Terracotta Rainscreen System

Unlike conventional construction walls that try to avoid the water penetration by focusing on eliminating the openings, LOPO rainscreen system is a back-ventilated facade system based on the rainscreen principle.The complete terracotta rain screen cladding system include open joint rainscreen panels, supporting system, ventilated cavity and inner skin (insulation and vapor barrier). The ship-lapped open joints allow air to circulate behind the terracotta cladding to help balance air pressure in the cavity, getting close to pressure equalization for inside and outside air. Also the supporting system incorporates the gaskets for vertical joints to prevent the rainwater penetration and help to drain the water away from cavity behind. Thus, the majority of the wind-driven rain and snow cannot enter into the cavity due to overlapping joints and lack of pressure difference. A small amount of water penetrating the joints can be evaporated during the air flow or dripped down and out the drain openings.