness.
Your choice of species will come down to design preference. Western Red Cedar’s versatile, eye-catching reddish-brown hues slot seamlessly into any outdoor space, whilst Larch and Yellow Cedar offer similarly timeless natural beauty with pale-golden yellows — or maybe you’ll plump for the exotic vibes of a thermally treated species.
Cost may also factor into your decision making process. Western Red Cedar rainscreen cladding in our DTC27 profile comes in at £80.80 + VAT per m²; the equivalent in Alaskan Yellow Cedar comes in at £61.05. Then there’s ThermoWood, at £40.70 per m². Clearly, when cladding a space, the choice of species can drastically affect project price.
Rainscreen cladding in three different timber species: Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar and ThermoWood.
Calculating the cost of your rainscreen cladding project
Be sure to check out our guide on measuring and pricing up your cladding project. Cost depends on the amount of cladding required, the species chosen and even the dimensions of your rainscreen cladding boards.
There’s no denying that Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular species for rainscreen cladding, and this is reflected in its premium price point.
But if its reddish-browns really appeal to you but are slightly outside of your project budget, fear not. Many home improvers running a tighter budget choose to stain Alaskan Yellow Cedar cladding with a product like Owatrol Textrol HES (Cedar), after which it bears very close resemblance Western Red Cedar.
In terms of natural durability, the two species are almost indistinguishable, performing admirably outdoors.
Horizontal or vertical timber rainscreen cladding?
Whether installed horizontally or vertically, rainscreen cladding looks architecturally smart. Horizontal is the more traditional orientation; it may be useful to create an impression of greater size in a small outdoor area. Vertical can create a designer statement, adding height — it creates a seamless line for our eyes to follow, perhaps suitable for a large commercial building.
You could also mix up your orientations, or use boards of varying widths to make a statement. Rainscreen cladding offers a great deal of flexibility.
For more information, be sure to check out our guide comparing vertical or horizontal cladding!
Installation of timber rainscreen cladding
Unless you’ve got the technical skills in-house, we’d recommend hiring a specialist to install your cladding. The amount of time required varies tremendously depending on the size and complexity of your project.
Be sure to use stainless steel screws. These give you maximum control over the fixing, preventing the trapping of moisture and allowing for easy repair and replacement further down the line.
Maintenance and ongoing care for your rainscreen cladding
Since the cladding provides optimal ventilation and the risk of swelling and bulging is reduced, rainscreen can be seen as a lower maintenance type of cladding, particularly when you choose one of the quality timber species we mentioned earlier.
That said, rainscreen can still benefit from a little TLC to stay looking its resplendent best. To avoid the gradual greying effect of moisture and the sun UV’s, consider a periodical gentle scrub with warm, soapy water and the application of an appropriate treatment. Although don’t forget that rustic, ‘old look’ cladding is actually very much on trend at the moment!
Planning a rainscreen cladding project?
Let’s get started! Whether you’re doing a bit of home improvement or working on a large-scale commercial project, we can help.
Once you’ve decided on one of our rainscreen cladding profiles, choose from our selection of beautiful, durable timbers, including Western Red Cedar, Siberian Larch, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, European Oak, Douglas Fir — and more.
Don’t forget those high-performance, gorgeous modified species like Thermo-Ayous, ThermoWood and Thermo-Tulipwood CAMBIA® either. All of our cladding is machined to profile on-site to order.
We supply all the other popular cladding profiles too, of course, including the smart , the stylish shadow gap and the timeless shiplap — and many more!
As an very stylish alternative to the rhombus shape of rainscreen, we also offer straight edge cladding, as well as straight edge with round corners.
We’re here at every stage, right from initial enquiry through to delivery of your cladding. Get in touch by clicking the button below. You can also reach us through our contact page, by phoning 01765 640 564 or emailing sales@duffieldtimber.com.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of rainscreen? ›
Functional though it may be for allowing ventilation and movement, since the boards have gaps in between, rainscreen does not provide a waterproof surface. As such, it's not suitable for use on a non-waterproofed structure, like a garden shed.
How much does a rainscreen system cost? ›On average, the price of the rainscreen cladding per square foot is $65 to $110, including the installation fee. In addition, glass rainscreen cladding usually costs $95 to $110 per square foot, including the labor of installing the system.
What is a major drawback with wood cladding? ›One of the disadvantages of wood cladding is that it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Whether it's the climate, local weather patterns, or simply its natural ageing process over time, timber cladding can require targeted or general maintenance every now and then.
What is the best wood for rainscreen siding? ›If you look exceptionally durable long lasting woods, you may want to consider high density hardwood siding options like Ipe, Jatoba, Garapa, Machiche, Cumaru, Massaranduba and others also work quite well in a rainscreen application.
Are rainscreens worth it? ›Rainscreens are indeed effective, but knowing when to use them is key. They are more effective in regions that receive at least 20 inches of rain per year, and though they can be used with any cladding material, wood (especially painted wood) is an excellent candidate.
What are the different types of rainscreen systems? ›There are essentially three types of rainscreen systems available on the market today—vented, drained and vented, and pressure equalized. Vented Systems.
What is the maintenance of rainscreen cladding? ›Requires virtually no maintenance
Rainscreen cladding systems require almost zero maintenance, specially if you choose a cladding material that withstand adverse weather conditions like a high-quality natural slate.
The CWCT state that the air gap should be at least 25 mm, whereas the NHBC recommends at least 38 mm for panels with rebated joints and a minimum 50 mm for those with open joints.
Is rainscreen cladding load bearing? ›Design. Rainscreen cladding is a lightweight, non-load bearing system attached to the outside of a building using a bracket and rail system.
What is the best type of timber cladding? ›Western red cedar, European larch, European oak and Douglas fir are among the most popular species to use in cladding as they don't require any preservative treatment, because they're naturally resistant to insects, moisture and rot. On the other hand, species such as spruce, fir and pine have to be treated.
What is the problem with timber cladding? ›
The disadvantages of timber cladding
While timber cladding is naturally durable, it does require painting, oiling or staining to maintain its integrity over long periods of time. When left exposed to the elements, timber can have a tendency to warp and/or crack.
According to the specie, treatment, maintenance and a whole host of other influences, you can expect quality timber cladding to last anywhere between 40-60 years. From the moment wood is cut from a tree, the process of degradation begins.
What is the best siding for rainy climate? ›Vinyl Siding: The Quintessential Choice for Budgets
Being made of polyvinyl chloride, vinyl siding is essentially waterproof. This house siding won't absorb moisture and easily sheds rain.
| Material | Hardness | Panel thickness (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Limestone | Medium hard | 2,2 |
| Granite | Hard, durable | 2,0 |
| Ceramic | Very hard | 0,6 |
| Fibre-cement | Hard, stable | 0,8 |
Best Practice. Even though James Hardie does not require a rainscreen in most cases, it can still be a relatively inexpensive way to improve the long-term health and performance of your structure. Particularly with HardiePanel, we always recommend at least a drainable housewrap as a weather barrier.
What is the major benefit of a rainscreen? ›Rather, a rainscreen is designed to limit the amount of water that could potentially come into contact with the primary building envelope's moisture barrier, thereby reducing the chance of water finding a way into the wall assembly.
Is A rainscreen waterproof? ›A rain screen should be sturdy enough to block most of the wind and rain, but porous enough to dry to the exterior when wet. This is accomplished by separating the outer cladding from the building's water-resistive barrier with an air space.