A rainscreen system is an exterior wall detail where the cladding stands off from the water barrier to create a capillary break that allows drainage and evaporation. Without a rainscreen, water damage to your building from rain and snow is more likely. Rainscreen systems are energy efficient, versatile, cost-effective and improve the lifespan of a building’s exterior wall system.
Rainscreens are made with a variety of surface materials, including aluminum, sintered ceramic, solar and natural stone, and can be added to a building’s exterior both during new construction and as part of a renovation or rebuild.
An open-joint system that allows you to see between the panels and the cavity of the wall system, exposing insulation and the air/vapor barrier to the elements and the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This is traditionally a vertical framed system.
Each of Elemex’s code-compliant architectural facade systems – Solstex® – Solar Facade System, Ceramitex® – Sintered Ceramic Facade System, Alumitex® – Aluminum Facade System and Stonitex® – Natural Stone Facade System – are equipped with our pressure-equalized rainscreen system (PERS), which breathes freely and allows panels to repel water and debris.
Thanks to our innovative Unity® proprietary attachment technology, Elemex® rainscreen systems are easy to install and feature limitless design flexibility. Plus, the 360° Advantage provides unmatched service and support for all projects from beginning to end.
Architecture Masterprize 2019 – Building Envelope & Construction Materials Category – CSTM project
2017 Commercial Building Award
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A rainscreen system is an exterior cladding system that shields a building from moisture by allowing air to flow and water to drain behind the outer layer. This arrangement helps control temperature, reduces the risk of water damage, and extends the life of the wall assembly.
Rainscreen systems may be constructed with a wide range of surface materials based on the design and performance requirements. Elemex provides aluminum, natural stone, ceramic rainscreen, and even solar-integrated. All materials have their own advantages, yet they are all aimed at withstanding weathering and improving the appearance of the building.
Ceramic rainscreen coating is very durable and has a sophisticated finish. It does not fade, warp, or stain easily compared to traditional panels, and it is very resistant to UV exposure and moisture. Ceramic rainscreen cladding is often preferred by architects for its ability to enhance the strength and beauty of contemporary facades.
Back-ventilated systems allow air to circulate behind the panels, helping to manage moisture and temperature. Pressure-equalized systems go a step further by preventing wind-driven rain from entering the wall cavity. Elemex’s proprietary PERS® (Pressure-Equalized Rainscreen System) provides this advanced protection across all its facade products.
Yes, they are. Rainscreen systems are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including heavy snow, high winds, or extreme heat. Ceramic rainscreen and natural stone are among the materials that are highly resistant to environmental stress.
The Elemex team collaborates with architects, builders, and installers to make sure that all systems are selected and installed correctly. We offer technical assistance, product knowledge, and design flexibility to deliver complex facades on time and on budget, from initial consultation through final installation.
Rainscreen systems can be applied to a wide variety of building types — from commercial towers and hospitals to schools and cultural centres. Whether it’s aluminum for a sleek office, ceramic rainscreen cladding for a modern institution, or natural stone for a timeless finish, rainscreens provide flexible design and performance benefits across sectors.
