Best Performing Rainscreen Mat
TJSmall
| Posted in Green Products and Materials on
Does anyone have any feedback on the performance of the different rainscreen mats on the market such as Homeslicker Max, Tyvek Drainvent, Mortairvent etc.?
Is there a general consensus of which system performs best for allowing airflow with good crush resistance?
Thanks.
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Replies
TJSmall,
It depends on what you are looking for. Products like Homeslicker provide a small vented cavity, Drainvent just provides a drainage plane with negligible air movement or drying. One thing to look out for with the dimpled WRBs is how permeable they are. Some inhibit moisture movement through the wall to the exterior.
What you might find best is pretty climate dependent - and also depends on how the wall is intended to dry. If the main concern is bulk water intrusion, a drain-wrap might be a good choice. If you want to make sure the siding can dry out, a mesh might work better. To me none of them are a substitute for a rain-screen cavity made from furring, but in many climates I'm sure they work just fine.
Thanks for the response. While I agree that a furring and cavity is definitely best, I've decided to pass on that due to a few different reasons. I feel as if the dimensional rainscreen mats might be a happy medium between just a drainable wrap and a full cavity and will probably work best for my application.
I'm in Southern Ohio doing hardie board and and I think I have my eye on the Mortairvent 10mm, but am hoping someone has some real life experience with any of the products before I buy. Thanks again!
No experience with it, but based solely on poking around online it's the one of the products you mention I'd pick too.