For builders and contractors, choosing the right rainscreen is not just about code compliance. It is about controlling moisture, protecting the wall assembly, and reducing the risk of callbacks tied to trapped water, inward vapor drive, and long-term wall damage. Dörken positions DELTA®-DRY as a ventilated rainscreen system that helps drain water, promote drying, and protect the building enclosure, especially where absorptive claddings increase moisture risk.

The challenge is simple: not every DELTA®-DRY product is built for the same job. Standard DELTA®-DRY is the broad ventilated rainscreen option. DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE adds a factory pre-installed mortar screen for adhered manufactured stone veneer and conventional stucco. DELTA®-DRY & LATH combines the rainscreen membrane with pre-installed alkali-resistant glass lath to eliminate a separate lath step.

• Choose DELTA®-DRY when you need a general ventilated rainscreen behind siding or other wall assemblies where you want drainage, ventilation, and a capillary break.

• Choose DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE when you are installing adhered manufactured stone veneer or conventional stucco and want a built-in mortar screen that helps keep the drainage space open.

• Choose DELTA®-DRY & LATH when you want a one-step system for manufactured stone or conventional stucco that replaces separate wire lath and reduces labor.

Why rainscreens matter

Absorptive claddings such as conventional stucco and manufactured stone can increase the risk of moisture problems in wall assemblies. Dörken specifically calls out solar-driven moisture, dampness moving from the outside inward, and moisture generated inside the wall as problems these systems are designed to address. A ventilated rainscreen creates a drainage and ventilation space so bulk water can drain out and incidental moisture can dry.

1) DELTA®-DRY: the general-purpose ventilated rainscreen

DELTA®-DRY is the base product in the lineup. Dörken describes it as a semi-rigid HDPE membrane with a stud-and-channel structure that provides two-sided drainage and ventilation. It also creates a complete capillary break behind the cladding and allows interior water vapor to escape while helping manage moisture that reaches the assembly.

This is the best fit when you want a versatile rainscreen behind siding and other wall assemblies and you do not need an integrated mortar screen or integrated lath. It is the broadest option in the DELTA®-DRY family and the right starting point when your main goal is drainage, ventilation, and drying performance.

Use DELTA®-DRY if: you want a flexible rainscreen option for siding-focused projects or general wall assemblies where you will handle other layers separately.

2) DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE: the better fit for adhered stone and conventional stucco

DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE uses the same HDPE membrane concept but adds a factory pre-installed polypropylene fabric mortar screen. Dörken says this screen helps prevent scratch coats from filling the dimple structure, while the membrane still provides two-sided drainage and ventilation. It is positioned as ideal behind adhered manufactured stone veneer and conventional stucco.

That matters because once mortar clogs the drainage space, the rainscreen cannot do its job as effectively. This version is built to protect that air gap while also reducing scratch coat mortar consumption. For contractors installing adhered stone or stucco, that makes it a more purpose-built option than standard DELTA®-DRY.

Use DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE if: you want a rainscreen specifically designed for adhered manufactured stone veneer or conventional stucco, but still plan to use your preferred lath system.

3) DELTA®-DRY & LATH: the fastest one-step option for stucco and manufactured stone

DELTA®-DRY & LATH combines the DELTA®-DRY rainscreen membrane with pre-installed alkali-resistant glass lath. Dörken says it is designed for manufactured stone and conventional stucco claddings, eliminates the need for separate metal lath, reduces labor costs on scratch-coat assemblies, and provides easier and safer handling for installers. The glass lath is also described as chemical-resistant and non-corrosive.

This is the strongest option when labor efficiency matters. Instead of installing a rainscreen and then adding separate wire lath, you get both in one product. That can help simplify the install, reduce fasteners, and streamline the wall assembly on stucco and stone jobs.

Use DELTA®-DRY & LATH if: you want to eliminate separate wire lath, reduce installation steps, and keep your stucco or manufactured stone assembly moving faster.

Which DELTA®-DRY product should you buy?

Here is the simplest way to decide:

• Buy DELTA®-DRY for the most versatile ventilated rainscreen option.

• Buy DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE  when the job calls for adhered stone veneer or conventional stucco and you want a built-in mortar screen.

• Buy DELTA®-DRY & LATH when you want the labor-saving, one-step option with integrated lath for manufactured stone or conventional stucco.

Shop the right DELTA®-DRY system at Spycor Building

Spycor Building currently lists all three product options in its rainscreen category: DELTA®-DRY, DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE, and DELTA®-DRY & LATH. That means contractors can move directly from product comparison to purchase once they know which assembly fits the project.

• If your goal is the safest choice for adhered stone or conventional stucco, start with DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE.
• If your goal is speed and labor savings, go with DELTA®-DRY & LATH.
• If you need the most versatile base rainscreen, choose DELTA®-DRY.

Frequently asked questions

Does DELTA®-DRY replace a WRB?
No. These products are part of a wall system, not a replacement for a code-appropriate WRB. Dörken’s product pages describe the rainscreen’s role as drainage, ventilation, drying, and moisture management behind the cladding.

Can standard DELTA®-DRY be used behind absorptive claddings?
Dörken says standard DELTA®-DRY provides protection for highly absorbent reservoir claddings such as conventional stucco and manufactured stone. However, if your job involves scratch coats and you want better protection against mortar filling the drainage space, STUCCO & STONE or & LATH is the more purpose-built choice.

Why choose & LATH over STUCCO & STONE?
Choose & LATH when you want integrated glass lath and fewer installation steps. Choose STUCCO & STONE when you want the mortar screen benefits but plan to use a separate lath system.