Flip Battens

What makes Knotwood Flip Battens different from Clip Battens?

Flip Battens use a universal self-connecting profile: one half is fixed to the substructure, and an identical second half flips and snaps over it to form a complete rectangular hollow box section. There is no separate bracket component. This makes Flip Battens Knotwood’s slimmest screening profile, ideal for compact spaces, eaves, and trims where a Clip Batten bracket would not fit.

Are Knotwood Flip Battens suitable for installation under eaves or in tight spaces?

Yes. Flip Battens are specifically designed for tight or narrow spaces and fit flush under eaves and trims. Because the fixing is concealed within the hollow section once the two halves are snapped together, there is no protruding hardware, making them well suited to compact design applications in both residential and commercial projects.

What profile sizes are available in the Knotwood Flip Batten range?

Knotwood Flip Battens are available in nine profiles: 38x16mm, 65x16mm, 100x16mm, 150x16mm, 200x25mm, 50x25mm, 60x40mm, 100x40mm, and 100x75mm. The 16mm depth profiles are the slimmest in the Knotwood screening range and are suited to applications where minimal projection from the wall is required.

How are Knotwood Flip Battens installed?

Installation is a two-step process. The first Flip Batten half is cut to length and fixed directly to the substructure using stainless steel fasteners. A second identical length is then positioned with outer upstands facing the first half, angled in from one side, and pressed firmly until the profiles click together, forming a sealed hollow box section. End caps are tapped into exposed ends to finish.

Are Knotwood Flip Battens BAL-40 rated for use in bushfire-prone areas?

Yes. Flip Battens are tested to AS/NZS 3959 (BAL-40) and combustibility standards AS/NZS 1530.1 and AS/NZS 1530.3. The 6060 T5 extruded aluminium RHS substrate is non-combustible. Note that Flip Battens use a 6060 T5 alloy, whereas Clip Battens use 6063 T6; both are suitable for bushfire zone applications but engineering spans differ between systems.

Can Knotwood Flip Battens be used for both interior and exterior screening applications?

Yes. Flip Battens are suited to residential and commercial use in both interior and exterior applications. The sublimated timber grain and powder coat finish is durable enough for external exposure while refined enough for interior feature walls, ceilings, and partitions. Spacing and sequencing can be adjusted to suit privacy and ventilation requirements for each application.

What spacing between Flip Battens gives the best balance of privacy and airflow?

Spacing between Flip Battens can be varied to balance privacy and ventilation to suit your project. Tighter spacing increases privacy and reduces airflow; wider spacing maximises ventilation while providing a more open visual effect. As a general guide, equal spacing to the batten width gives approximately 50% coverage. Knotwood’s technical team can advise on spacing for specific privacy or airflow performance targets.

How long do Knotwood Flip Battens last and what maintenance is required?

Knotwood Flip Battens carry a 15-year limited warranty and are made from 100% recyclable aluminium with a VOC-free powder coat and non-chromate pre-treatment. Maintenance requires only periodic washing with water and a pH-neutral detergent. No sanding, oiling, or recoating is ever required, making Flip Battens a low-maintenance alternative to timber screening in Australian conditions.