On one of our recent job we installed a rainscreen system. Rainscreen installations are becoming more and more common, but aren’t yet standard practice. In the simplest terms a rainscreen installation includes an air gap between the siding and the water-resistive barrier (i.e housewrap). This system help walls manage moisture because the gap allows the sheathing and siding to dry when they get wet in cold, wet weather.
Rainscreen installations need a water-resistive barrier, an air gap between the water-resistive barrier and the siding, flashings at all penetrations and vulnerable areas and (often) weep holes at the bottom of the wall. While not every building needs a rainscreen system it’s a good idea in wet climates like ours. Learn more about rainscreens here.