Assembly · Sample for review

Steel stud backup · Thermax sheathing · rainscreen

A wall we see frequently in this territory: steel studs, WRB, continuous Thermax insulation outboard of the sheathing, with a rainscreen panel holding the line against a cold Minnesota January. Here is the wall, layer by layer, with the documents for each.

The wall, outside in

01
Claddings & panels
Panelized rainscreen cladding
The architectural façade — Solstex solar panels, Ceramitex sintered ceramic, and Alumitex aluminum plate from Elemex, and Parallel Architectural Products’ sublimated wood grain and modern powder-coated solid aluminum panels.
Cladding documents →
02
Rainscreen attachment
Thermally isolating attachment
Brackets and fasteners carry the cladding back through the insulation to the studs, mitigating thermal shorts and helping to facilitate TRUE continuous insulation. KnightWall systems and TruFast Walls fasteners.
Attachment documents →
03
Continuous insulation
Thermax polyiso CI
Continuous insulation outboard of the sheathing keeps the dew point out of the stud cavity and the inside of the building warm and comfortable. The “sweater” layer of the envelope goes on the outside, not the inside.
Continuous insulation →
04
Air & water barrier
Air barrier / WRB
A weather and air barrier keeps water and cold air outside of the building. 3M’s 3015 products can be installed down to 0°F without needing primer.
Air barrier documents →
05
Sealants & joints
Joints, transitions & seals
Where panels meet, where the wall meets the slab, where movement happens. Tremco and GE silicones, and Willseal precompressed seals — sealing the joints and moving with the building.
Sealant documents →

Another way to build it

The single-panel route: ArmorWall

DuPont ArmorWall combines the sheathing, the continuous insulation, and the air and water barrier in one fire-rated structural panel — with cladding attachment anywhere on its face. Different assembly, same wall goals. Ask your rep which route fits the job.

ArmorWall documents →