The ACRE Board & Batten Siding Installation Spotlight Guide (PDF) provides step-by-step instructions for installing ACRE® sheets and battens in a traditional board-and-batten exterior. This guide walks through proper storage, wall preparation, sheet layout, batten fastening, gapping for temperature changes, finishing, and long-term maintenance.
ACRE sheets must always be installed vertically, with lengths selected to break cleanly at each floor level. Installation begins with proper storage—ACRE must be kept flat, dry, supported, and acclimated for at least two hours prior to fastening. Boards should be fully dry before installation, and installers must inspect all material for damage or irregularities.
Wall preparation includes confirming all framing and sheathing meet local building codes, ensuring the WRB is properly installed, and verifying the wall is flat and free of protruding fasteners. A 1/16″ gap is required between adjacent sheets, and sheets must be fastened no closer than ½” from the edge and no more than 16″ on center into framing. When fastening to OSB or plywood, fasteners must be spaced no more than 12″ apart.
Batten installation requires exterior-grade #8 × 2½” screws or 2½” ring-shank nails, spaced every 12″ vertically. Battens should cover each sheet seam, with additional battens added between seams to create the desired rhythm. Battens may not exceed 16″ on-center spacing across the wall.
Expansion and contraction guidance instructs installers to adjust gapping based on temperature at install—tightly butted above 90°F, 1/16″ in cool conditions, and up to 1/8″ in cold weather. Rabbeted trim or scarf joints may be used to reduce visible movement.
Additional instructions cover transitions between rows using Z-flashing, window and door trim, gable end details, adhesives, finishing with water-based coatings (LRV 55+), and care/cleaning recommendations including gentle soaps and <2500 PSI washing.
Download the ACRE Board & Batten Siding Installation Spotlight Guide (PDF) below for diagrams, spacing tables, trim details, and full board-and-batten installation steps. For help planning an ACRE siding project, your TimberTown team is always here to help.
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