ClarkDietrich, the largest manufacturer of cold-formed steel framing products in North America, has introduced ProChannel Ci™ Cladding Support with Grip-Deck TubeSeal Technology. The new cladding support system is designed for residential and commercial applications and protects against air and water intrusion.  

Addressing fastening needs for the growing use of continuous insulation, the system uses Grip-Deck TubeSeal® fasteners from TRUFAST to help seal the fastener penetrations, creating a thermally and structurally efficient wall cladding support system. Each fastener is outfitted with a UV-resistant, semi-rigid tube that compresses around the penetration to “help seal blind fastener penetrations of your WRB and air-barrier when mechanically attaching continuous insulation,” according to TRUFAST.

“ClarkDietrich continuously puts innovation at the forefront of new product design, and ProChannel Ci is a perfect example of that. Not only does it provide a stable support system for exterior wall cladding, but by partnering with a company the specializes in air and moisture solutions for the building envelope, it also delivers a minimal thermal footprint,” said Ryan Reed, category manager at ClarkDietrich. “The result is a smart solution that addresses moisture management in new ways.”

ProChannel Ci creates a 7/8" rainscreen cavity, with slotted holes allowing for moisture drainage and air movement. The cladding support system is installed over exterior continuous insulations, and it does not use any clips, girts, or other large penetrations through the insulation to affix the rainscreen to the structure. Grip-Deck TubeSeal® fasteners are provided and are available for either metal or wood framing and in various lengths to accommodate different insulation depths. 

ProChannel Ci meets the requirements of AISI S100-16 (2020) w/S2-20 and AISI S240-20. The entire system also meets and exceeds ASTM E331 (Test Method for Water Penetration) and E2357 (Test Method for Air Leakage).

To learn more about ProChannel Ci, visit clarkdietrich.com/products/prochannel-ci.