What is rainscreen cladding and how does it work?

Rainscreen cladding is a high-performance external façade solution designed to protect buildings from the elements, improve thermal efficiency, and deliver a modern architectural finish completely transforming the look of both new and existing buildings.

But how exactly does rainscreen cladding work – and what makes Sotech one of the UK’s most trusted suppliers of rainscreen cladding systems?

Let’s explore.

What is Rainscreen Cladding?

Rainscreen cladding works by creating a ventilated and drained cavity between an external panel and the building’s primary structure. This allows air to circulate behind the cladding, carrying away moisture and preventing issues like damp, rot or condensation.

The external panels act as a weather-resistant skin, shielding the building from wind and rain, while the vertical gap provides controlled drainage and continuous airflow. This combination is what makes rainscreen cladding such a reliable, long-term solution.

Sotech’s rainscreen cladding systems are specifically engineered to deliver on performance, fire safety and aesthetics in the following ways:

Labyrinth-jointed panels for superior weather protection – designed to stop wind-driven rain from entering the facade, keeping buildings dry in even the harshest conditions.
Mechanical fixings only – no adhesives – ensuring long-lasting durability and full compliance with fire safety standards.
Precision manufacturing for a flawless finish – using CNC folding, routing, and custom detailing guarantee consistent quality and clean lines.
Proven performance, tested to industry standards – every system is rigorously tested and validated to meet requirements for air, water, and impact resistance, giving clients complete confidence in real-world conditions.

More recently, rainscreen cladding has been increasingly used to modernise and reclad existing buildings, not only enhancing the visual appeal but also improving fire safety, weather resistance, and thermal performance. Recladding brings older structures in line with today’s regulatory and aesthetic standards.

Why Choose Rainscreen Cladding from Sotech?

With over 40 years of experience, Sotech has become a leading designer and manufacturer of engineered metal façade systems. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to safety, sustainability, and collaboration..

(1) Safety: Fire Tested Rainscreen, Classified to the International Fire Standards

Where tested, Optima rainscreen cladding systems have achieved compliance with BS8414-2:2015, and classified to BR135, supporting their application on high-rise and high-risk buildings.

Additionally, the Sotech’s Optima systems are tested to CWCT Sequence B by UL Solutions with UKAS accreditation, validating the system performance against air, water and impact requirements.

(2) Sustainability: Full System EPDs

Sotech is proud to be one of the first in the sector to provide full system Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). While many manufacturers only provide EPDs for individual panels or components. Sotech offers EPDs for the complete rainscreen system – including carrier rails, fixings, insulation, and finishes.

We also offer project-specific EPDs to help architects and contractors meet green building standards, including BREEAM, LEED and the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.

All Optima systems are designed with recyclability in mind:

95.5% of supplied materials are recyclable with no loss of quality
Lean manufacturing principles in our factor reduce waste
Optima Meadow Living wall system, helps clients meet biodiversity targets
Collaboration with customer ensures efficient transport and logistics utilisation

(3) Experience and Technical Expertise: Collaborative Problem Solving

Behind every project is a highly experienced technical team who work in close partnership with architects, designers, and contractors from the initial concept stage to the end.

With over four decades of façade engineering experience, Sotech’s specialists use advanced tools such as 3D modelling and Finite Element Method (FEM) we help resolve complex design challenges and ensure the final solution is both complaint and buildable.

As Amy Burns, 3D Model Coordinator at Sotech said: “It’s a true collaboration. We’re not just reacting to drawings. We’re actively advising, improving and helping our clients deliver on their design goals.”

By engaging early in the design process, we can provide tailored advice, identify potential challenges, and optimise rainscreen cladding solutions that align with your project’s unique requirements. On in-house technical expertise and advanced modelling tools are at your disposal, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed.

The Optima Range:

Rainscreen Cladding Engineered for Performance and Aesthetics

Each Optima rainscreen cladding system is engineered to offer a balance of high performance, regulatory compliance, and design flexibility, suitable for a wide range of building applications.

Optima FC+ – Secret-Fix Rainscreen System: A sleek, hook-on system with no visible fixings..
Optima TFC+ – Through Fix Rainscreen Cassette: A cost-effective alternative to secret-fix systems, featuring discreet wafer-head fixings recessed into vertical joints and colour-matched for a subtle finish.
Optima Edge – Flat Panel Rainscreen: Delivers a completely flat panel appearance with hidden fixings, with crisp edges.
Optima FlatFix – Fast Instal Face-Fixed Rainscreen: A versatile, face-fixed solution with colour-matched fixings – ideal for faster installation without compromising performance.
Optima XTR – Bespoke Extrusion Facade: Allows for creative profiles such as waves, curves, and geometric patterns. Perfect for iconic architecture.
Optima Meadow – Living Wall Cladding: A living wall cladding solution that integrates seeds into the mineral wool insulation, helping clients meet biodiversity and sustainability targets.
Optima BrickTech- Brick Facade Technology: Combines the timeless look of real bricks with the performance of rainscreen technology.

Trusted by the Industry, Built on Collaboration

Optima Systems are:

Manufactured in the UK
BS8414-2 fire-tested options available
CWCT-validated systems available
Offered in true A1 and A2-s1,d0 non-combustible options

We’ve been described as the “safe hands” of the industry and we wear that badge proudly.

At Sotech, we believe rainscreen cladding isn’t just a product – it’s a partnership. Our team of façade experts work closely with architects, main contractors, installers, and fire consultants from concept to completion. Every system is reviewed early for buildability, precision-engineered to exact project specifications, and supported with technical drawings, BIM files, and onsite installation training if required.

It’s our commitment to going above and beyond that has seen us deliver façade solutions to every major city across the UK and Ireland, with growing demand across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.