Slicker Rainscreen
What is a Rainscreen & Why Do I Need One?
In the simplest form, a rainscreen is a technique designed to control water that enters your exterior wall assembly. This technique creates a 1/4 - 3/4" space which allows any water that gets into your wall a way to escape without being drawn into the sheathing. This space, along ventilation at the top & bottom, is large enough to allow for air movement within the building envelope which accelerates the drying of moisture and water vapor that is left behind.
The traditional rainscreen application is to nail wood or plastic furring strips (strapping) directly to the sheathing and building paper or housewrap. Newer products, such as Slicker, achieve the same effect by using a vertically-channeled, three-dimensional matrix to provide a continuous space for drainage and drying as well as a thermal break and pressure minimization – eliminating the threat of trapped moisture.
When compared to a rolled product, wood strapping is generally less expensive from a material cost but is more costly to install from a labor standpoint. Other drawbacks of strapping include the creation of hot spots along stud locations and trapped moisture as a function of wood-to-wood contact, which can lead to reduced air movement and a greater potential for mold buildup. Because rolled products are applied continuously, the entire surface area of the wall is protected from water infiltration and continuous air movement is optimized. Combination or 2 in 1 systems also are faster to install because they are a unified assembly, employing the rainscreen and WRB in one step.
How Benjamin Obdyke's Slicker Rainscreen Works
See how Slicker Rainscreen creates a void allowing for drainage and ventilation.
Features & Benefits
US & Canada Code Approved
Available in .25" or .44" thickness, Slicker allows moisture to escape quickly before it damages the sidewall materials
Three-Dimensional Matrix
Provides a continuous space for drainage and drying, a thermal break,and pressure equalization
Extends the Longevity of Finishes
Reduces the chances of premature peeling or blistering of finishes by keeping the backside of the cladding free from moisture build-up
150 sq/ft roll
Allows for convenient, one-person installation
Easy to install
No special tools or design changes required
Reduces Labor Costs
Saves time and labor costs by eliminating the need for furring strips
UV Sustainability
Can be exposed for 30 days
Green Building Friendly
Contains 10% post-industrial recycled material
Slicker vs. Furring Strips
Slicker is easily rolled out and either stapled or nailed directly to the substrate.
Furring strips require identifying and marking studs, cutting and nailing.
Slicker does not trap any moisture at the fastener locations.
Furring strips can trap moisture as a function of direct contact, which can lead to reduced air movement and a greater potential for mold & rot.
Slicker vs. Drainable Housewraps
Slicker provides the maximum amount of drainage but does not offer a water-resistant barrier.
Drainable housewraps typically combine a water-resistant barrier and drainage system into a single product application.
Slicker provides superior drainage and ventilation for maximum drying potential in locations with high wind-driven rain and behind moisture-absorptive claddings.
Drainable housewraps are ideal for areas that receive lower levels of rainfall where ventilation behind the cladding isn't needed.
When & Where to Use a Rainscreen
Based on Location
The amount of moisture in your location greatly affects the type of exterior moisture management solution you choose. Slicker Rainscreen is recommended for use in geographies with high to extreme rainfall amounts as identified in the shaded areas:
Rainfall Key
Rainfall Amounts
Consider This
Depending on your location and claddings, you may not need a full rainscreen system. However, you may want to consider a drainable housewrap to provide additional drainage within your wall assembly.
Guidelines for Best Building Practices
Wood Cladding
Rainscreen System
All woods are highly susceptible to moisture penetration and absorption. They require air space protection to ensure drainage, drying and ventilation of the cladding.
Stucco or Stone Masonry
Rainscreen System or Drainable Housewrap
Stone and stucco are porous in nature and absorb water, therefore benefiting from air space protection. A drainable housewrap may suffice in certain dry climates, but not all enhanced housewraps optimize drying; over time, small cracks will appear in stucco, requiring water drainage behind cladding.
Fiber Cement
Rainscreen System or Drainable Housewrap
Fiber cement is less susceptible to moisture infiltration and absorption than wood, but can trap water like stucco.
Vinyl Siding
Housewrap
Vinyl is non-absorbent, does not trap water like other claddings and has a low potential for rot. A premium housewrap is recommended to optimize long-term performance.
Brick
"Knuckle" Space and Mortar Deflection Product
The standard practice of brick construction creates sufficient moisture protection and air movement providing a 1" or 2" air space; however, clear drainage at weep areas must be maintained.
Videos
This video details how to install Slicker Rainscreen.
Paul Camenisch explains why he chose Slicker as his rainscreen system.
Technical Specs & Information
Density
ASTM C167-98
2.24 lbs/cubic foot
35.63 Kg/cubic meter
Load at 10% Strain
ASTM C165‐00
178 lbs
792 N
Stress at 10% Strain
ASTM C165‐00
697 lbs/sqf
33.358 kPa
Original Strength
ASTM D6364
27.3 kPa
Compression Strength
ASTM D6364
Value at Yield Point: 27.3 kPa
Compression Strength
ASTM D6364
Value at 10% Strain: 20.1 kPa
Compressive Strength of Weathered Samples
ASTM D6364
0.5% increase over control sample
Tear Strength Width Direction
ASTM D4533
18 lbs
80.07 N
Tensile Strength Length Direction
ASTM D4632
26 lbs
115.65 N
Tensile Strength Width Direction
ASTM D4632
32 lbs
142.34 N
Cold Crack Resistance
Fed Std. 191A
Method 5874
20° F
No Cracking Observed
‐ 6.7° C
No Cracking Observed
Freeze/Thaw
CGSB 51.33
Section 8.3.2.1
Value at Yield Point: 27.0 kPa
Freeze/Thaw
CGSB 51.33
Section 8.3.2.1
Retention of Original: 99.1%
Freeze/Thaw
CGSB 51.33
Section 8.3.2.1
Value at 10% Strain: 19.9 kPa
Freeze/Thaw
CGSB 51.33
Section 8.3.2.1
Retention of Original at 10% Strain: 98.9%
Smoke Development
ASTM E84
50
Heat Resistance R-Value
0.12 m2*K/W
0.68 °F*ft2*hr/BTU
Heat Exposure
ASTM D3045 for 90 days
Value at Yield Point: 29.2 kPa
Heat Exposure
ASTM D3045 for 90 days
Retention of Original: 107.0%
Heat Exposure
ASTM D3045 for 90 days
Value at 10% Strain: 21.8 kPa
Heat Exposure
ASTM D3045 for 90 days
Retention of Original at 10% Strain: 108.5%
Transmissivity
ASTM D4716
16.73 gallons per minute per foot
207.83 liters per minute per meter
Efficiency
ASTM E2273
92.10%
Water Exposure
ASTM D5322
Value at Yield Point: 26.9 kPa
Water Exposure
ASTM D5322
Retention of Original: 98.7%
Water Exposure
ASTM D5322
Value at 10% Strain: 19.32 kPa
Water Exposure
ASTM D5322
Retention of Original at 10% Strain: 96%
Per Square Foot of Cladding
0.017 cubic feet per minute
(under 1 Pascal pressure difference over height of cavity)
Per 2400 Square Feet of Cladding
40.8 cubic feet per minute
(under 1 Pascal pressure difference over height of cavity)
Failure Mode: Studs cracked. OSB failed. Slicker and siding intact
Average Positive Failure Load
181.7 psf
8.70 kPa
Failure Mode: Studs cracked
UV
ASTM G154
Value at Yield Point: 28.2 kPa
For the Homeowner
Why moisture management is important
More and more often builders, contractors and architects face the need to incorporate better moisture management solutions into their designs and building structures to ward off problems such as mold, mildew or structural damage due to insufficient drainage & ventilation within the building envelope.
Causes of Moisture Infiltration
The pressure outside your house is greater than the pressure within. Combined with wind exposure and cladding type, water has the potential to be driven into your wall.
How moisture can get in
Consider just how many holes are driven into your wall. This example shows the potential for hundreds, even thousands, of penetrations for moisture to enter. A good moisture management solution is required to prevent water from damaging your wall.
