Why Rainscreens are Essential for East Coast Construction

Introduction: Building in a Challenging Climate

From Maine to Florida, East Coast construction faces a unique blend of conditions — heavy rain, humidity, salt air, snow, and temperature swings. These elements constantly test the durability of exterior walls.

Even when high-quality siding materials are used, moisture can still find its way behind cladding, where it can cause rot, mold, and structural damage over time. That’s where a rainscreen system becomes essential — a simple yet powerful solution that helps buildings stand up to East Coast weather year after year.

The East Coast Moisture Challenge

The East Coast climate is notorious for:

• High humidity in coastal and southern zones

• Wind-driven rain from nor’easters and tropical storms

• Freeze–thaw cycles in northern states that stress siding and coatings

• Salt air exposure that accelerates corrosion and material decay

Even with a weather-resistant barrier (WRB) installed, trapped moisture can remain behind siding and cause long-term damage. The problem isn’t the siding itself — it’s the lack of airflow and drainage behind it.

What a Rainscreen Does

A rainscreen is a thin, ventilated air space installed between the siding and the WRB.

• Creates a drainage plane that allows water to escape.

• Promotes airflow and evaporation, so walls dry faster.

• Reduces pressure differences that drive rain into cracks.

The result? A wall that can breathe, dry, and last longer — exactly what’s needed in regions that experience frequent moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Why It Matters for East Coast Builders

1. Prevents Trapped Moisture
   Rainscreens ensure siding can dry after humidity spikes or storms, protecting underlying sheathing and framing.

2. Improves Paint and Finish Longevity
   Less trapped moisture means fewer blistering, peeling, or discoloration issues — especially with natural wood exteriors like cedar.

3. Protects Against Mold and Rot
   By promoting airflow, rainscreens minimize the dark, damp conditions where mold thrives — a huge advantage in humid coastal regions.

4. Handles Year-Round Weather Extremes
   Whether it’s freezing winters in New England or subtropical heat in the Carolinas, rainscreens keep walls stable and dry.

Rainscreens and Coastal Building Codes

More East Coast municipalities are recognizing the importance of moisture management in exterior wall assemblies. Building codes increasingly recommend or require rainscreen systems for specific wall types, particularly in Marine and Humid Climate Zones (4A, 5A, and above). Using a rainscreen not only ensures compliance but demonstrates a commitment to quality and longevity — something homeowners and commercial clients increasingly value.

Best Practices for East Coast Applications

• Use corrosion-resistant fasteners to handle salt air.

• Maintain a continuous vertical airflow path at the top and bottom of walls.

• Pair the rainscreen with a durable WRB for full moisture protection.

• Avoid blocking ventilation with trim or insulation layers.

Conclusion: Building to Last on the East Coast

For builders and architects working along the Eastern Seaboard, a rainscreen isn’t an upgrade — it’s insurance. It’s the barrier between a wall that stays dry and one that traps moisture year after year. By incorporating a rainscreen into exterior wall design, you ensure homes and buildings can weather the coastal humidity, storms, and temperature extremes that define East Coast construction.

For a dependable solution, Keene Rainscreen systems — available through Capital Forest Products — provide the trusted drainage and ventilation performance East Coast buildings need to stay dry, strong, and beautiful for years to come.