oak cladding on concrete block

[calvert]

I have carpenters putting oak feather edge cladding on a standard cavity concrete block built extension. The cladding is going on 25mm battens. Do we need a vapour barrier of some kind, breathable felt or waterproof paper? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Breather membrane between the vertical battens and masonry, are the battens big enough? 25mm is not much.

 

[tomfe]

Agreed 25mm is not enough, green oak will pull those fixings out quick, fixings should be cladding thickness x1.5, they should also be stainless steel for oak.

 

[calvert]

Thanks for the replies. The oak cladding is seasoned and the battens are thicker than the cladding so maybe I've underestimated the size of them. There's no breathable membrane though. Is that a definite requirement?

 

[tomfe]

There's no breathable membrane though. Is that a definite requirement?

No but for the cost it would be worth doing, it's only £30 a roll and it does give you an extra layer of protection if you have penetrating rain or driving rain. It'll also give you peace of mind if the cladding starts moving (which it will).

 

[calvert]

Hmm. Thanks tomfe. He had a roll with him but only used it on a little piece that is wooden stud, which was obvious.