How to fix timber battens to limestone retaining wall?

[BenB]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to install WPC cladding on a limestone retaining wall, but I first need to fix timber battens to the wall as a base.

Since limestone is a relatively soft material, I’m looking for recommendations on the best method and type of screw or fixing system to secure the timber battens firmly to the limestone.

It is a limestone brick retaining wall, but the neighbour’s ground level is about 2.5 m higher than mine, so the wall is holding back soil. I plan to cover the entire wall with WPC cladding once the battens are in place.

Any advice or product recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @BenB 

Thank you for sharing your question about your limestone retaining wall. Limestone is generally considered a soft stone and therefore not ideal for fixings that use expansion friction to fix it in place. This generates internal pressure that could cause the stone to fracture or break. The recommended fixing is either a plug and screw method or a chemical anchor and bolt stud system.

A good example of the plug and screw is the Ramset 10 x 80mm Ultra-Long Anchor RamPlug - 10 Pack. As for the chemical fixing the Ramset 300ml Chemset UltraFix Plus in combination with Ramset M12 x 160mm Chemset Anchor Stud Galvanised - 10 Pack is an excellent choice when anchoring timber to stone.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @AlanM52 for their recommendations. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @BenB 

Now thats a doozy of a problem I am going for a freestanding frame for your cladding. Something that either uses no attaching to the limestone or only minimal attachment points. Preferarbly above the ground level of your neighbours.

You could have the bottom rail of the false wall sit on stirrups attached to a concrete slab/footing, then attached to the limestone wall via @EricL 's suggestion above the soil line of your neighbours, leaving 100mm air gap for breathing of the limestone wall. I would allow some airvents of some kind along the bottom.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @BenB 

I have built a similar wall design fixed to limestone block retaining wall and used rectangular aluminium tubing so as to never be concerned about the condition of the timber battens which will eventually deteriorate. plus they are much lighter than timber. I used chemical fasteners to fix the battens similar to what @EricL recommended. I left a 10mm gap at the bottom of the wall to allow for water build up in storms and to prevent debris build up. Just use a blower to clean.

Nailbag

[BenB]

Thanks @EricL, that’s really helpful. I’ll go with the chemical fixing option you suggested.

Appreciate your advice

[BenB]

Thanks @Dave-1 , that’s a great idea!

I’ll consider the 100mm air gap and ventilation as you suggested.

[BenB]

Hi @Nailbag 
The aluminium tubing sounds like a smart idea.
What size profile did you use for your batten?
Thanks

[Nailbag]

Hi @BenB pretty sure this one 

Nailbag

[BenB]

Thanks @Nailbag