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Bestworth-Rommel, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of wall cladding systems, using Aluminum Composite Materials (ACM), Prodema panels, zinc interlocking panels and other materials. We have completed exterior panel systems on 100's of automobile dealerships and other similar architectural projects. Customers have included Nissan, Honda, Suzuki, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, Pontiac, Mercedes, Kia, Bentley, Porsche, Lincoln/Mercury, Mazda, Hyundai, Toyota and other architectural applications such as medical facilities, financial institutions and international aircraft manufacturing facilities. The education and insight we gained through the research and development of this dry-joint system leads us to offer several observations on designs which appear to be potentially problematic for the long term. All systems ultimately suffer from moisture intrusion. Even the best installation will inevitably be subject to condensation, breach from various impacts and degradation of gaskets from UV exposure, heat/cool cycles, etc. The resulting moisture in the interstitial space between the building and its wall system creates an environment conducive to the growth of mold. We have learned that attempting to seal a building against outside water intrusion is futile; a superior alternative is to use a wall system that precludes the vast majority of intrusion, while also providing an escape for the inevitable appearance of moisture in the interstice. We have shown that a system that controls water with internal channels and evacuates that water through weep holes in each panel and also provides circulation of air to evaporate moisture is superior to a methodology that may be sealing intruding water inside the wall system. All cladding systems, whether caulked, gasketed, or open rain screens, eventually leak. Therefore, a drainage plane, moisture barrier, and air barrier is required for a total envelope design. The exterior panels effectively route liquid water to the outside of the panel system, additionally we provide a layer of properly applied Tyvek or similar material that addresses the vapor and air barrier concerns, all necessary components of a complete wall panel system. As we researched current cladding systems and contacted various architectural envelope specialists, we learned that "Surface Sealed Systems", both caulked and gasketed are not allowed in the jurisdiction of Massachusetts* and may soon be disallowed by the pending editions of the Uniform Building Code. These systems, if successful, provide the drainage plain on the cold side of the building insulation, causing significant condensation that cannot escape through the "Surface Sealed System's" impermeable barrier. Corrosion, rot and mold are the inevitable result when using these systems. Worse yet, they create a real potential future liability for the owners of facilities, as well as the Architect/General Contractor/Manufacturer team. We strongly recommend that the building envelope design be reviewed by an architectural firm specializing in building envelope systems in your geographic area. Be sure that the window treatment (fenestration system) is coordinated with the exterior panel system. Exterior cladding systems and fenestration systems design information is available at www.buildingscience.com. * Building Envelope Designs meeting the requirements of the new Massachusetts Energy Code 780 CMR 13 by the Building Envelope Committee of the Boston Society of Architects for the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards. This 13 page review details a recommended "Ventilated Rain screen Metal Panel System", complete with 7 pages of technical drawings. Our PanelWall 2000 is the working model of this design, including the continuous venting to allow drying by the natural "chimney effect" on the ACM panels. This technical review is available at www.state.ma.us/bbrs/sample_details.htm.