Simple rain screen question...

[John_M]

Okay...just a simple question.  What thickness material is to be used in a rain screen?  Also, what type of wood?  I am using beveled cedar siding.

I was thinking pressure treated lumber, but is that neccessary?

[glenn kangiser]

3/8 is about a minimum to keep water from bridging.

The xtrips being vertical will drain and dry well so I would think anything could be good but cedar or redwood could be better for it's natural decay resistance.

[ScottA]

1/2" or more. I'm using 1x2" cedar lined up over the studs. I've heard of people using treated plywood strips. I'd use cedar or treated for longest life. I supose you could use pine but I'd prime it first.

[PEG688]

Fine Home Building has a article in the most recent issue #197 , it's mainly about prefinished siding but there a bit in there about rain screen systems.

I'd say use Cedar for decay resistance and  nail holding abilities. It would be less likely to split than PT stock. 3/4" x 1 1/2"  or whats called a 1x2 , really a net 11/16"x 1 1/2" around here.   

[MountainDon]

Scientific studies have shown that a 3/8 inch gap is sufficient to prevent any bridging or capillary action. Of course 3/8 stock is not easy to find, so anything over that will work fine.