Driving rain

Driving rain refers to heavy rain that strikes a building or roof surface horizontally due to strong winds. Unlike normal rain, where the drops fall vertically, driving rain is transported to the surface at an acute angle by wind or storms. This allows the rain to penetrate material joints or cracks much more intensely, potentially causing significant damage to the building structure.

Why is driving rain problematic?

Driving rain poses a greater challenge than ordinary rain because the water jet not only hits the surface directly but can also penetrate corners where water normally doesn't reach. Here are the main problems caused by driving rain:

• Moisture ingress: Driving rain can cause water to penetrate building structures, which can lead to moisture damage, mold growth and rot.
• Damage to materials: The force of the rain jet can damage materials such as wood, plaster or masonry by penetrating cracks and joints and enlarging them further.
• Deterioration of roof tightness: If roofs are not properly sealed, driving rain can overcome the roof seals and lead to leaks, which can cause structural damage in the long term.

How can you protect yourself from driving rain?

To effectively protect against the negative effects of driving rain, various measures are required:

• Waterproof materials: Using waterproof and weather-resistant materials for roofs and facades helps prevent water penetration. Materials such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) offer high resistance to driving rain.
• Reinforced seals: Sealing joints, cracks and transitions between wall and roof, as well as window frames, is crucial to prevent water ingress.
• Roof pitch and design: A sufficient roof pitch ensures that driving rain runs off quickly without penetrating the material. Appropriate roof design is also necessary to minimize the risk of water accumulation.
• Protection systems: The use of special protection systems such as gutters or waterproof membranes can prevent water from penetrating the building at problematic points.

Driving rain and CLEVER-TILE ®

CLEVER-TILE ® products offer outstanding protection against driving rain thanks to their innovative technology. Our replacement tiles and installation systems are specifically designed to prevent water penetration while ensuring a stable roof structure.

• Waterproof fittings: With flexible EPDM fittings, CLEVER-TILE ® ensures an effective seal that withstands driving rain.
• Stable protection: Our bricks are designed to retain their shape and functionality even in heavy rain and wind.
• Easy installation: CLEVER-TILE ® enables quick and safe installation of snow guard systems without extensive modifications to the roof.

Learn more about our products and how CLEVER-TILE ® protects your roof from the dangers of driving rain. Visit our CLEVER-TILE ® product page.