Rain Screens: The Key to Long-Lasting Siding

Hey, what’s up, everybody? It’s TJ with Sanctified Homes and Construction, and today we’re back at our Bushel Hill Haven project to talk about rain screens—the unsung hero of long-lasting siding and cladding.

We’ve previously covered the importance of exterior insulation, but rain screens deserve their own spotlight. Whether you’re installing vinyl, wood, fiber cement, or even stone siding, a rain screen can significantly enhance the durability and lifespan of your exterior finish. Let’s break down why this detail matters and how it works.

What Is a Rain Screen?

A rain screen is a system that creates a gap or cavity between your home’s siding (or cladding) and its sheathing. This gap allows air to circulate and moisture to drain, preventing water from getting trapped behind the siding where it can cause damage.

The rain screen consists of:

1. Vertical furring strips or spacers that create the gap.

2. An opening at the bottom and top to allow airflow (convection).

3. A water-resistive barrier behind the siding to protect the sheathing.

This simple yet effective design is all about giving your siding a fighting chance against the elements.

Why Do You Need a Rain Screen?

1. Prevent Moisture Build-Up

Even with the best siding, moisture can get behind it—through cracks, gaps, or tiny weep holes. Without a rain screen, this moisture can condense on the sheathing, leading to rot, mold, and mildew. A rain screen allows moisture to dry out quickly, preventing these issues.

2. Extend the Life of Your Siding

Siding materials expand and contract with temperature changes. A rain screen helps regulate the temperature on both sides of the siding, reducing stress and prolonging its life.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency

The air gap created by a rain screen can also serve as an additional thermal barrier, improving your home’s overall energy efficiency.

How We Install Rain Screens at Bushel Hill Haven

At Bushel Hill Haven, we’ve installed our rain screen with the following steps:

1. Exterior Insulation Layer

   • First, we wrapped the home in an exterior blanket of insulation to prevent thermal bridging. This also helps regulate interior temperatures.

2. Vertical Furring Strips

   • Next, we added vertical furring strips to create a consistent gap between the siding and the sheathing.

3. Bottom and Top Openings

   • At the base and top of the siding, we left openings to allow air to flow behind the siding, creating a convection loop that helps dry out any moisture.

4. Bug Screen Installation

   • We added a bug screen at the bottom to keep pests from entering the cavity, while still allowing air circulation.

5. Siding Installation

   • Finally, we installed the siding over the furring strips, ensuring everything was securely fastened without compromising the gap.

This method ensures that moisture has no place to hide and the siding stays in optimal condition for years to come.

Rain Screen Applications

Rain screens work with virtually any type of cladding, including:

• Vinyl Siding: Even though it has weep holes, adding a rain screen significantly boosts its durability.

• Fiber Cement: Prevents moisture damage and reduces temperature stress.

• Stone Veneer: Ensures any water behind the heavy cladding can escape.

• Wood Siding: Protects against rot by allowing wood to dry out quickly.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Choose the Right Material: The furring strips and fasteners you use must be compatible with your cladding material.

• Detail Matters: Pay close attention to the bottom and top openings to ensure proper airflow.

• Bug Protection: Don’t forget a screen or mesh to prevent insects and pests from entering the rain screen cavity.

The Takeaway

A rain screen is a small detail that delivers big benefits. It not only helps protect your siding from moisture and temperature fluctuations but also improves the overall energy efficiency and durability of your home.

If you’re building or remodeling and want to learn more about rain screens or exterior insulation, send us a message. Also, hit like, subscribe, and share to stay updated on our latest projects and tips.

Until next time, don’t forget to raise your standard!