Another cladding question

[Annabelleb]

We are planning open gap vertical cladding, but as the building is ICF, we want to see a black shadow behind rather than turquoise.
so after much research, a black UV membrane behind the cladding seems to be the answer. Trouble is, we have already affixed all the battens and cross battens. Can we stretch the membrane across and fix to the battens, and affix the cladding boards directly on top of it??? Not sure if we can bear to take all the miles of battens off

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Do you mean your cladding will look like this, in principle?

 

[Annabelleb]

Exactly

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Didn't that not occur to you when you chose this type of cladding? I guess something like this might be suitable https://www.roofingsuperstore.co.uk/product/powerlon-uv-120-black-15m-x-50m.html but you ought to speak to the manufacturer to ensure you get the right one and it is suitable. I daresay there are other alternatives.

 

[Annabelleb]

I know! It’s because we’ve changed our minds. We were going to do board on board with black painted plywood behind, but it’s proving too long winded/expensive. I have been looking at powerlon, but just need to know if i can affix boards straight onto it

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I would think so, but just speak to the manufacturer https://itpltd.com/powerlon-uv-resistant-facade-membranes/ ask to speak with the technical department.

Painted plywood is a crappy solution.

 

[catlad]

I suspect if you nail straight onto it with your cladding, it will stay damp for longer at the contact points and then probably fail quicker.

 

[Annabelleb]

Thanks for all the advices. Intake the point about the plywood and the damp at the contact points. As we aren’t doing this for a vapour barrier (the icf is waterproof) but purely for looks, How about the option of a black insect mesh instead. I understand they are affixed directly behind cladding? Something like this? https://www.sure-green.com/fibreglass-insect-mesh.html .