Rainscreen Panel Systems: A Guide to ACM and Plate Rainscreen
A rainscreen is a cladding approach, not a single product. This guide explains how metal rainscreen panel systems manage water, the difference between dry joint and wet seal panels, when to use aluminum composite (ACM) vs. solid aluminum plate, and what to include in your specification. Sure-Panel engineers and fabricates rainscreen systems in Burnsville, Minnesota.
What is a rainscreen?
A rainscreen wall has two lines of defense. The outer cladding (the "screen") sheds most rain. Behind it, a cavity lets any water that gets past the joints drain down and out, and lets the wall dry. The water-resistive barrier and insulation sit behind the cavity, protected from sun and direct rain.
Pressure-equalized rainscreen
In a pressure-equalized rainscreen, the cavity is designed so air pressure behind the panel stays close to the outside pressure during wind. When pressures are equal, there's little force pushing water through the joints. The Sure-Panel Rainscreen Dry Set system is a pressure-equalized dry joint aluminum composite panel system. In testing by Braun Intertec (report dated April 4, 2008), the Sure-Panel ACM rain screen specimen met the requirements of AAMA 508-07 for static air infiltration, water penetration and structural performance: air infiltration under 0.1 CFM at 1.57, 6.24 and 10 psf (ASTM E283), no uncontrolled water penetration at 15.00 psf (ASTM E331), and passing structural tests at ±20 to ±60 psf (ASTM E330). Dynamic water penetration testing was not performed.
Dry joint vs. wet seal
How it handles water: Dry joint (open joint) rainscreen: Sheds at the face; drains and ventilates in the cavity; Wet seal (barrier): Stops water at the face and sealant line
Joint: Dry joint (open joint) rainscreen: Open reveal, can be a second color; Wet seal (barrier): Foam backer rod + silicone sealant
Long-term upkeep: Dry joint (open joint) rainscreen: No joint sealant to maintain; Wet seal (barrier): Sealant is a maintenance item
Sure-Panel options: Dry joint (open joint) rainscreen: ACM dry joint, plate rainscreen; Wet seal (barrier): ACM wet seal, plate wet seal
ACM vs. aluminum plate rainscreen
Aluminum composite material (ACM) is two thin aluminum skins bonded to a PE or fire-retardant (FR) core. It's light and very flat at large sizes, and comes in 3, 4 and 6 mm. Sure-Panel composite panels go up to 59" × 193" and can be flat or radius.
Aluminum plate is solid metal from .063" to .250" (stainless steel in 18–11 gauge). It's more resistant to contact damage and can be perforated. Max panel size is also 59" × 193".
Rule of thumb: use ACM for large, flat, lightweight field areas and curves; use plate for ground floors, entries, high-traffic walls and perforated screens. Many projects use both, like Rapid City Fire Station #1 (plate field with red ACM accents).
Fire performance and core selection
Sure-Panel offers ACM with a fire-retardant (FR) or polyethylene (PE) core; most architects specify FR core today. For fire performance, Sure-Panel fabricates FR-core ACM from major manufacturers (Alucobond, Alfrex, Reynobond, Etalbond and ALPOLIC). Refer to the panel manufacturer's fire data and code compliance documentation for your project.
How Sure-Panel fabricates rainscreen panels
Panels are routed and returned on CNC equipment, then installed on our proprietary Sure-Panel aluminum extrusion with concealed fasteners. Sill starters, edge clips and mid clips complete the installation. We provide shop drawings, fabrication drawings, extrusions, fabrication and crating.
What to put in your specification
CSI Section 07 42 13 Metal Wall Panels (ACM rainscreen), Sure-Panel Rainscreen Dry Set
Panel material and thickness (spec default: 4 mm PE core ACM unless otherwise specified)
Core: PE or FR
Finish: PVDF to AAMA 2605 or 2604, or Class I anodized
Performance: wind load, air (ASTM E283), water (ASTM E331), structural (ASTM E330), max deflection
Joint layout and reveal color
Download the full 3-part spec from the Specs & CAD library. CAD and Revit details are available on request.
Lead time, shipping and warranty
Fabrication in as little as 3–4 weeks (about 6–8 weeks with drafting), shipped nationwide. Finish warranty follows the ACM manufacturer's warranty; Linetec post-paint carries a 20-year finish warranty; Sure-Panel fabrication carries a 1-year warranty.
Rainscreen projects
Databank (Brooklyn Park, MN, ~7,000 sq ft) · Eden Prairie Central Middle School (5,400 sq ft) · Amazon 3130 Lex (St. Paul, ~4,200 sq ft) · Fargo National Guard Readiness Center (~3,500 sq ft) · Legacy Bank (Wichita, KS, ~3,871 sq ft) · Lake View Hospital (Two Harbors, MN, 3,000 sq ft) · Lismore Hotel (Eau Claire, WI) · Capri Theater (faceted panels) · Ferrari Golden Valley (radius panels).
FAQ
Is a rainscreen the same as an open joint system? An open (dry) joint is the most common rainscreen joint; the key is the drained, ventilated cavity behind it.
Can I mix ACM and plate on one building? Yes. Both Sure-Panel rainscreen systems install on the same proprietary extrusion approach.
Do rainscreen panels need caulk? Sure-Panel Rainscreen panels have no caulking and no exposed fasteners.
