Siding is a great way to finish off the exterior of your home. It’s also one of the most common DIY projects you’ll take on. Board and batten siding, in particular, offer this timeless essence that fits commercial and residential buildings quite nicely. However, the spacing needs to be spot on when it comes to this siding. This is so there can be some room for expansion and contraction. While this may sound a tad confusing, here’s a helpful guide explaining it all!
What Is Board and Batten Siding?
Board and batten siding is the combination of both narrow and wide boards. These tend to be on top of one another, creating a watertight exterior for the structure too. The narrow strip is the batten, and it’s installed over the space that goes between the boards. This is used to prevent water from getting to the framing.
Why Do the Board and Batten Siding Need Spacing?
Not only are there benefits to the spacing in board and batten siding, but there are some purposes behind it too. Let’s look into what they are.
Ideal For Moisture
One thing that older houses do not have the offer of that newer-built one would be a house wrap. House wrap protects the wall sheathing from getting any water damage. Since older houses do not have these, adding channels between the boards will allow water to escape much easier. This means that if it does get behind the siding, it will still cause minimum damage. Plus, if there are changes in humidity, this also gives room for if there are going to be any potential expansions. This helps prevent splits or cracks.
Secure Installation
A lot of residential homes have studs; these are vertical framing inside the wall. There must be a strong bond between the siding and the structure. The galvanized nails used for the installation will penetrate the sheathing, siding, and studs.
Saves On Material
Impact of spacing matters when it comes to board and batten siding. In fact, you will have to be aware of the impact that the spacing will have when it’s attached to any structure. Whether it’s a DIY project or a professional steps in to install the board and batten siding, the area needs to be calculated. If done properly, the less material that should be needed, the larger the space becomes. This not only saves you on material, but this can be an eco-friendly approach.
What to Know About Spacing
Now, we looked into the importance of spacing and why it’s needed for board and batten siding. Let’s consider what you need to know about this siding, especially the spacing.
Batten Spacing
When it comes to the traditional batten spacing, this is going to be dictated by the width that’s being used. The more you look into the spacing of the battens means, the more dimensions can be involved during the installation. Plus, the farther they are from each other, the more subtle the appearance will be. In general, keep in mind that the spacing will refer to the center line of each batten.
So this means that thinner battens will take up less space compared to wider battens. Therefore, if you’re using a wider batten, you’re going to want to space them apart more, this is good to prevent moisture, but it will also help prevent a cluttered appearance for your siding.
Board and Batten Height
Modern homes are tall; some are three stories high, while others are four or more. It’s unrealistic to get a single board that can cover this length. With that said, you’ll still have options with your board and batten siding, which will be about the height. Depending on the manufacturer, you can get panels as long as 10 feet. It’s going to be up to you and your preference, but this should be considered, too, as this could technically affect the spacing.
Batten Sizes
Did you know that the batten sizes also matter? While battens are originally narrow strips of wood, they are big enough to fasten easily into gaps. These should fit perfectly between the milled boards. This is so important as this is going to stop moisture and air from getting to the siding.
While nowadays, batten is considered to be more aesthetically pleasing than functional for a home, it’s still vital that you get the sizing right. Generally speaking, batten is about 2 inches in width but can be smaller. You can even use larger widths if that’s the look you’re going for; instead of traditional batten, you’d go for trim instead. This will give it a thicker appearance.
Stud Spacing
The boards need to be installed correctly, and this is crucial. How will this be done? Well, you’ll need to hit the studs behind the wall, as this is going to ensure a secure installation. Studs are usually located every 16 to 24 inches, but it all depends on your home and the framing itself. The nails need to be in the center to ensure that the siding is secure.
What to Remember about Board and Batten Siding Spacing
A general rule of thumb would be that if you want the board and batten siding to be prominent, the batten should be wider and closer together. If you want a more subtle appearance, opt for a smaller and further apart batten. The spacing and sizing of the batten count, but you shouldn’t forget about the texture too. Overall, this timeless siding can look marvelous and be functional; it’s just about ensuring the installation is secure.
