Cavity Batten
Vertical timber or proprietary batten fixed over wall sarking to create a drained, ventilated cavity behind external cladding, improving moisture management and durability.
A batten, typically 20 to 35 mm thick, fixed vertically over the sarking on the external face of a stud wall to create a drained, ventilated cavity behind the cladding. The cavity allows any wind-driven rain that gets past the cladding to drain to the bottom and evaporate, rather than wetting the frame. It also reduces capillary contact between the cladding and the sarking. Cavity construction is increasingly required by manufacturers and the NCC for many cladding systems and is standard practice for fibre-cement weatherboards, timber cladding, and brick veneer alternatives. The cavity is typically vented at top and bottom with insect mesh. For buyers, specify treated-pine cavity battens (typically H2 or H3) and ensure cavity-vent details are included on the framing schedule.
Values and references on this page are indicative and drawn from common industry sources. Always verify the current AS/NZS standard, manufacturer data sheet or NIAA policy publication before relying on figures for design, specification or compliance work.
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