Product Application
Batten
Belco XT® Trim offers a beautiful and long-lasting solution for board-and-batten siding applications, ensuring enhanced weather protection and timeless architectural style.
BELCO XT® Batten
Weatherproof with Visual Interest
FORM MEETS FUNCTION
Resurgence of Board-and-Batten Exteriors
Board-and-batten siding has deep roots in American architecture, originally favored for its practicality and simple construction. Today, it’s experiencing a major revival, embraced for its clean lines and versatility across design styles. Belco XT batten strips bridge architectural styles, turning standard panel siding into a sophisticated design feature that adds depth and character to modern farmhouses and other contemporary design styles.
As home designs evolve, battens are being used in more than just gable accents. They appear on bump-outs, entryways, and full facades, proving their adaptability in both traditional and modern applications. The combination of affordability and high-end appeal makes board-and-batten an attractive choice for builders and homeowners looking to elevate exterior design without excessive costs.
INSTALLATION BEST PRACTICES
Application and Installation Information
Proper batten installation is key to performance and longevity. When applied over vertical siding joints, battens create a natural seal without the need for additional caulking. However, for walls with horizontal joints, battens should never be placed over flashing. Instead, horizontal band boards must be properly flashed both above and below to prevent moisture intrusion.
For best results, leave a minimum 3/8” gap between the end of the batten and any horizontal trim or band board. This prevents moisture buildup and allows for necessary expansion and contraction. Avoid caulking between the batten and the band board, as proper spacing ensures long-term durability.
COMMON SIZES
Batten Sizes
BELCO XT® Trim is available in a range of sizes to suit your batten application design needs:
- 1x2
- 1x3
COMMON MATERIALS
Batten Material Options
Batten trim is available in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Traditional options like cedar offer natural beauty and decay resistance but come at a premium cost and often lack warranties. Fiber cement and engineered wood provide durability but can be fragile, prone to breakage, or susceptible to moisture-related issues such as edge swelling.
Belco XT batten stands out as the superior choice, combining the best attributes of natural wood with the added protection of an industry-leading preservative treatment. Unlike untreated wood, XT batten resists rot, mold, and mildew, and is backed by a 20-year warranty for peace of mind.
Lightweight yet durable, Belco XT batten is designed for efficiency. It installs easily, reduces labor costs, and eliminates the common frustrations associated with more brittle or high-maintenance materials. With a balance of affordability, performance, and aesthetic appeal, it’s the ideal choice for board-and-batten applications that demand longevity and style.
THE BELCO DIFFERENCE
Built to Last
Belco XT batten offers long-lasting performance thanks to our proprietary 2-step treatment process. First, Belco’s non-metallic, EPA-approved wood preservative treatment (Wolman® AG) penetrates the wood fibers and is then properly dried before priming. This key distinction is what sets us apart, ensuring our wood is fortified from within. Our proprietary, industry-leading water-based primer protects the surface and resists water penetration. The end result? Batten products with unmatched durability that exceed the highest industry standards for coating consistency and wood substrate quality.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Belco XT® Batten is Backed by an Industry-Leading Warranty
We wholeheartedly stand behind the quality of our products. We go the extra mile when it comes to ensuring the longevity of our products. Belco XT batten is a durable one and done anti-rot solution that undergoes a proprietary two-step treatment process to protect the wood against damage from moisture, decay, and insects. Our products are so durable and long-lasting that they come with an industry-leading, non-prorated 20-year warranty. Protect your investment by registering your products with us after purchase.
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Belco battens are preservative-treated, factory-primed, and ready for paint, giving builders the authentic look of real wood with far greater durability than untreated cedar or OSB. Compared to fiber cement, Belco battens are lighter, easier to cut, and available in longer lengths with fewer seams, all at a cost-effective price point.
Leaving a proper gap at intersections where battens meet horizontal trim or horizontal band boards prevents trapping moisture. This spacing allows for natural expansion and contraction, avoiding premature rot or paint failure.
For best performance, leave at least 3/8″ between the end of the batten and any horizontal trim board. This detail allows water to drain properly while maintaining clean lines across the wall.
Yes. When installed vertically over siding joints, battens naturally create a weather-resistant seal without the need for caulking. Caulk is actually discouraged between battens and horizontal band boards, as it can trap water instead of allowing proper drainage.
Absolutely! Belco battens are lightweight, straight, and pre-primed, making them simple to cut and fasten with standard tools and fasteners. By following Belco’s best practices for spacing and flashing, builders can achieve a clean, long-lasting board-and-batten design without extra steps like field-priming or sealing. Download our Installation Guide
