Decorative Glass Rainscreen Systems

A rainscreen is an architectural, exterior over-cladding system that stands off from the building’s external weather-resistant barrier. It protects the building from the elements: rain, snow, and ice. It can be easily attached to the structural walls or floor slabs of a new or old building, creating a protective envelope around it.

Rainscreen assemblies are multi-layer building defense systems comprising of:

1. An outer cladding layer: the primary barrier against rainwater penetration
2. An air cavity protected by proper roof flashing: helps dissipate any moisture that may have penetrated the cladding layer
3. An air and vapor barrier: prevents any moisture inside the air cavity from penetrating the building

A properly designed and installed rainscreen system can protect a building from water damage. While a variety of materials can be used in the rainscreen’s outer cladding layer, glass – which is naturally durable and non-porous – offers superior protection.

Glass Rainscreen Testing

Bendheim’s glass rainscreens systems – Wall-F, Wall-H, and Wall-VH – have been rigorously tested in accordance with ASTM and AAMA requirements for Water Penetration, Pressure Equalization, Air Leakage, and Structural Performance. All three systems performed admirably.

• Wall-F fittings have been fully tested in accordance with ASTM E330-02, AAMA 509-09, and AAMA 508-07 (passed). Wall-F AAMA 509-09 classification: V12/W1.
• Wall-H fittings have been fully tested in accordance with ASTM E330-02 and AAMA 509-09. Wall-H AAMA 509-09 classification: V27/W1.
• Wall-VH fittings have been fully tested in accordance with ASTM E330-02 and AAMA 509-09. Wall-VH AAMA 509-09 classification: V28/W1.

ASTM E330-02 Structural Performance Test: The three systems withstood and exceeded the testing facility’s wind load generation capacity for testing positive and negative pressures. The systems far exceeded the loads needed to pass industry requirements.

AAMA 508-07 Pressure Equalized Rainscreen Wall Cladding Systems Test: Wall-F with joint gaskets passed with excellent results. The pressure equalized system prevents moisture from accessing the building envelope and/or helps the drainage of any moisture that finds its way behind the glass.

AAMA 509-09 Drained and Back Ventilated Rainscreen Wall Cladding Systems Test: Tests a system’s capability to manage and drain any water entering behind the cladding, and if it is sufficiently vented to allow the cavity to dry. All three systems received the best rating for prevention of water penetration. All the systems are drained and back-ventilated, featuring open joints that allow air to circulate.