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Rain screen for vinyl board-and-batten siding

canadianexpy | Posted in Green Building Techniques on

Hi
I trying to get the proper wall details for my new house build. We want to install vinyl board and batten siding on the house (1 storey only) the plan was to have 4” of exterior ridged foam. The rain screen seems to be my sticking point. I have read articles stating I should have a rain screen when using exterior ridged foam over 2” , but vinyl siding seems to be up in the air.
With my particular issue is that board and batten siding is 7” wide so I would need strapping at this interval.
Also with board and batten most of it sits flush with the wall, it doesn’t have the gap typical horizontal siding has.

Can anyone give me suggestions on this setup? I don’t want to discuss vinyl if it’s good or bad just he setup.

Thanks Dave

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Dave,
    There are three issues here:

    1. It looks like the siding you have chosen is installed vertically, not horizontally, so it will need horizontal furring strips rather than vertical furring strips.

    2. Some vinyl siding manufacturers forbid the installation of their products on furring strips.

    3. In general, vinyl siding doesn't need a rainscreen gap (because it is free-draining and has air behind it).

    For more information on these issues, see Can Vinyl Siding be Applied Over Furring Strips?

    -- Martin Holladay

  2. canadianexpy | | #2

    Yes it is vertically installed, so I did consider horizontal furring strips, but was unsure how these work if water gets behind the siding, do you notch or gap areas of the furring to allow water movement downwards?
    I know in general it didn't need a rainscreen but with this siding a large portion will sit flush ( or close to) against the 4" of ridged foam. So again wasn't sure if this would change normal setup?
    I am trying to find out if furring strips are allowed from this manufacture.
    Thanks,

  3. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #3

    Dave,
    The small about of water that gets past your siding will evaporate before it causes any problems, so horizontal furring strips work fine, in my experience.

    -- Martin Holladay

  4. canadianexpy | | #4

    I have confirmed I can do horizontal furring strips to attach the siding , they recommend 12" spacing.
    and with your answer Martin I'm good with the siding.

    On to the next questions.
    Thanks

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