Ridgewood D-5™

Critical Installation Rules

1. 1

   Do not store CanExel Siding in heated buildings — storage in heated buildings will dry out the siding and make it susceptible to buckling.

2. 2

   Keep siding on Maibec CanExel supplied pallets or at least 152 mm (6 in.) from the ground; must remain flat and be covered with a water-resistant shroud provided by Maibec CanExel.

3. 3

   Keep siding clean and dry at all times; allow siding to adjust to atmospheric conditions before application.

4. 4

   Do not apply engineered wood siding to a structure with excessive moisture conditions such as drying concrete or plaster; building should be well ventilated and allowed to dry prior to siding application.

5. 5

   Do not apply siding on green or crooked structural framing. Do not apply over rain-soaked or buckled sheathing materials.

6. 6

   In QC and coastal provinces (NFLD, NS, NB, PEI, BC): CanExel siding MUST be applied on furring strips (strapping). Humidistat-controlled mechanical ventilation is also recommended per N.B.C.

7. 7

   ALLOW AT LEAST 203 mm (8 in.) between the bottom edge of the siding and the ground. Siding should not come in direct contact with concrete.

8. 8

   Siding adjacent to porches, patios, walks, etc. must have a clearance of at least 51 mm (2 in.) above any surface.

9. 9

   Maintain 8" (20 cm) clearance from siding to dirt sources and vegetation; regularly clear any vegetation that may contact the siding.

10. 10

    A properly installed breathable water-resistive barrier (Tyvek®, Typar®, etc.) is required behind the siding; seal all openings for electrical boxes, conduits, pipes, wiring, and joints.

11. 11

    Seal all gaps with a high quality, non-hardening, paintable sealant following the sealant manufacturer's instructions.

12. 12

    ALWAYS LEAVE A 5 mm (3/16 in.) SPACE WHEREVER SIDING BUTTS AGAINST TRIM OR OTHER MATERIALS to allow for expansion. Use J-mould or sealant.

13. 13

    CanExel Siding may be installed over sheathing or unsheathed walls (single-skin application) and NAILED INTO STUDS SPACED NOT MORE THAN 406 mm (16 in.) O.C.

14. 14

    Studs must be a minimum 38 mm × 89 mm (1.5 in. × 3.5 in.).

15. 15

    Minimum 32 mm (1-1/4 in.) fastener penetration into the stud, strapping, or combination thereof; 29 mm (1-1/8 in.) minimum stud penetration for spiral shank nails.

16. 16

    Use corrosion-resistant nails with a minimum 0.113 in. diameter shank and a 0.240 in. head; fasten along nail-line no greater than 406 mm (16 in.) OC.

17. 17

    Blind nailing is required except around windows and other wall openings. DO NOT USE STAPLES.

18. 18

    Nail conditions: Snug → OK; Flush → OK; Visible fiber → Paint; Countersunk 1/16–1/8 in. → Seal with caulking; Countersunk more than 1/8 in. → Seal with caulk and renail.

19. 19

    Furring strips: use 25 mm × 76 mm (1 in. × 3 in.) kiln-dried, straight and undamaged (no rot, no splits). Install vertically, nailed into wall studs 406 mm (16 in.) O.C. Must be at least 6 mm (1/4 in.) thick.

20. 20

    For ventilation, both the top and bottom of the space between furring strips must be left open; protect bottom opening with mesh screen or ventilated starter strip; use ventilated J strips for top.

21. 21

    Under and above windows and doors: maintain spacing of 51 mm (2 in.) between furring strip and horizontal framing; install a short furring strip approximately 305 mm (12 in.) long centered vertically between main furring strips.

22. 22

    Install kick-out flashing with minimum 102 mm (4 in.) upper leg; maintain 51 mm (2 in.) clearance between siding and roofing.

23. 23

    Do not run trim or siding inside of the kick-out flashing or gutter. Paint ALL exposed cut edges.

24. 24

    HORIZONTAL APPLICATION: Level and install metal starter strips along bottom edge of sheathing or sill plate, or up to 25 mm (1 in.) below. Install first course so the machined groove on the lower back of the siding fits over the edge of the starter strip.

25. 25

    Fasten by nailing into the nailing line (approximately 13 mm (1/2 in.) from the top edge of siding) at each stud; leave no more than 406 mm (16 in.) between nails.

26. 26

    Install subsequent courses so the machined lower edge fits over the top edge of the previously installed piece.

27. 27

    Vertical joints between adjacent pieces must be located over the middle of a stud or furring strip (also over a stud). Leave a 5 mm (3/16 in.) gap for sealant joints or 6 mm (1/4 in.) for joint mouldings between two boards. Stagger joints from one course to the next.

28. 28

    For Ridgewood D-5 installed horizontally: insert a joint moulding into the 6 mm (1/4 in.) gap, OR seal the 5 mm (3/16 in.) gap with sealant.

29. 29

    Board-to-board sealant width: between 10 and 13 mm (3/8" and 1/2"); leave 5 to 6 mm (3/16" to 1/4") gap between boards for sealant.

30. 30

    Board-to-trim: leave 5 to 6 mm (3/16" to 1/4") gap; apply sealant 10 to 13 mm (3/8" to 1/2") wide.

31. 31

    USE SEALANT ONLY WHERE NEEDED. Improper use of sealant may prevent water drainage.

32. 32

    Butt siding to inside and outside corners leaving a 5 mm (3/16 in.) gap. When CanExel aluminum inside and outside corners are used, install them BEFORE the siding; wood trim may be applied over the siding after installation.

33. 33

    On walls two stories or more (new construction): cut siding at each floor line leaving a 5 mm (3/16 in.) gap; seal the gap with high quality paintable non-hardening sealant, or use a horizontal band or trim with Z flashing.

34. 34

    Vertical walls exceeding 3 m (approx. 10 ft.) may require a fire-blocking barrier per code fire safety requirements.

35. 35

    Apply touch-up paint to all cut edges and all bare siding to protect against water and rot — mandatory for horizontal cuts; strongly recommended for vertical cuts. Dab with a Q-tip or point of cloth; do not brush or rub.

36. 36

    Apply touch-up paint only at temperatures above 10°C (50°F). Do not apply to wet siding or trim.

37. 37

    TOUCH-UP PAINT IS ONLY MEANT TO BE USED IN THE AREA IN NEED OF IT. Do not apply over non-damaged factory-coated material.

38. 38

    Wash siding annually using non-abrasive household cleaners per manufacturer's recommendations. Use a low-pressure garden hose (under 100 psi); rinse thoroughly. NEVER USE a pressure washer.

39. 39

    NEVER USE harsh or abrasive detergents, or products containing acids, ammonia, or bleach. When using a brush, use a SOFT BRISTLE BRUSH ONLY (such as a car brush).

40. 40

    Failure to carry out necessary maintenance may void the warranty. Visually inspect siding once a year.

41. 41

    Use ASTM C920-approved, minimum Class 25 caulking for sealant joints; check and redo sealant as soon as it begins to harden or crack.