Pressure equalization of rainscreen walls: a critical review

This paper reviews the state-of-the-art information concerning pressure equ alization of rainscreen walls with a view to disseminate the existing knowl edge for architects and building engineers. During this review, emphasis is given to (1) the recent (post 1980) experimental and theoretical investiga tions concerning pressure equalization of rainscreen walls and (2) the desi gn guidelines and codification for Pressure Equalized Rainscreen (PER) wall s. Based on the knowledge gathered from previous studies, the needs and new directions for further research have been identified and reported. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.