Performance Engineering
A built-in, meticulously engineered moisture management system allows air and moisture to exit, reducing the risk of mold and water damage to buildings.
Nichiha Rainscreen Cladding Systems
Where traditional wall systems treat the symptoms of moisture intrusion, Nichiha rainscreen cladding systems tackle the issue at its source, effectively controlling the forces that drive water into the building shell.
The Benefits of Nichiha Rainscreen Cladding Systems
Our team provides expert guidance on the technical considerations that help ensure a successful project.
Durable
Energy-Efficient
Moisture-Resistant
Low Maintenance
Increased Property Value
Enhanced Acoustic Performance
Easy To Install
Tested to AAMA 509-9 Standards
Nichiha is a Proud Member of RAiNA
Rainscreen Association in North America (RAiNA), is an international not-for-profit industry association dedicated to serving the rainscreen market in North America.
The Engineered
Performance
of Nichiha
Advanced Installation
Our clip installation system reduces construction time and minimizes mistakes thanks to our innovative Ultimate Starter Track and Ultimate Clip system.
Low-maintenance Design
Resistant to rotting, warping and falling victim to pests, helps bring your vision to life and ensures it looks great for years to come.
What is a Rainscreen Cladding System?
Rainscreen cladding systems utilize a method of construction that incorporates a cavity behind the cladding. The wall of the cavity features a water-resistive barrier. Water that penetrates behind the cladding drains to the base of the wall and back to the exterior of the building and the cavity dries rapidly via air circulation.
The Ultimate Clip
creates a hidden fastening system that all but eliminates face fastening. Installation is quick and easy and never requires specialty subcontractors.
Nichiha Architectural Wall Panels
are lightweight, easy to handle and available in a virtually endless color palette and a diverse offering of textural finishes.
Nichiha’s Joint Tab Attachment
is designed to support panel lateral stability, helping vertical joints stay tightly closed. The tab fits in place easily and is fastened to the Ultimate Clip with provided screw.
Drained and Back-Ventilated Rain Screen
design allows water to escape and air to circulate, reducing the risk of mold and water damage inside the building.
The Ultimate Starter Track
pulls double-duty. It ensures a fast, level installation, and its patented drainage channel directs water out and away from the base of the wall.
How does a Rainscreen Wall Construction differ from Traditional Wall Construction?
Traditional wall construction attempts to eliminate moisture intrusion into a building through the use of sealants and/or gaskets at all cladding joints.
While this is an ideal goal, it’s a flawed strategy. If seals are not installed perfectly and rigorously maintained, in time, moisture will penetrate behind the wall cladding. Once trapped inside the wall, with no means of draining or drying, this moisture wreaks havoc by corroding fiberglass insulation, gypsum boards, and framing and creating ideal conditions for mold growth.
Instead, rainscreen wall construction accepts the reality that, despite our best efforts, moisture will eventually find its way behind cladding and that, when it does, a means to drain and dry this moisture quickly and effectively must be provided.
Rainscreen Wall System Components
Suitable for commercial and residential applications, the Nichiha AWP wall system is an integrated drained and
back-ventilated rainscreen system with a 10mm (3/8”) drainage and ventilation cavity between the exterior panel and the
load-bearing wall. Our hidden panel clip design features drainage perforations and has been successfully tested to the
AAMA 509-9 standard.
What are the advantages of Nichiha AWP rainscreen cladding systems?
Durable
AWP panels are available in various water, pest, and rot-resistant materials, as well as an array of thicknesses, to ensure that your rainscreen system stands the test of time.
Increased Property Value
The enhanced energy efficiency, sound insulation, and durability of rainscreen outfitted façades add value to commercial and residential properties.
Energy-Efficient
The air cavity in the rainscreen system creates an additional, external insulation layer, keeping buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter through a natural convection process that maintains internal temperatures.
Enhanced Acoustic Performance
Like any insulation, rainscreen systems provide additional sound insulation through their sound absorption capabilities.
Moisture-Resistant
The Nichiha rainscreen system increases drainage and drying potential to remove water from the wall assembly and mitigate material degradation and promote healthier inside air quality for building occupants.
Easy To Install
Our hidden clip installation system allows for fast, easy wall assembly in any season and any climate.
Low Maintenance
The system requires virtually no maintenance or upkeep after installation. No sealants or gaskets to maintain. All that’s required is an occasional washing.
Tested To AAMA 509-9 Standards
Nichiha rainscreen systems are certified to the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s stringent 509-9 standards, which tests the system’s ability to allow for ventilation and drying.
Project Inspiration
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FAQs
A rainscreen cladding system is a wall assembly designed to manage moisture through a combination of water shedding and controlled drainage. Nichiha’s system is a closed-joint, drained and back-ventilated rainscreen, meaning it limits water intrusion at the surface while providing a cavity behind the panels that allows any incidental moisture to drain and dry.
Traditional wall systems rely heavily on sealants and face-sealed barriers to block moisture at the exterior surface. Nichiha’s closed-joint rainscreen system adds an additional layer of protection by combining a tightly controlled exterior façade with a drained and ventilated cavity, helping manage any incidental moisture while enhancing overall wall durability.
Rainscreen systems enhance exterior wall performance by improving moisture management, increasing durability, supporting energy efficiency, reducing maintenance needs, and contributing to long-term building performance.
Nichiha’s system incorporates a ventilated cavity behind the cladding and in front of the water-resistive barrier, allowing any incidental moisture to drain downward and evaporate through airflow. This helps reduce the risk of trapped moisture, mold, and material degradation.
Yes. Nichiha rainscreen systems have been tested to AAMA 509-9, which evaluates the system’s ability to manage water, promote drainage, and support ventilation within the wall assembly.
Yes. The ventilated cavity in a rainscreen system can help regulate temperature by reducing heat gain and allowing airflow, contributing to improved overall energy performance of the building envelope.
No. Nichiha rainscreen systems are designed for low maintenance, with durable materials and no reliance on exposed sealants or gaskets that require frequent upkeep.
Yes. Nichiha’s rainscreen systems are suitable for both commercial and residential applications, offering consistent performance, durability, and design flexibility across building types.
By effectively managing moisture through drainage and ventilation, rainscreen systems help protect wall assemblies from moisture-related damage, supporting long-term durability and extending the life of the building.
Nichiha provides technical support, detailing assistance, and project guidance to help ensure rainscreen systems are properly designed and installed within the overall wall assembly.
Get In Touch
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