Briefing: Robustness of rainscreen panels

The use of open-vented rainscreen has a long history beginning with tile-hung walls. More recently larger panels have been employed as the use of rainscreen walling has developed. This expansion has been due to the need to refurbish existing buildings by overcladding them and also due to the advantages of systemised building for new build, not least the rate at which enclosure may be achieved. In new-build construction the rainscreen panels may be used in conjunction with a back wall of masonry or framed construction. Integral walls incorporating a curtain wall system with decorative rainscreen panels are also used.