home > Rain Screen Building Method

For Centuries, the Norwegians intuitively used, without any scientific systematic foundation what later has become known as the Rain Screen Principle, in their building construction. They called this the “open-jointed barn technique”.

The MEG Panel, by ABET Laminati, is applied with the Rain Screen Building Principle. The basic configuration of the Rain Screen is an outer open layer with a waterproof inner wall separated by an air chamber.

The advantage of the Rain Screen Principle is that it addresses, minimizes and helps eliminate the five forces that cause water to penetrate the building’s envelope leading to water problems: Air Pressure Differences, Gravity, Kinetic Energy, Capillary Action, and Surface Tension.

Eliminating the need for sealants, the Rain Screen principle (Dry Joint) aids in the longevity of the building and also helps to lower maintenance costs for the building’s owner.

The Dry Joint system of the Rain Screen and the cavity that is created, allow for the movement of air helping to prevent mold growth, which can cause “Sick Building Syndrome” (a result of the presence of mold and mildew).

To learn more about this building principle regularly used in Europe, and to take advantage of the building practice, please schedule a date for a complementary AIA Continuing Education Lunch and Learn program on the Rain Screen Principle by emailing David Klein at dklein@abetlaminati.com.

High Pressure Decorative Laminate

This 1 credit hour, HSW approved AIA/CEU presentation on High Pressure Decorative Laminate examines what HPDL is, the different types of HPDL and how and why it should be used to produce aesthetically pleasing, functional and safe installations.

The learning objectives are: 

• To fully understand what HPDL is and how it was developed (a brief historical overview).
• To learn about the process and the raw materials used to produce HPDL.
• To learn techniques used to produce HPDL including silk-screening and digital print design.
• To learn how and where to fabricate/specify HPDL and how and where not to, therefore allowing a safer and better looking installation.

This is a 50 minute PowerPoint presentation with room for Q&A. To schedule a presentation please contact Tony Damiano at tdamiano@abetlaminati.com or call 800-228-2238 ext. 223. Luncheon presentations are suggested (ABET, Inc. will provide lunch for all participants).