RAiNA Education Introduction to Rainscreen Walls

Description

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Walls get wet. The real question is whether they know how to dry. 

From leaky condos to evolving building codes, the industry has learned—sometimes the hard way—that managing rainwater is one of the most critical challenges in building enclosure design. This session takes a practical, engaging look at how rainscreen wall assemblies address that challenge, starting with the fundamentals of the building enclosure and working outward to modern high‑performance wall design. 

Participants will explore why water intrusion occurs, how wetting and drying must stay in balance, and why “perfect” barriers aren’t always the perfect solution. Using clear definitions, real‑world examples, and plenty of visuals, the presentation breaks down rain control theory and explains how the drained approach forms the backbone of effective rainscreen performance. 

Rather than treating rainscreens as a product or proprietary system, this session reframes them as a flexible design strategy—one that works across building types, climates, cladding materials, and construction methods. Attendees will leave with a sharper eye for spotting rainscreens in the wild, a clearer understanding of how they work, and a renewed appreciation for walls that manage water quietly, reliably, and for the long haul.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

1. Describe the building enclosure and its purpose  
2. Define a rainscreen wall 
3. List the benefits that a rainscreen wall provides in support of high-performance building design  
4. Identify the fundamental components of a rainscreen wall.  

Presenter: Denali Jones, Technical Director, RAiNA

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