Rainscreens
Rain screen façades are highly variable in both their method of construction and the component materials employed. In consequence, their potential importance from an acoustic standpoint is equally variable.
The type of outer cladding can range from a high mass material such as stone to lightweight aluminium sheeting. Even when a high mass external facing material is employed, the rain screen's contribution to sound reduction performance is often minimal due to void venting (often combined with an open or semi-open jointing arrangement). This inherent inability to maintain the integrity of the spaced external mass line, severely limits any possible increase in sound reduction performance. Also, any potential improvement is in any case, linked to the base performance offered by the background structure.
Despite these limitations, there are occasions when the rain screen can be assistive in enhancing the sound transmission loss. Our technical department is pleased to discuss specific projects and advise on any possible actions to maximise performance. Often this is as simple as suggesting the optimal type and grade of insulation employed to enhance void absorption.
A further acoustic consideration applicable to rain screens can arise when the outer cladding comprises panels formed from a lightweight metal. Such panels can resonate and re-radiate sound under certain conditions (effectively the effect is analogous to that of a drum skin). Siderise offer a range of thin vibration damping materials that can be attached to the rear of the panel to severely limit this phenomenon. An example of such a product is shown below.
