Your rainscreen system is designed to protect your home from water damage by creating an air gap and drainage plane between the exterior cladding and interior walls to prevent moisture from creating issues. While effective when installed and maintained properly, installation errors or wear and tear can allow water to infiltrate the building. If you spot one or more of the common signs of a rainscreen system failure we’ve listed here, it is important to take immediate action.

What is a Rainscreen System?

Rainscreen housewrap, or a rainscreen system, is part of an exterior cladding system designed to protect buildings from moisture. It consists of a drainage layer attached to the building with a small air gap between the siding and the underlying wall that allows for ventilation and drainage to prevent water from being trapped against the building’s surface. By creating this drainage space, the system reduces the risk of moisture buildup that can lead to mold, rot, and structural damage, especially in stucco claddings.

The system is designed to manage water infiltration in a way that allows water that gets past the cladding to drain down. The system’s inner wall is typically covered with a water resistant membrane and serves as a second line of defense while enhancing a building’s durability and energy efficiency.

Rainscreen systems are highly beneficial in certain climates and building designs, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or high humidity, like here in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Typically, they can hold up from 30 to 50 years or more, when fabricated from high-quality materials like metal or fiber cement. Regular maintenance also can play a role in how long a rainscreen system lasts. Components like the waterproof membrane or fasteners may need inspection or replacement over time. (See rainscreens 101.)

Common Signs of Rainscreen System Failures

Signs that a rainscreen system is defective or installed incorrectly can include:

  • Visible damage to the cladding such as warping, buckling, or gaps. This may indicate that the cladding was not properly aligned or that the underlying structure has shifted.
  • The cladding appears uneven or has noticeable cracks.
  • Water damage on the building’s exterior or interior, like staining, peeling paint, or mold growth on walls or ceilings. Water stains or discoloration around windows, doors, and other penetrations.
  • Interior signs of moisture intrusion including damp spots, musty odors, or mold growth on walls and ceilings.
  • Clogged or damaged draining channels or weep holes preventing water from exiting the system.

The best stage to discover a rainscreen system failure is during construction, before the system is completed and the building is occupied.  Any installation errors or deficiencies can be corrected before the building is sealed and put into use. Correction at this stage can also prevent significant problems and costly repairs later on.

However, even properly installed systems issues may occur over time. Regular maintenance checks and inspections should be scheduled annually or at least every few years. Keep an eye out for signs of wear, clogs or damage in drainage components, and a properly functioning ventilation gap.

A qualified forensic investigator like Först Consulting Group can go beyond a surface-level inspection to help identify a rainscreen system failure by conducting a detailed investigation. We’ll look for visible signs of water damage, and examine the installation for errors like insufficient air gaps, improperly sealed joints, or gaps around windows and door

We will likely use specialized testing tools like a moisture meter or infrared camera to detect hidden moisture within the walls and find areas where water has infiltrated behind the siding even if there are no outward signs of damage. We may also take material samples to analyze their condition to provide a thorough assessment and documentation of the problem, along with recommendations for corrective actions.

Contact Först Consulting Group

“Rainscreen system failures can lead to significant structural damage if not addressed promptly,” advises Matthew Furlong, president of Först Consulting Group. When it comes to diagnosing rainscreen system issues, we provide unparalleled expertise to building owners throughout the Northern Virginia/Washington DC metropolitan region. Our detailed inspections and advanced diagnostic tools help pinpoint problems and failures that may not even be visible, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your system’s performance.

In addition, we will review the installation details to ensure that your system was installed correctly. We’ll check for proper sealing, adequate ventilation, and correct cladding alignment, along with the materials used, the integrity of the water resistant membrane, and the fastener durability.

Our ability to deliver precise diagnostic information and practical solutions helps building owners and homeowners make informed decisions about repairs and maintenance, ensuring the long-term effectiveness of their rainscreen system.

Contact Först today at 703-268-8699 to schedule your inspection or consultation in the Washington DC metro region.