This specification covers the requirements and corresponding test methods for manufactured polymeric materials used to provide a rainscreen function, a means for the drainage of liquid moisture and the ventilation of vapor moisture that enters an above-grade exterior wall assembly. Rainscreen materials that conform to this specification are intended to be used behind exterior cladding products and to cover the entire wall area that is designed to provide a rainscreen function to resist water infiltration. Three types of rainscreen materials are addressed: Type A (entangled mesh materials), Type B (formed/textured sheet material), and Type C (formed battens). This specification also covers descriptions of the materials and material composition; material properties and material performance requirements; specimen preparation; reporting requirements; marking and labeling; and packaging and package marking. A table presents the requirements for ventilation/airflow, drainage, thickness, compression, strength, UV exposure, heat aging, mold/fungal growth, and water exposure.

1.1 This specification is applicable to manufactured polymeric materials used to provide a rainscreen function, a means for the drainage of liquid moisture and the ventilation of vapor moisture that enters an above-grade exterior wall assembly. Rainscreen materials that comply with this specification are intended to be used behind exterior cladding products and intended to cover one hundred percent (100 %) of the wall area that is designed to provide a rainscreen function to resist water infiltration.

1.2 This specification addresses the following types of rainscreen materials:

1.2.1 Type A—entangled mesh materials.

1.2.2 Type B—formed/textured sheet material.

1.2.3 Type C—formed battens.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.