Green Term Defined: Rain screen

The rain screen is an important element of your wall system that is very often forgotten in home construction. A rain screen is the air space behind your cladding that gives a second line of defense against moisture intrusion. This allows moisture that passes through the cladding a path back out and allows for air to circulate to dry the back of the cladding and the surface of the air barrier. A rain screen should be viewed as a wall durability system that protects your homes indoor air quality. In our design area that averages 35+ inches of rain a year, this layer of defense is a vital part of a healthy, energy-efficient, and durable construction. This is a common detail in a brick veneer wall construction.

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