NovikShake RS RoughSawn Cedar Shake

Always begin installation at the lowest point of the structure and work upward, left to right. Install a Universal Starter Strip on the first row — ensure the horizontal starting line is perfectly level and square with the wall. Leave a 1" (2.54 cm) gap at each end of the wall when using decorative corners. If a floor abuts the wall, leave a 3/4" (1.91 cm) gap between the starter strip and the floor.

Use non-corrosive (aluminum or galvanized) roofing nails or screws: minimum 1¼" (3.18 cm) penetration into solid substrate. Head diameter: minimum 0.4" (1 cm). Each full-length panel requires a minimum of 6 nails — nail the center hole first, then both end holes, the lateral hole, and 2 additional nails in the nailing channel at maximum 16" (40.64 cm) o.c. Never hammer nails flush — leave a 1/16" (0.16 cm) gap. The stoppers around the holes provide the required gap automatically.

Temperature-dependent panel spacing is required: at 35°C (95°F) allow 3.2 mm (0.125"); at 20°C (68°F) allow 5 mm (0.200"); at 5°C (41°F) allow 7.6 mm (0.300"). Use the temperature reference lines marked on each panel. Never force panels tight — polypropylene expands and contracts seasonally.

Outside corners: install decorative corner trim first. Panels on adjacent walls must finish at 2¼" (5.7 cm) from the corner wall at equivalent height. Stagger panel joints row to row — begin the second row with a 16" (40.64 cm) offset from the row below; alternate cut positions on subsequent rows to eliminate stacking seams.

On masonry or furring walls: install 1" × 3" (2.54 cm × 7.62 cm) wood furring strips vertically at maximum 8" (20.32 cm) o.c. — one furring strip must align behind every nail hole. Fasteners must penetrate a minimum of 3/4" (1.91 cm) into solid framing or sheathing. A continuous, clear air space of 19 mm outboard of the sheathing membrane is required under CCMC 13420-R.

Inside corners can be finished with: (A) an inside corner post, (B) two J-trims, or (C) two NovikTrim1 pieces. Seal the inside corner of the wall before installing any trim. Leave a 1/4" (0.64 cm) gap between any trim and siding panel ends; the required opening for finishing trim is 5/8" (1.59 cm).

Care & cleaning: RoughSawn Cedar Shake requires no painting, staining, or caulking. Clean annually with plain water and a garden hose or a mild diluted detergent (1/3 cup laundry detergent per 4 quarts water) with a soft-bristle brush. Clean bottom-up; rinse top-down with clear water. Do not use a pressure washer, abrasive cleaners, or strong solvents — pressure washing will void the warranty.