• Fix cladding to a substantial timber framework, secured to masonry or timber substrate.
• Horizontal cladding requires battens spaced vertically at a maximum of 600mm centres. Coloured cladding requires 400mm centres
• Vertical or diagonal cladding battens should be horizontal
• Sufficient battens should be utilised and positioned to support trims and plank ends.
• Over two storeys high, fix centres should not exceed 400mm. Battens on plywood sheathing must be fixed directly into studding
• Cladding should be secured with plasterboard nails or A4 (marine grade) stainless steel nails.
• Battens should be a minimum of 25 x 38mm and should be treated with suitable preservative. irregularities on the backing surface should be removed and reduced where possible to create an even finish.
• Clear airspace of at least 25mm must be provided behind the cladding, with cross battens used to keep the gap clear if insulation is to be used.
• Holes of 10mm should be drilled in the base of ever 1m to permit drainage of any moisture from water vapour. In normal conditions this is sufficient provision.
• Should the cladding be used on timber studding, walls which are not weather tight or walls which are very exposed, the cladding can be backed by a permeable membrane which complies with BS4106: 1972
• Planks and trims should be secured by jagged plasterboard nails of A4 (marine grade) stainless steel nails. Fixings should be through the lip as this is then hidden by the next plank. trims should be secured prior to installation of cladding with the final part added upon completion
• Allow 5mm clearance at each plank end for expansion
• Use fine toothed saw blades and carbine tipper power tool blades. Always use eye protection. Do not expose planks to direct sunlight when storing. weathering may lighten or darken coloured cladding and trims.

Horizontal Installation

• Ensure a level line then secure the starter trims to the timber battens and use a plumb line to check vertical battens
• Locate the first plank in the starter trim and secure
• Work from the centre out when nailing to ensure flatness and fix ends into the trims with 5mm clearance at each end for expansion
• Fit subsequent planks in the same fashion ensuring that the tongued and grooved joint is firmly closed. Lightly tap down the plank to cover the nail with the overlap
• Top planks may be cut down to fit the remaining space but allow sufficient clearance to engage the tongue into the groove

• Stagger the joints and position them at least one fixing centre apart and cover by moulded trim. Alternatively, a continuous length of centre trim may be used which allows all planks to finish at a common length
• Use a silicone sealant around perimeter junctions and opening
• Finally, fasten the appropriate top edge trim

Vertical Installation

• Fix the battens horizontally to the masonry or timber
• Fit appropriate edge trims to the perimeter. Drill all lower trims to allow drainage.
• Starting from one edge, position and secure the planks into the trim. work from from the centre to each edge of each plank
• Fit each subsequent plank over the preceding one; ensuring the tongue and groove is firmly closed by lightly tapping the plank and conceal the nails by overlapping
• Check alignment with plumb line every other plank
• Use suitable packing material behind the fixing centres of the last plank to ensure a level finish
• Stagger the joints and position them at least one fixing centre apart and finish with a moulded cover. Alternatively, a continuous length of centre trim may be used which allows all planks to finish at a common length
• Finally, fasten the appropriate outer trim

Diagonal Installation

• At a 45 degree alignment (to maintain fixing centres of 600mm) battens should be fixed horizontally at 425mm centre
• Fit the edge trim first, then secure each plank to the batten at the required angle
• Tongues of each plank should face upwards
• Check alignment every second plank
• All other fitting procedures are as per the Vertical Installation instructions, Protective film removed before installation and offcuts from fittings should be disposed of with concern for the environment