An Architect’s Perspective On Rainscreens
1.0 CEU/HSW
Presented by Eric Sassak, SmithGroup
Architects face serious challenges when trying to specify rainscreens. These range from not fully understanding the technology, to articulating their design intent, to ensuring that intent is actually built. At first glance, this may seem like a problem that shouldn’t exist—but the reality is more nuanced, as are the solutions.
Understanding the history and function of rainscreen systems is vital. Yet many architects are expected to perform every task within their practice, eliminating specialization as an option and hindering access to meaningful continuing education. This is further complicated by the fact that modern rainscreens are a relatively recent development in the construction industry, with seemingly ever-changing options.
So, what do architects need? What does the market need? One word: Consistency.
Navigating the Job Site – Best Practices and Common Pitfalls in Modern Rainscreen Construction
1.0 CEU/HSW
Presented by Don Heft, ECO Cladding et al
Modern rainscreen wall systems demand precise coordination across multiple trades—from sheathing, AVB, and insulation to sub-framing and panels. Join this dynamic panel of 5–7 industry experts, including representatives from sheathing, air/vapor barriers, insulation, sub-framing, panel manufacturing, structural sheathing and a Philadelphia rainscreen architect and Philadelphia installer/GC. Together, they’ll unpack the real-world challenges of building high-performance rainscreen walls in today’s construction environment.
The conversation will cover key issues such as site logistics, trade sequencing, material staging, and delivery coordination. Panelists will explore questions like: Who installs what and when? Where do trade handoffs break down? And what does a successful jobsite look like under pressure?
Expect field-tested insight, practical takeaways, and a few great (and not-so-great) jobsite “hacks.” Don’t miss the final question: If you could change one thing about how rainscreen jobs are planned or staged—what would it be?
Cracking Under Pressure: Lessons in Accommodating In-Plane Movements
1.0 CEU/HSW
Presented by Aaron Rosen, RosenBEC and Spencer Anderson, American Fiber Cement
There are numerous considerations when designing an exterior wall system clad with fiber cement panels. Manufacturers typically provide guidelines with respect to proper detailing and installation so the panels can function as intended. This includes structural attachment, movement accommodations, airflow, and weatherability considerations.
This presentation will cover a variety of topics such as building science considerations, building enclosure performance attributes, and general design guidelines. Real-world examples of non-compliant conditions will also be discussed, as well as an overview of the resulting consequences. Photographs taken from forensic investigations will be shared so the attendees can visually compare the differences between the design guidelines versus problematic as-built conditions.
These case studies are good examples of how deviations from installation guidelines can result in detrimental performance, expensive repairs, and disputes amongst stakeholders. These case studies will provide lessons learned for the benefit of architects, engineers, and contractors to help them from making similar mistakes.
Pitfalls and Challenges to Avoid in NFPA 285 Engineering Judgements
1.0 CEU/HSW
Presented by Keith Nelson, DuPont and Daniel Martin, Jensen Hughes
Engineering Judgement are a necessary tool to provide and ensure the fire protection and life safety of buildings. The exponential number of wall assembly combinations and detailing of enclosure assemblies in the built environment prevents the opportunity to confirm fire performance through direct testing. This is especially true with the required investment of time, effort, and cost of larger scale tests such as NFPA 285. Qualified Fire Engineering teams in partnership with third-party labs and the product manufacturers offer the opportunity to extend successful test results beyond the tested specimen through a Letter of Engineering Judgement. This presentation will discuss the opportunity, challenges and limitations present when considering acceptance of test data extended to support substitution or modification to an assembly.
Retrofit Reality Check: Lessons from Real-World Projects
1.5 CEU/HSW
Presented by Annie Lo, Walter P Moore and Associates, Alex Mosenberg, Metro Building Solutions, Gabrielle Brainard, Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill, Anthony Wetterau, Lawrence Exterior Restoration Corp./Tindel Replacement Windows Inc
As the existing-building stock ages, converting legacy façades to true rainscreen assemblies is emerging as the lowest-carbon path to envelope resilience. In this 90-minute panel discussion, RAiNA’s Retrofit Committee assembles three diverse case studies—a mid-rise co-op apartment building, a high-rise apartment tower, and a late 1960s school building—to reveal where rainscreen retrofits succeed and stumble. Moderator Annie Lo guides a discussion of project challenges and successes, then pivots to the work of RAiNA’s Retrofit Committee: newly harmonized retrofit definitions, a sneak-peek at the forthcoming RAiNA Retrofit Guideline, and sample retrofit wall assemblies ready for design teams. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge that bridges diagnostics, design, and construction, supported by real-world case examples.