What Is the Difference Between an Aluminum Panel Curtain Wall and a Rainscreen?

Aluminum panel curtain walls and rainscreens both clad building exteriors but differ in structural behavior and moisture management. Curtain walls are sealed, non-load-bearing systems that integrate glazing and opaque panels within a thermal-broken mullion/transom frame, transferring loads to the structure while maintaining a pressure-equalized barrier against air and water ingress. Rainscreens use a back-ventilated cavity behind the panel cladding, allowing moisture penetration through joints to drain out before reaching the waterproof membrane, reducing hydrostatic pressure on the barrier. Curtain walls often require sequential installation of mullions, panels, and glass, while rainscreen panels can be mounted independently on a sub-frame. Aesthetically, rainscreens offer deeper shadow lines and varied reveal depths, whereas curtain walls achieve sleek, flush transitions between glass and metal. Both systems can be coordinated with aluminum ceiling features to present cohesive interior-exterior interfaces.