Yes, I think code will really drive the decision-making going forward. That said, I have already seen lots of rainscreen options at all sorts of price points. Even though we skipped the screen, I think it’s probably good to have it code mandated. While we paid a lot of attention to detailing the building envelope, many builders skip this step and cause all sorts of havoc for homeowners.

At the end of the day, I think your best protection is working with a builder who knows what (s)he’s doing, and understands key vulnerabilities (ie windows/doors). The best rainscreen in the world won’t help if your window flashing drains back into the wall!

Though since it will be code mandated not to do away with it then I guess people will just have to do away with the savings starting this summer right?

Great video by the way

Thanks!

The thickness issue can be a real factor, so I’ll be curious to see if Dow has an answer for window detailing. That was a real pain for our stud-wrap-foam build-up. It’s surmountable, but a lot of labor.

I am not entirely sure how window rough opening is handled.

It is pricier than OSB/wrap/foam but the trade off I think is labor saving from the single product installation and the R3 from an overall thickness of 1/2 inch for those with spacing issues. This is less thick than the standard 5/8 OSB and provides thermal efficiency as well and might easily allow rainscreen walls without dramatic differences in wall thickness over “stock” construction.

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The rainscreen was eliminated for two reasons: First, cost. While it seems a relatively minor expense, adding the screen creates downstream issues in terms of wall thickness, window details, etc. Second, we have two layers of weather resistance – Tyvek and XPS (pink foam). We felt that this double-skin approach significantly limits the threat of water intrusion, and if water does get in, there’s a path to exit at the belly bands. I’m putting the finishing touches on a video that details this system.

In Portland, rain screens are going to be code-mandated (this summer, I believe) so it’s a bit of a moot point now. I do think that if money were no issue, then I’d do the air-gap/rain screen as you’ve planned.

Tell me more about this Dow SIS system…I’m curious!

I am re-siding my house which currently has stud/celotex/stucco to go to
stud/wrap/foam/air_gap/hardie
and the ability to have the air gap ( probably provided by Car-A-Vent products ) seems a very valuable addition.

There is also a new product from DOW called SIS that gives sheathing and closed cell insulation in one sheet that might save labor by only installing 1 item instead of 3.