Foundry Split Shake

Preparation: apply a flat, level wall surface and a weather-resistant barrier (house wrap) over all sheathing prior to installation — consult local building code. Install window flashing per ASTM E2112: underside first, then sides, then top, extending past nail flanges of accessories. Sheathing must be minimum 7/16" (11 mm) OSB or 15/32" plywood. Inspect framing to ensure structural soundness.

Fastener requirements: use corrosion-resistant nails with minimum 3/8" (9.5 mm) head diameter and 0.120" (3 mm) shank, long enough to penetrate minimum 3/4" (19 mm) beyond the solid substrate. Nail panels every 10" (254 mm) in the centre of nailing slots. Drive fasteners straight and level — never tightly against the nail hem; allow approx. 1/32" clearance so panels can move freely. Do not face-nail.

Expansion clearances: leave minimum 1/8" clearance at all openings and terminations for thermal expansion/contraction. In temperatures below 40°F (4.4°C), increase minimum clearance to 1/4" (6.35 mm). When lapping panels, leave 1/4" gap at the nailing hem. Space each starter strip at least 1/4" from the next. Trimmed pieces must be at least 6" long and nailed every 10".

Shake installation — first course: install on the lower left side of the wall, locked securely into the starter strip. Fasten every 10" in the centre of nailing slots. Succeeding courses: insert the butt edge into the top lock of the previously installed course; lock must be fully engaged and panels must not be under tension or compression. Keyways between individual shakes must NOT align with the panel below. Recommended stagger pattern: 1st course = full panel; 2nd = remove 1.5 shakes from left; 3rd = remove 3 shakes; 4th = remove 4.5 shakes; check horizontal alignment every 5th course.

Corner installation: the outside corner requires 2 ft of J-Channel for every 1 ft of corner. Apply 1" beads of silicone adhesive into female sections of corner piece at 5", 7", or 10" intervals before locking J-Channel. Overlap J-Channel laps near mid-length of corner — not at corner overlaps. Position the first nail at the top of the highest nail slot to prevent the corner from sliding down. Fasten every 10" in the centre of remaining slots. Flash the corner minimum 16" on each side with water-resistant material before installing.

Cutting and trimming: cut panels with snips or a circular saw with a vinyl-grade fine-tooth blade installed in the reverse direction. Trimmed pieces must be at least 6" long and secured with minimum 2 nails at every 10". Use a snap lock punch to create locking tabs on cut panels when installing utility trim under windows or soffits. For turret or curved applications: cut v-notches in the return leg at the butt hem; warm panels to 75°F or higher (use a heat gun in cold weather) to aid flexibility.

Care & maintenance: Foundry Split Shake is a vinyl product requiring no painting, caulking, or staining. Clean periodically with mild soap and water and a soft cloth or low-pressure wash. Avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or high-pressure washing. Do not expose to direct heat sources such as barbecue grills.