The benefits of double battening in cladding

Whether you are a construction professional, an architect or a DIY enthusiast, if you are planning a cladding project we always recommend looking into different techniques to bring your vision to life. One such technique is double battening. This increasingly popular technique is a great way to ensure a high-quality finish, but what is it and how could it improve your cladding? Find out everything you need to know in this guide.

What Is Double Battening?

Whether you are using Cedar, Larch or a sustainable ThermoWood, double battening is a brilliant technique for adding durability to your cladding project. This method involves creating a secondary framework of battens on top of an initial batten structure. The first set of battens is fixed directly to the structure, while a second set is installed on top, creating a gap or cavity between the wall and the cladding material.

Improved Ventilation and Reduced Damp

Double battening brings plenty of ventilation to your cladding thanks to the cavity between the wall and your outer layer of timber. The air flows more freely, helping prevent the build-up of moisture. We think of it as letting your timber cladding breathe, which reduces the chance of mould, mildew and rot, as well as enhancing dimensional stability.

Better Insulation

If you are keen to cash in on the thermal insulation benefits of timber cladding, you will love double battening. The additional gap between your walls and your timber acts as an extra layer of insulation in the same (sort of) way that double-glazing does. The air in the cavity is warmer than the air outside, helping your interiors stay warmer. In the summer, the air is cooler, helping your interiors stay cooler. It is simple but effective.

Superior Structural Stability

By adding a second layer of battening, you bring more structural support to your cladding system. The frame is more rigid, helping your boards lie flat and preventing them from warping or sagging over time. This is also great if you live in an area with a lot of rain or heavy wind, providing your cladding with the extra stability to stay strong year after year.

The Double Batten Structure

If you are sold on the double batten structure for your timber cladding project, start by installing your battens as usual. Your first layer should follow the direction of your final cladding boards. Your second layer will then be installed perpendicular to the first layer, and the timber battens should be secured together where they overlap.

Kickstart Your Timber Cladding Project

You are ready to install your double battening and you have the design mapped out in your head. Now, there is just one more thing you need to get started: your timber. From battens to cladding and everything in between, source all of your timber sustainably from EcoChoice.

Start browsing our FSC®-certified timber cladding or get in touch with us to begin your order.