This comprises a resilient outer screen, usually a decorative cladding panel, supported on a vertically aligned timber, aluminium or steel sub-frame, which is fixed back to and supported by the primary building structure. A continuous void is maintained immediately behind the cladding panel and the entire system is ventilated at the base and head as well as at all penetrations. Due allowance will be made for the provision of fire barriers as necessary to comply with the Fire Regulations and the Local Fire Officer. Any moisture penetrating through the various joints in the cladding can be effectively removed by the provision of uninterrupted ventilation paths for the full height of the façade.

Insulation and Breather Membranes can be incorporated into the cladding system, which provide the added benefit of eliminating both cold bridging and interstitial condensation, and enhancing the thermal performance of the structure.

Rainscreen cladding systems can be used on both new build and refurbishment projects.

The choice of cladding materials includes;

· Decorative Laminates · Decorative Fibre Cement · Terracotta Tiles · Ceramic Granite · Glass		· Polyester Powder Coated or Anodised Aluminium · Aluminium Composites · Vitreous Enamel/Ceramic Steel · Timber

These are available in a range of colours and textures, and can be either visible or secret fixed. Panel joints can be expressed by the use of gaskets or they can be left open. Panel sizes and layouts can be arranged to suit most architectural requirements, but it should be recognised that the most cost effective cladding solutions are achieved by optimising the usage of standard size sheets.

ECL have established close working relationships with the majority of the principle High Performance Rainscreen Cladding system manufacturers and, working in conjunction with them, can provide cost effective, practical and aesthetically pleasing cladding solutions for most installations including a design service that takes into account all aspects of the new Building Regulations.