Pressure equalization of rainscreen walls: a critical review

This paper reviews the state-of-the-art information concerning pressure equalization of rainscreen walls with a view to disseminate the existing knowledge for architects and building engineers. During this review, emphasis is given to (1) the recent (post 1980) experimental and theoretical investigations concerning pressure equalization of rainscreen walls and (2) the design guidelines and codification for Pressure Equalized Rainscreen (PER) walls. Based on the knowledge gathered from previous studies, the needs and new directions for further research have been identified and reported.