When it comes to protecting your walls from moisture, not all barriers are created equal. Traditional housewraps serve as a weather-resistant barrier (WRB), helping block water and air infiltration—but they fall short when it comes to managing moisture that inevitably gets behind the cladding. That’s where a rainscreen makes the difference.
The Problem with Basic Housewraps
Even the best housewraps can trap moisture if water finds its way behind the cladding. Stucco, stone veneer, and siding systems are not watertight—and without a path for drainage and drying, trapped moisture can lead to mold, rot, and premature structural damage.
A simple WRB helps resist water penetration, but it doesn’t create the drainage and ventilation space needed to get water out. The result? Wall assemblies that look dry on the surface but are quietly degrading underneath.
The Rainscreen Difference
A rainscreen system goes beyond surface protection. It’s designed for moisture management—creating a defined air gap between the cladding and the WRB. This space allows water to drain and air to circulate, promoting drying and long-term wall health.
Keene Building Products’ Driwall™ Rainscreen line is engineered specifically to provide that critical gap. Available in multiple thicknesses—from 0.13″ for standard applications to 10mm for enhanced drainage—Driwall™ Rainscreen promotes continuous airflow, rapid drying, and superior moisture evacuation. For projects that require exposure resistance, a UV-resistant option is also available.
A Smarter Solution: Driwall™ Drainable Housewrap
For builders who want both a moisture barrier and a drainage solution in one, Keene’s Driwall™ Drainable Housewrap is the answer.
This innovative product combines a breathable weather barrier with a 1.5-millimeter continuous drainage plane, achieving what traditional housewraps can’t. Using structured strand technology, it creates multi-directional drainage paths that expel water faster—while still allowing vapor to escape.
Driwall™ Drainable Housewrap offers practical benefits for installers too:
- Integrated seam tape for quick, secure application
- Partially transparent material for easy stud alignment
- Lightweight and flexible for faster handling and installation
Build Beyond Code
Moisture is a building’s worst enemy—but with the right wall design, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you choose Driwall™ Rainscreen or Driwall™ Drainable Housewrap, you’re building more than just a barrier—you’re creating a complete moisture management system.
Prevent mold. Protect your structure. Extend the life of your cladding.
Because when it comes to building durability, a basic housewrap simply isn’t enough.
