When it comes to enhancing the exterior of your home with durable, aesthetically pleasing siding, rainscreen systems have become a top choice for homeowners and builders alike. AdvantageLumber.com offers two excellent size options in a variety of wood species for rainscreen siding: 5/4 x 6″ and 5/4 x 4″ boards and 1 x 6″ and 1 x 4″ boards.
While both systems deliver a flawless, blemish-free finish with no visible screw holes, they differ significantly in their installation methods, hidden fastening systems, and long-term durability. In this blog post, we’ll look at these differences to help you choose the best option for your project.
What is Rainscreen Siding?
Before we explore the differences, let’s briefly define rainscreen siding. A rainscreen system creates an air gap between the siding and the building’s weather-resistant barrier, allowing for ventilation and moisture drainage.
This design prevents rot, mold, and decay, extending the life of both the siding and the structure. AdvantageLumber.com specializes in hardwood rainscreen siding, using species like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Tigerwood, Brazilian Redwood, Teak and Mahogany known for their exceptional durability and resistance to rot and insects.
5/4 x 6″ and 5/4 x 4″ Rainscreen Siding: The Furring Strip Approach
The 5/4 x 6″ and 5/4 x 4″ rainscreen siding options from AdvantageLumber.com are thicker boards, with a net finished dimension of approximately 0.95″ thick and face widths of 4.6″ (for 5/4 x 6) and 2.6″ (for 5/4 x 4). These boards are designed for a robust, long-lasting exterior finish, but their installation process involves a few extra steps.
Hidden Fastening System
The 5/4 boards utilize the DeckWise® Hidden Siding Fastener System, which ensures a clean, screw-free surface. These fasteners are inserted into pre-molded grooves on the siding boards and secured with stainless steel screws driven at a 45-degree angle into furring strips. This method eliminates the need to drill through the face of the siding, preserving its smooth, natural appearance.
Installation Process
To install 5/4 rainscreen siding, vertical furring strips (typically made of treated pine) are first attached to the building’s exterior sheathing over the weather-resistant barrier. These strips create the necessary air gap for ventilation and drainage.
The siding boards are then mounted onto the furring strips using the DeckWise fasteners. Starter clips are used at the baseboard to align the first board, and the process continues upward, with each board secured tightly to minimize gaps. The top board is capped with blocking or flashing to prevent water and insect intrusion.
Considerations
While the 5/4 system is highly effective, the use of furring strips introduces a potential weak point. Treated pine furring strips, though cost-effective, are not as durable as the hardwood siding itself. Over time, they may be susceptible to rot or insect damage, especially in humid or wet climates.
Additionally, installing furring strips adds a lot of labor time and money, as they must be precisely aligned and securely fastened. This can extend the overall installation time compared to other methods.
1 x 6″ and 1 x 4″ Rainscreen Siding: The Aluminum Standoff Clip Advantage
The 1 x 6″ and 1 x 4″ rainscreen siding options are thinner, with a net finished dimension of approximately 0.7″ thick and face widths of 4.6″ (for 1 x 6) and 2.6″ (for 1 x 4). These boards are designed for a streamlined installation process that eliminates the need for furring strips, offering a faster and potentially more durable solution.
Hidden Fastening System
The 1x boards use the DeckWise® 1x Hardwood Rainscreen Fastening System, which features extruded aluminum standoff clips. These clips are mounted directly onto the exterior sheathing or plywood, providing a 3/4-inch standoff for ventilation without the need for furring strips.
Like the 5/4 system, the aluminum clips are inserted into pre-molded grooves and secured with stainless steel screws, ensuring a blemish-free surface with no visible fasteners.
Installation Process
The installation of 1x rainscreen siding is notably simpler and faster. Since the aluminum clips act as both the fastener and the standoff, there’s no need to install furring strips. The clips are attached directly to the sheathing making sure to land on a stud and the siding boards are set onto the clips, starting from the bottom and working upward. The absence of starter clips or rails further simplifies the process. As with the 5/4 system, the top board is capped with blocking or flashing to protect against water and insects.
Considerations
The 1x system’s use of aluminum clips eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with treated pine furring strips. Aluminum is impervious to rot and insect damage, making it a more durable choice for long-term performance. Additionally, skipping the furring strip step reduces material costs and significantly speeds up installation, which can lower labor expenses. The aluminum clips also reduce thermal bridging compared to wood furring strips, potentially improving energy efficiency.
Key Differences: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 5/4 x 6″ and 5/4 x 4″ | 1 x 6″ and 1 x 4″ |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.95″ (thicker, more robust) | 0.7″ (thinner, lighter) |
| Face Width | 4.6″ (6″) or 2.6″ (4″) | 4.6″ (6″) or 2.6″ (4″) |
| Hidden Fastening System | DeckWise® Hidden Siding Fasteners (screwed into furring strips) | DeckWise® 1x Aluminum Standoff Clips (no furring strips) |
| Furring Strips Required | Yes (treated pine, vertically installed) | No (aluminum clips provide standoff) |
| Installation Time | Slower (requires furring strip installation) | Faster (no furring strips, simpler clip system) |
| Durability of Fastening System | Furring strips may rot or attract insects over time | Aluminum clips resist rot and insects |
| Material Costs | Higher (due to furring strips) | Lower (no furring strips needed) |
| Long-Term Maintenance | Potential furring strip replacement | Minimal (aluminum clips are highly durable) |
Which System is Right for You?
Choosing between the 5/4 and 1x rainscreen siding systems depends on your project’s priorities:
- Choose 5/4 x 6″ or 5/4 x 4″ if:
- You prefer a thicker, more robust siding profile for added durability or aesthetic appeal.
- You’re working in a climate where the extra thickness might provide additional protection against extreme weather.
- You’re comfortable with the added installation time and cost of furring strips, or you have access to high-quality, rot-resistant furring materials.
- Choose 1 x 6″ or 1 x 4″ if:
- You want a faster, more cost-effective installation process with fewer materials.
- You’re concerned about the long-term durability of furring strips and prefer the reliability of aluminum clips.
- You’re building in a wet or humid climate where eliminating organic furring strips reduces the risk of rot or insect damage.
Why Choose AdvantageLumber.com?
Regardless of which system you choose, AdvantageLumber.com offers high-quality hardwood rainscreen siding that’s built to last. Their siding is available in durable species like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Tigerwood, Teak, Brazilian Redwood and Mahogany all of which are naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. The DeckWise fastening systems ensure a professional, blemish-free finish, and the company’s commitment to milling their own siding guarantees precision and quality. Plus, AdvantageLumber.com provides detailed installation guides and expert support to make your project a success.
Final Thoughts
Both the 5/4 and 1x rainscreen siding options from AdvantageLumber.com deliver stunning, long-lasting results, but their differences in installation and fastening systems make them suited to different needs. The 5/4 system, with its furring strips and robust profile, is ideal for those prioritizing thickness and traditional installation methods. The 1x system, with its innovative aluminum standoff clips, offers a faster, more durable, and low-maintenance solution. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision that enhances your home’s beauty and protects it for decades to come.
For more information or to explore pricing, visit AdvantageLumber.com or contact their team at 1-877-232-3915. Ready to start your rainscreen siding project? Let AdvantageLumber.com help you create an exterior that’s as durable as it is beautiful
Note: Always consult with a professional installer and verify local building codes before starting your siding project.
Those visualizations on the 5/4 vs 1 rain screen are super useful for explaining to people, or rather showing, the difference between them instead of just waffeling on and on about things they can’t, and don’t really understand.