283757893275

Cladding and Curtain Wall Construction 467
Double glazing
in gaskets
Flat panel hung
by cleats to
frame
Inner insulated
panel
Outer insulated
panel in gaskets
in carrier
Plastic
thermal break
Aluminium
carrier
Figure 7.46 Flat single skin aluminium panel rain screen.
lining. Because of the unpredictable nature of wind-blown rain and the effect of the shape,
size and groupings of buildings on wind, it is usual practice to provide limited airspace
compartments behind rain screens, with limited openings to control air movements. The
profiled, single skin rain screen panels illustrated in Figure 7.5 serve as spandrel panels
between window panels to provide some protection to the insulated inner panels. The
proliferation of joints between window and solid panels provides more joints vulnerable
to rain penetration than there are with solid storey height panels.
Rain screens offer considerable design choice in terms of finishes, such as wood effect,
light changing colours, or any RAL or NCS colour. Some panels are designed and manufactured
so that they can be curved on the site rather than in a factory.