Though using tropical woods for siding isn’t brand new, it’s increasingly popular to see these types of decking and exterior woods applied to walls as rainscreen siding. And why wouldn’t it be? These weather-resistant woods, trusted for decks, are even more effective at covering homes. They act as a rainscreen siding to keep moisture out while adding aesthetic beauty. It’s the perfect fit.
Basically, a rainscreen system creates a gap between the outer and inner walls of a building. By installing an external siding wall and spacing it away from the main wall, even by just 3/8″, you stop outside moisture from penetrating the inner wall. This setup allows moisture to condense on the inside of the outer wall, from which it can then drain away at the bottom. Essentially, rain screen siding shifts the strategy from merely using water-resistant materials to effectively managing moisture by channeling it through the air gap to keep the inner walls dry.
But of course, the material used is crucial in making a rainscreen system work effectively. Ipe rainscreen is a good choice for this purpose.
Why choose Ipe rainscreen siding?
As the name suggests, rainscreen siding is designed to protect homes from rain and moisture. If you do a quick Google search, you’ll find that Ipe wood is one of the top recommended materials for this purpose. Here’s why:
Highly resistant to moisture and rot
Ipe, also known as Brazilian Walnut, is a dense and naturally oily hardwood. These qualities make it highly resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage. This makes it an ideal choice for use in rainscreen systems where exposure to water is inevitable.
Superior durability
Not only is Ipe resistant to moisture, but it is also incredibly durable. There’s even a popular saying that goes, “Ipe wood will outlast you and your house,” or that it is as “hard as nails.” Now, if you think about how a rainscreen system is exposed to the elements, you can see why having a durable material like Ipe is important.
Beautiful appearance
Aside from its practical benefits, Ipe has a beautiful appearance with rich brown tones and tight grain patterns. Do you need your rainscreen siding to be functional and aesthetically pleasing? Ipe is both. Because your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, choosing a visually appealing material like Ipe can add value and curb appeal to your property.
Low maintenance
Technically, Ipe doesn’t need any maintenance at all. You would only need to maintain it if you want to keep its original brown color. If you don’t do yearly oiling, the wood will turn a lovely silvery-gray. This color change does not affect how strong, long-lasting, or tough the wood is, which is another reason why it’s a popular choice for rainscreen systems.
Environmentally friendly
Ipe wood is sustainably harvested from responsibly managed forests, making it an environmentally friendly option. Its longevity and low maintenance requirements also mean that there is no need to constantly replace or treat the wood, reducing waste and harmful chemicals in the environment. Choosing the Ipe rainscreen system also supports sustainable forestry practices.
ABS WOOD
ABS Wood offers a wide range of environmentally certified Brazilian hardwoods in the United States, making it easy to find the perfect material for your next project be it decking or siding. Their Ipe wood is responsibly harvested and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which means it meets rigorous standards for sustainable forestry practices.
Call their customer service team today to learn more about their selection of Ipe rainscreen and other sustainably harvested Brazilian hardwoods.