Why ventilation matters and how a rainscreen cladding system works
Specifying cladding materials is a perpetual challenge for architects, balancing aesthetic goals, functional performance and regulatory compliance. Cedral’s latest RIBA accredited CPD presentation “Ventilated Fibre Cement Rainscreen Cladding: Design Principles and Project Integration” has been designed to give architects practical guidance and design inspiration to ensure project success.
Cladding is a popular option for facades, but getting the ventilation right is crucial. Rainscreen cladding works by creating a rear ventilated cavity between the back of the facade panel (or plank) and the outer face of the building. This structure enables air to circulate, forcing out any moisture that penetrates the joints of the cladding, before it reaches the building structure.
Problems that can occur without correct ventilation include:
- Differential movement of the cladding boards
- Bowing and cracking of the planks
- Temperature inside the cavity affecting the timber or aluminium framing
- Moisture affecting timber battens behind the planks
- Premature coating failure & delamination
Taking time at the start of a project to address the ventilation issues, could add significantly to the longevity and overall performance of the building. The advantages of installing a ventilated wall include giving the option to increase energy efficiency, reduce structural movement of the building and extend the lifetime of the facade.
Modern fibre cement rainscreen cladding systems should adhere to strict fire safety regulations, ensure proper ventilation to manage moisture and condensation, and achieve energy efficiency and sustainability targets.
As well as providing these functional benefits, installing a ventilated cladding system can bring design versatility for a variety of looks on both new builds and renovated properties. It will be necessary to integrate the chosen cladding seamlessly into the building designs which could range from contemporary commercial facades to traditional residential developments, while adhering to tight project timelines and budgets.
Cedral’s CPD, “Ventilated Fibre Cement Rainscreen Cladding: Design Principles and Project Integration”, will provide architects with a greater understanding of how a rainscreen cladding system functions and how best to incorporate it into their designs and builds to suit the project requirements.
The learning objectives from the CPD will simplify rainscreen cladding specification, reduce risk and provide support for realising your aesthetic vision. Topics covered include:
- History and performance characteristics of fibre cement
- Key principles of rainscreen cladding and how it functions; including the importance of ventilation and the benefits it brings to buildings
- Specification support including installation options, technical support, building regulations, fire performance and NBS management
- Project integration; including design flexibility, aesthetic options and functionality
- Sustainable considerations
Book today for the one-hour CPD session, available in person and online: www.cedral.world/en-gb/professionals/-/cpd-seminars