Including open space at the base and top of the wall cladding will allow airflow and additional drying. Building codes typically require vapor-permeable exterior cladding, to allow moisture or condensation to pass through it as a vapor when warmed by the sun. Drying refers to a cladding system’s permeability or ability to allow ventilation within the system to encourage drying.The space allows more accessible water flow down and within the cladding. However, stucco cladding, which can’t deal with large volumes of water, requires enhanced drainage that uses a drainage mat to increase the space between the WRB and cement membrane. Architects and builders can handle this with an application of a water-resistant barrier over the sheathing and a drainage gap between the sheathing and the cladding. Drainage refers to cladding materials for buildings’ capacity to permit water that finds its way behind the outer surface to drain.Designers can assist the cladding’s water deflection with overhangs and gutters. Deflection refers to an exterior building’s cladding’s ability to deflect rain, ice, and snow that hits the outer wall surface.High-performance cladding systems must provide effective deflection, drainage, drying, and durability: The Four D’s of High-Performance Cladding Systems These features lessen the need for mechanical and electrical service, and contribute towards a sustainable, energy-efficient, safe, and durable building. High-quality, properly-installed, and well-designed cladding materials for buildings minimize air leakage, maximize thermal performance, and optimize natural daylighting. Provide openings for daylight, ventilation, and access.Provide security and privacy, and prevent the transmission of sound.Provide thermal insulation to create an airtight building envelope, to control the inside environment.Protect the structures from external elements (rain, wind, snow, ice).Transfer wind and impact loads to the structural framework.Often, cladding attaches to the structural frame of the building as prefabricated panels.Ī high-performing cladding system provides much more than just a building’s exterior facade and aesthetics. The building cladding refers to all the components attached to the building’s primary structure (parts that keep a structure standing), and form the non-structural, external surfaces. The cladding’s aesthetic appeal for high-rise buildings or modest homes provides the structure’s first impression and influences the feel and look of the surrounding environment. The design must ensure the building cladding systems’ durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability. A high-performance cladding system protects a building envelope from rain, snow, and other outside elements, by deflecting, draining, and evaporating moisture on the outside and inside of the wall system.
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