Rainscreen Siding Problems

I am in the final stages of a renovation where i have removed and replaced all insulation and sheathing and added 2 inches of rigid foam and this detail has me stymied.

Rainscreen siding problems.

Rainscreen siding is an all natural wood siding product that provides a more natural look when compared to vinyl or plastic siding options. For most residential builders a rainscreen siding installation is one that includes an air gap between the siding and the water resistive barrier the asphalt felt or housewrap. In a rainscreen wall a gapped space or separation also known as a vented airspace exists between the exterior wall cladding siding and the wall sheathing osb plywood etc. This air gap is typically in the range of 3 4 and offers numerous benefits including thermal insulation and moisture stability of the siding boards which is particularly important when using high density hardwoods such as ipe batu and cumaru.

A rainscreen wall is an exterior wall construction design that improves a wall s ability to manage water and stay dry. Here are some more benefits to buying advantage rainscreen siding. Some purists insist that you can t call it a rainscreen gap unless you have ventilation gaps at the top of the wall as well as the bottom of the wall. On top of the great authentic look advantage rainscreen siding offers it also is extremely durable as well as long lasting.

I am concerned that bugs will find their way in between siding courses in the lap siding and will accumulate at the base of the rainscreen. The siding sheds 90 or more of precipitation but not all of it.