Better materials and practices, such as tighter envelopes, have created our homes easier to cool and heat and far more efficient. Gone are the times of drafty windows and doors, sky-high energy invoices and embarrassing rooms.
However, naturally, there is a side effect to owning a home that does not leak electricity out of every gap and crack. Moisture buildup in our walls and a lack of clean air coming into the home can create poor air quality. All those drafts and inefficiencies of yore really prevented moisture accumulation and kept the atmosphere.
Architects and contractors recognize the problem and have developed techniques to keep moisture out of a home’s walls and loft, preventing mould growth and the poor indoor air that can result. These systems, which vary from better insulating materials to mechanical methods that introduce fresh air into the home, include the installation of drainage planes and rain displays that permit positive air movement between the home’s skin and its structural elements.
These drainage airplanes and rain displays can be installed with nearly any type of exterior finish material and any fashion. And lessening the risks of an unhealthy surroundings is well worth the small extra cost these systems will increase your project.
Bud Dietrich, AIA
Anatomy of a rain screen wall. This sketch describes the pieces of an exterior wall that are designed to incorporate a rain screen. There are three areas of focus:
1. The gap between the structural wall provides the room for air movement and moisture dissipation. This space can be readily constructed by installing the siding furring strips, as shown. Of course, there are different procedures to secure the finish siding stuff to the structure. Actually, some manufacturers, like James Hardie, have a system of channels that can be utilized. What’s ideal for you depends on your style and your budget.
2. The base of the air space can’t be left available. Several manufacturers have products that are specifically designed to be utilized at this spot. Most are basically screen-type elements that permit air movement while preventing insects from becoming into the atmosphere.
3. More often than not, the landscaping (mulch, plantings and so forth ) is brought tight against the bottom and might even spoil the first couple of inches of the wall and siding. This is going to end in the wall’s absorbing soil moisture, which may result in insect infestations, mold growth plus a whole range of awful things. So be sure to keep the completed landscaping at least 6 inches beneath the siding and wood.
TEA2 Architects
Artificial stucco. Since artificial stucco is a petroleum-based product, it does not”breathe” as natural stucco does. To compensate for this, manufacturers have specified that drainage airplanes be installed as a member of the machine. These drainage airplanes allow air motion, preventing moisture from becoming trapped inside the walls. Therefore, if you’re thinking of working with this type of material on your job, be certain that the work is completed in compliance with the material manufacturer’s requirements.
David Wilkes Builders
Flat lap siding. You are still able to put in a drainage plane even in the event that you plan to use a conventional design and material. Materials that don’t breathe just like wood, like fiber cement boards, may be installed in a fashion that produces the drainage plane necessary to keep moisture from building up within the wall. The drainage plane may be an actual air space, as in the sketch or made using a textured home wrap. In any case, it’s worthwhile having a conversation with your architect and builder about how to keep moisture out of your new home.
WA Design Architects
Panel programs. Many contemporary designs include bigger panels in the exterior. These panels, such as HardiePanel and Swisspearl, are designed to be installed with rain displays. These rain displays are a requirement with this type of panel system on account of the gap between panels. Since this gap is integral to the aesthetic desired, making sure there’s a weatherproof barrier behind the panels is necessary to the overall functioning of the wall.
More Architect’s Toolbox:
Connecting Home and Ground
Beautifully Layered Spaces
Finding the Space Between