Engineering Edge: Why the Climate-Shield CS2 Clip Dominates in Rainscreen Wood Siding Performance

Exterior siding contractors and home builders, you know that achieving a successful rainscreen wood siding project comes down to one thing: the integrity of the hidden components in your rainscreen assembly. Why settle for basic clips or conventional methods when faster installation and better performance is within reach?

The team renovating this elementary school chose the hidden fasteners and strength of the Climate-Shield CS2 Rainscreen Wood Siding for a robust and long-lasting façade. 

The CS2 system is robustly engineered to eliminate the common failures and tedious labor associated with competing clip installation methods. The following details show exactly how the Climate-Shield CS2 system ensures a better designed, long-lasting wood rainscreen system on every build.

Uncompromising Material and Structural Integrity

When evaluating rainscreen clip solutions for large projects and high-end real estate that demand façade longevity, material choice is first and foremost. The difference between rainscreen clips on the market is stark:

Expert engineering has placed Mataverde’s patented Climate-Shield CS2 among the top-rated rainscreen clip manufacturers in the United States.

The CS2 clip is made using resilient marine-grade aluminum alloy. This choice increases its structural capacity, an essential feature when seeking the best rainscreen clips for commercial building facades and large residential projects.

Unlike generic clips that often cause corrosion issues, the CS2 system is engineered for zero Galvanic Corrosion Risk. This eliminates a major failure point and highlights the benefits of using stainless steel rainscreen clips in harsh climates (ex: such as coastal areas with high humidity and storms).

Design and build with confidence: We stand behind the Climate-Shield Rainscreen System and Mataverde Rainscreen Wood Siding with a 25-Year limited warranty for your peace of mind.

Check out this short overview of the CS2 and it's features:

See it for yourself! Get a CS2 rainscreen clip and Mataverde wood siding sample here:

High-Performance Ventilation and Moisture Elimination

The function of a rainscreen is to manage water and promote drying. The CS2 system provides features that generic clips and furring strips simply cannot deliver:

Mataverde Garapa Wood Rainscreen Siding using the CS2 clip for a covered wood soffit 

How do rainscreen clips improve wall ventilation systems?

In a back ventilated rainscreen cladding assembly, the wall cavity behind the exterior siding acts as an escape route for moist air and bulk water to escape. A 2011 on BuildingScience.com study found that the “larger gaps (over 3/8” or 10 mm) are usually required to ensure significant ventilation” and bulk water drainage. (@buildingscience.com)

Engineered for a consistent 3/4" rainscreen gap, automatically created by the Climate-Shield CS2 clip and the CSSR8 starter rail as you install the planks, is the ideal depth to maximize airflow. By creating a large, unobstructed wall cavity, the CS2 clip promotes continuous air movement, which ensures the fastest possible drying of the wall assembly. This results in an effective open joint rainscreen and the lowest possible moisture/rot risk, unlike traditional methods where wood strips become potential moisture traps and a food source for decay.

Diagram of Water Drainage with the Climate-Shield Rainscreen System with CS2 Clips

Diagram of Heat Escape with the Climate-Shield Rainscreen System with CS2 Clips

This comprehensive video offers an excellent visual comparison of types of wood siding using different rainscreen methods:

Installation Efficiency and Design Versatility

Time is a key factor in project profitability. The CS2 is designed for maximum security and minimal installation time:

The robust stability of the CS2 is impressive; securing the clip with only two stainless steel screws provides a foundation engineered to last. This efficiency means you eliminate furring strips and immediately move into the high-speed installation phase, resulting in a low labor and time cost.

Furthermore, the clip's design allows for excellent installation flexibility, easily supporting horizontal, diagonal, and even vertical wood siding design patterns. Even wood covered soffits are simplified.

A contractor in Texas told us, "I saved over 30% in labor costs using the Climate-Shield rainscreen system". We hear this again and again from our customers and its one reason why they come back for the Climate-Shield for their other projects. 

Paired with a true hidden fastener system and precise components, the CS2 ensures the façade maintains a flawless, clean exterior aesthetic.

Climate-Shield CS2 Wood Rainscreen Siding installed vertically to wrap this residence including the gazebo

Builder's Checklist: Climate-Shield installation guides for aluminum rainscreen clips on exterior walls, click here  

The CS2 Advantage: An Investment in Reputation

When you choose the Climate-Shield CS2 clip, you’re not just choosing a fastener—you’re choosing an engineered, high-performance rainscreen wood siding solution that delivers a proper air gap, superior stability, and dramatically reduced labor time. Choose the solution designed for the long term.

We hope this article gave you useful information and helped you decide on the best rainscreen installation for your project. Have more questions? Ready for more information, technical guidance, or project-specific support? Need a project quote? Contact us now, our team is ready to get you started.