Building in Climate Zone 6-8?
Are you looking to build in Climate zone 6-8 in Australia?
If you don't know what zone you are building in, this zoning refers to geographic locations with cooler climates zoned from 6, "Mild temperate," 7, "Cool Temperate" and 8 "Alpine."
You can search for your postcode in the below tool from the Australian Building Codes Board:
https://www.abcb.gov.au/resources/climate-zone-map
If you are situated in one of these climate zones, it is important that condensation is a key consideration within the early stages of planning your building design, as it can have a long term impact on the health and performance of your home.
In cooler climates, condensation formation within the frame of the building can be caused when moisture from inside the building from household activity such as showering, washing and breathing passes through the building structure and into the wall space behind cladding.
Moisture, when not properly managed, can cause Mould, Mildew and Decay which can lead to structural degradation of framing materials, as well as introduce harmful spores into indoor environments.
A great way to mitigate the risk of mould forming in this space is to create a "drained and ventilated" cavity behind your chosen cladding system to allow air to continually pass through the space, keeping it dry. When used in conjunction with a Vapour Permeable Membrane, this moving air layer in an external frame buildup can be a very effective way to manage condensation. Drainage is an important feature of this space, as it allows any moisture in the space to drain out of the bottom of the wall cavity.
Our HighFlow Cavity Batten system is a structural LVL batten system that harnesses the straightness, strength and stability of LVL timber, while allowing excellent cavity drainage and ventilation. The structural LVL design of HighFlow Battens ensures that they remain straight over time, reducing the risks associated with warping or twisting found in some alternative materials. Their compatibility with a wide range of cladding options gives builders and designers flexibility while maintaining efficiency.
This system can support a variety of cladding options making it a versatile fit for your next cladding project. As a structural timber element, the material can span the space between studs, and does not require a continuous row of nogging supports to hold the ventilated batten. The material allows cladding to be nailed to the batten, which can improve speed on site for steel frame cladding projects.
The HighFlow Cavity Batten is a game-changer in condensation management, providing a reliable, high-performance solution that ensures the long-term integrity of external wall systems.
Designed for easy handling and installation, it saves time on-site while delivering peace of mind through its durable construction and resistance to harsh conditions.
Whether you’re focused on energy efficiency, compliance, or simply protecting your build from moisture issues, the HighFlow Batten is a simple yet effective tool for better outcomes.
Contact the Highwood team today to learn how the HighFlow Cavity Batten can elevate your project and ensure lasting results.
References and Further Reading:
Marlow, Andy, and Dick Clarke. “Condensation.” YourHome, 2020, www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/condensation.
“Climate Zone Map.” ABCB, www.abcb.gov.au/resources/climate-zone-map. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.