A two-stage weatherproofing system where an outer cladding layer deflects most water while an inner barrier provides the primary seal, with a ventilated cavity between them. This system manages moisture more effectively than single-barrier approaches.
Compound of 'rain' and 'screen,' developed in Scandinavian countries in the 1940s-50s for harsh weather conditions. The term reflects the concept of the outer layer 'screening' rain while the system as a whole manages moisture through multiple stages.
Rainscreen systems work like a good raincoat - they don't try to be 100% waterproof at the surface, but instead manage the water that does get through! This Norwegian innovation revolutionized how we think about building envelopes, proving that sometimes the best defense is a layered approach rather than a single perfect barrier.
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