LockClad weather protection
Rainscreen
LockClad is designed to function as a rear-ventilated, open-jointed rainscreen cladding. As with most rainscreens, it allows the insulation to be located on the outer face of the building shell. This provides efficient insulation and reduces the risk of thermal bridging and condensation problems.
The ventilated cavity incorporated immediately behind the façade dries out the structure and allows the building to breathe. The inner leaf is protected from the direct effects of weather, including ultraviolet light and heavy rain.
Numerous joints between tiles allow maximum ventilation into the cavity behind the terracotta façade. Wind-pressure acting on the face of the rainscreen is therefore balanced by the air pressure created within the cavity.
Water management
Rainwater penetrating the rainscreen is collected by the tray that forms the top of the LockClad rail. It is then efficiently drained to the front face of the façade at every horizontal joint. This eliminates the risk of water accumulating in the cavity and any subsequent wetting of the insulation or the inner wall.
Testing
LockClad has been subjected to rigorous independent testing to establish its high performance criteria. These cover all aspects of durability, strength, water penetration, fire, impact and maintenance. LockClad is the first terracotta rainscreen to be awarded British Board of Agrément certification.
LockClad - principals of weather protection
Sun: LockClad terracotta is not affected by UV radiation. Any heat gain is dissipated into the ventilation zone.
Rain: Water entering the rainscreen is drained at every horizontal joint.
Wind: Air quickly enters the rainscreen through the vertical and horizontal joints – providing full ventilation and instant pressure equalisation.