NovikShake RS8 RoughSawn 8 ft Shake

Preparation: start at the lowest point of the structure and work left to right. Install Universal Starter Strips level and square. Polymer strip: leave 5/8" (1.59 cm) above a floor, or install flush with the wall base if there is no floor; Pro Series strip: top set 2-1/2" (6.35 cm) above the floor. Leave a 1" (2.54 cm) gap at each wall end when using decorative corners. Nail at maximum 8" (20.32 cm), including the centre hole.

Fasteners and nailing: non-corrosive nails or screws with a 0.4" (1 cm) head and 0.150" (0.38 cm) shank, penetrating at least 1-1/4" (3.18 cm) into a solid surface. Nail the centre hole first, then the last hole at both ends and at least 4 more in the nailing channel: minimum 7 nails per full panel at maximum 16" (40.64 cm). Leave 1/16" (0.16 cm) under each head; the stoppers around the holes set this gap. If a cut piece has no centre hole, drill a 1/8" (0.32 cm) hole at the same height. On a furring wall, strips go at 8" (20.32 cm) o.c. with one behind every nail.

Temperature adjustment: insert the panel into the starter strip, slide its left side over the previous panel and rotate it up. Above 68°F (20°C), slide to the stopper (check the reference line at the bottom right). Between 32°F and 68°F (0 to 20°C), align to the temperature line. Below 32°F (0°C), set the panel 1/16" (0.16 cm) right of that line. Never force a panel; polypropylene expands and contracts.

Rows and edges: push each panel firmly upward so the hooks fully engage the row below. Vary the cut length of the first panel in every row so joints do not repeat, stair-step or line up. With decorative corners, cut the left side of the first panel straight and nail it 2-5/8" (6.67 cm) from the wall edge. With an outside corner or J-trim, leave 1/4" (0.64 cm) between the trim and the siding; required trim opening is 1" (2.54 cm).

Decorative corners: install after two adjacent walls are complete, with rows at 2-5/8" (6.67 cm) from the corner and at equal height. First corner: slip the two external hooks under the starter strip (cut the internal hooks if they interfere), push up to fit and nail the top slots. Next corners: lock the internal hooks into the openings of the corner below, push up and nail. Last corner: cut the excess, make holes wider than the nail shank but smaller than the head, add a nailing strip behind and nail the folded top. Inside corners: inside corner post, two J-trims or two NovikTrim1; seal the inside corner first.

Last row and masonry: on the last row, or anywhere you must nail outside the installation holes, knife a 1" (2.54 cm) slot in a concealed spot and shim as needed to keep the panel angle. Do not fasten accessories directly to the siding. Over masonry, stucco or CMU: weather-resistant barrier first, then vertical 1" x 3" (2.54 x 7.62 cm) furring strips, pressure treated for best performance, at 8" (20.32 cm) o.c., fastened at least 3/4" (1.91 cm) into the masonry. CCMC 13420-R requires installation over furring that leaves a continuous 19 mm air space outboard of the sheathing membrane.

Care: do not paint (voids the warranty). Clean once a year or every other year with a garden hose; for stubborn dirt use a diluted mild laundry detergent (1/3 cup per 4 quarts of water) and a soft-bristle brush, rinsing under 100 psi. Clean bottom-up and rinse top-down. Never pressure wash (voids the warranty); avoid abrasive cleaners and strong solvents. Cut with a circular saw and finishing blade.