Stud spacing and render board batten spacing

[Hannah77]

Hi,

 

New to building timber frames! I am installing load bearing walls over several stories. The c/c of the studs are 400mm at ground level and increase to 600mm c/c for the floor above as the loads decrease. However the cladding system is render board on battens and counter battens. The render board system and the breather membrane both need battens at 400mm c/c. This means that they can fix vertically to the external wall at ground directly into the studs. But at 1st floor they will only align every second stud with two battens in between missing the studs entirely. The wall build up is just 9mm OSB on the outside face for racking. What do you do for the 600mm c/c studs? The battens need to be fixed back to studs and not OSB as the fixing strength will be insufficient for the wind loads and self weight of the cladding.

 

Cheers 

 

Hannah

[Mr Punter]

I think 400 centres would be far better.  It really will not be much more material, as often there will be additional studs around openings.  Which battens are being fixed first, vertical or horizontal?

[Hannah77]

Thanks @Mr Punter

4 minutes ago, Mr Punter said:

Which battens are being fixed first, vertical or horizontal?

The membrane requires vertical battens first to allow for moisture to drain down face.

[Mr Punter]

What is the point of the horizontal battens?

[Russell griffiths]

Stick to 400 spacing everywhere