Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on where you live. Here in Houston, we fall under the "Moist Climate". With the new 2021 Code, Moist climates must have "a minimum 3/16-inch (4.8 mm) space" shall be added to the exterior side of the water-resistive barrier."  However, it is up to the municipality you're building in on whether or not they currently enforce the 2021 code. City of Houston is currently on 2015 Code. City of West University is on 2021 Code, and it is enforced. 

(2021 IBC 2510.6.2) 

(2021 IRC R703.7.3.2) 

Typically, the Cladding contractor will install the rainscreen just before they begin or as they begin installing the cladding system. 

It is recommended to install your rainscreen within a week of starting your cladding. It is UV rated up to 30 days before it would need to be replaced. 

Yes but no! For the most part everything stays the same. The only two things that change are your fastener depth and drainage details. First you will have to use longer fasteners to accommodate the thickness of the rainscreen. Secondly for stucco applications you will need to use either a double weep screed detail or you can use our Plain Drain Stucco Weep that is made for use with rainscreen! Other than these two important considerations we recommend consulting with your installer. 

Not to say it won't happen but to this day we have yet to see homeowners' insurance pay a claim made on moisture intrusion. Typically, insurance only covers instantaneous losses (hail, tornado etc).  At the end of the day the amount you pay in insurance in one or two years will be the cost to add rainscreen. The benefits of rainscreen greatly outweigh these costs.