TECHNICAL STUDY
RAINSCREEN
CLADDING TO BRICK
TRANSITIONS
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© 2022 Detail Library. All Rights Reserved.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
01 Introduction
02 Material Transitions
How Rainscreen Cladding Meets to
03
the Ground
04 Things to keep in mind
05 Next Steps
06 Thank you!
01
INTRODUCTION
It is becoming more and more popular to use rainscreen cladding materials,
such as timber, clay tiles and zinc in conjunction with brickwork, render or
other masonry finishes. Using two materials can help break up a building
volume, differentiate, draw attention to areas of a building such as windows
and create a more attractive façade.
Using two materials can help break up a building
volume, differentiate, draw attention to areas of a
building such as windows and create a more attractive
façade.
The placing of these materials in relation to each other can have a huge
influence on a building’s character. Many designers choose to keep transitions
between materials flush, creating a seamless appearance and not letting one
material dominate over the other.
Having timber recessed within brickwork, however, helps to frame these areas.
Whereas having areas of materials protruding above the brickwork at a high
level, such as a top floor, can draw attention to this area.
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When using rainscreen cladding at low levels, it is usually recommended that
this does not touch the ground and is raised at least 150mm above ground
level. The exact dimension can vary between materials and building location
and can be confirmed by the cladding manufacturer / supplier. This height off
the ground is especially necessary with timber cladding or rainscreen framing
which can be overly exposed to rainwater and splashback when hitting the
ground. If detailed correctly, this break between the ground and rainscreen
cladding transform a building volume and how it interacts with the ground
level. It can even make it appear like the building were floating off the ground
and lighter.
Usually recommended:
Rainscreen cladding at low levels
- does not touch the ground
- raised at least 150mm above ground level
Material transitions can be detailed in a huge variety of ways, depending on
materials chosen, u-value requirements, chosen structure, height of
installation, fire requirements, use and location of building to name just a few.
Whether you want your materials flush to each other, protruding from the
brickwork or masonry, or recessed into the masonry, below are a series of
recommendations to help assist in detailing these sometimes complicated
material transitions.
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02
MATERIAL
TRANSITIONS
Rainscreen cladding overhanding the brick face – Masonry Wall
This is one of the easiest options to detail when using a traditional masonry
wall throughout a project. This is because a standard masonry wall can be used
as the base for the rain screen cladding and no complicated transition
between masonry and timber framed construction is required.
If using horizontal timber cladding, only vertical battens are required for
ventilation.
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If using vertical timber cladding or clay tiles, both vertical battens and counter
battens will be required to allow for sufficient ventilation. This option will
require a slightly thicker buildup.
Metal frame cladding supports offer an alternative and possible fire resistant
option for use at high levels or in critical areas.
It is not practical to use this option with a fully timber framed wall and
rainscreen brick. The requirement of a ventilated cavity on top of the insulation
and brick thickness will mean the brick will sit in front of the timber cladding
plane. This is further explained below in the Recessed from the Brick Face –
Timber Frame.
Rainscreen cladding flush with the brick face - Masonry to timber frame
This is one of the most popular options with architects when detailing material
transitions but one of the hardest to get right. This is because different external
materials require different build-ups and structure.
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The key things to remember when detailing this option is to:
Work out the build ups of both wall types to suit the desired U-value and
structural requirements e.g. the brick wall and timber rain screen cladding
wall to achieve a minimum 0.18 W/m²K.
Align the external face of the two build-ups.
Adjust the thickness of the rainscreen ventilation battens, timber structure
and/or internal insulation so the internal plasterboard matches the location
of the masonry wall buildup.
Consult NHBC, TRADA, other professional associations and manufacturers
for references to connections between the two wall types and suitable
cladding connection details.
Rainscreen cladding flush with the brick face - Timber frame
A flush detail can also be achieved with a timber framed construction. As the
build up with masonry rainscreen wall will require more depth than a timber
cladding, the cladding will normally sit further into the elevation that the
brickwork.
The key things to remember when detailing this option is to:
Work out the build ups of both wall types to suit the desired U-value and
structural requirements e.g. the timber cladding and brick rain screen
cladding wall to achieve a minimum 0.18 W/m²K.
Align the timber frame and internal face of the two build-ups.
Adjust the thickness of the rainscreen ventilation battens and counter
battens so the external face matches the two materials.
Consult NHBC, TRADA, other professional associations and manufacturers
for references to rainscreen loading requirements, connections and
specifications between the timber frame and cladding type.
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Rainscreen cladding recessed into the brick face – Timber frame
As mentioned in the previous section, if using a timber framed construction,
the timber cladding will usually require a thinner buildup than the masonry
rainscreen cladding, if both walls are specified with the same u-value.
Therefore, if both build-ups are aligned using the timber structure or internal
plasterboard face, the timber cladding will usually sit recessed within the
brickwork. This is a very popular option for architects when detailing large
areas of glazing.
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03
HOW RAINSCREEN CLADDING
MEETS TO THE GROUND
Most rainscreen cladding should be detailed at least 150mm from the ground
level/paving or higher, to distance the cladding and supports from possible
backsplash or rain. This is especially true with timber cladding and frame to
ensure the materials longevity. If detailed correctly, this break between the
ground and rainscreen cladding transform a building volume and how it
interacts with the ground level. The shadow the cladding creates can make the
building appear as it were floating off the ground.
Rainscreen cladding – Masonry wall and base
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Rainscreen cladding – Timber frame, masonry base
It is usually recommended to keep rainscreen cladding supports at least
150mm above ground level. This is especially true if using timber supports for
any rainscreen cladding. It is advised to check with manufacturers and/or
suppliers for their recommended installation requirements.
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Rainscreen cladding – Timber frame raised off the ground
It is recommended that timber frame structure should be at least 150mm
above ground level. It is therefore typical to see render, masonry or concrete at
the base of timber framed buildings.
It is recommended that timber frame structure should be at least 150mm
above ground level and timber cladding should be installed at least 200mm
from the ground. Therefore, even timber framed buildings will usually have a
concrete or masonry base to lift the timber structure above ground level.
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04
THINGS TO KEEP
IN MIND
Whether you choose to make materials flush with each other, recessed or
protruding there are a number of key elements to consider for material
transitions at height.
How will the water, hitting the cladding, drain vertically?
If a material is recessed or flush with the brickwork, suitable flashing with a
drip detail should be used so any water entering the cavity or hitting the
cladding can drain down and drip off the flashing without impregnating the
brickwork.
What is the main structure of the building?
Depending on the main material structure, certain cladding materials may not
be suitable or may require more input from a structural engineer due to
increase loading. Using certain cladding materials at high level might require
strengthening or added bracing to the external wall.
Are there any materials that are not recommended to be used together?
It is always important to pick materials that complement each other, but it is
also important to consider that some materials may stain and damage those
below. Metals such as COR-TEN® and copper naturally oxidise with rainwater
which can drip and stain onto materials below. Certain metals can also
damage timbers such as oak and cedar. Manufacturers and suppliers should
be able to advise on material proximity.
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05
NEXT STEPS
RESOURCES
If you want more inspiration on material transitions, detailing, locations and
precedents be sure to follow Detail Library on Pinterest where we have lots of
brick, render and concrete walls to rainscreen cladding transitions.
PINTEREST
There are plenty of resources to help in detailing material transitions.
Manufacturers and suppliers and usually the first point of contact and should
be able to recommend and advise.
DOWNLOAD THE DETAILS
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full set of our material transition details click the button below.
CHECK OUT THE DETAILS
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06
THANK YOU!
I hope you have found this guide useful.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
If you have any questions or comments please send us an email at -
hello@detail-library.co.uk
Thanks again,
The Detail Library Team
https://detail-library.co.uk/
HAPPY DETAILING ;)
Author
Written by Aida Rodriguez-Vega, architect and researcher. At the
Detail Library, Aida keeps busy by carrying out technical research
and drawing new details for the ever-growing library.
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