Effect of membrane ballooning on screen pressure equalization: A short literature review

Abstract

In residential buildings, a typical rainscreen exterior wall system often incorporates an exterior membrane mechanically fastened to an exterior sheathing. This thin and flexible membrane is an important component of the wall system and performs multiple functions. Under a negative air pressure differential, that is, wind suction, the exterior membrane can deform or balloon. The membrane ballooning has important implications on many performance issues in the rainscreen exterior wall system. That the membrane ballooning changes the air cavity volume and therefore affects rainscreen pressure equalization is one important implication. Since the 1980s, many theoretical pressure equalization models have been proposed. This article takes a unique viewpoint and focuses on reviewing how the theoretical screen pressure equalization models consider the effect of membrane ballooning. It is believed that such a review is essential for future study on how to incorporate the membrane ballooning into the pressure equalization model.

Keywords

Membrane pressure equalization rainscreen ventilation drying wall

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