VStyle™ Collection

Critical Installation Rules

1. 1

   VStyle may be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

2. 2

   Compliance with Maibec CanExel installation, storage and maintenance requirements and all applicable building codes is mandatory.

3. 3

   These instructions are in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada, section 9.27.

4. 4

   In QC and coastal provinces (NFLD, NS, NB, PEI, BC) CanExel sidings MUST be applied on furring strips (strapping).

5. 5

   CCMC recommends that all types of horizontal, vertical, and panel sidings for NHA housing in the Atlantic Provinces be installed over furring strips.

6. 6

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

7. 7

   Siding must be kept on Maibec CanExel supplied pallets or at least 152 mm (6 in) from the ground, remain flat, and be covered with a water-resistant shroud.

8. 8

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

9. 9

   Siding may be installed over sheathing or unsheathed walls and nailed into studs spaced not more than 406 mm (16 in) O.C.

10. 10

    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.

11. 11

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

12. 12

    Siding may be applied over masonry construction with furring strips securely attached on 406 mm (16 in) centres.

13. 13

    Use a code-approved breathable water-resistive barrier (e.g. Tyvek®, Typar) between the siding and the studs or sheathing.

14. 14

    Do not apply siding to a structure with excessive moisture conditions. Allow the structure to dry and ventilate before application.

15. 15

    A vapour barrier with a perm rating less than 1 (e.g. polyethylene or foil) must be installed on the warm side/interior surface of the wall.

16. 16

    Completely seal all openings for electrical boxes, conduits, pipes, wiring, and any joints or tears in the water-resistive barrier.

17. 17

    Seal all gaps with a high quality, non-hardening, paintable sealant.

18. 18

    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.

19. 19

    All openings must be properly sealed and flashed to prevent water intrusion or buildup.

20. 20

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

21. 21

    Install kick-out flashing to direct water into the gutter. Install step flashing with minimum 102 mm (4 in) upper leg.

22. 22

    Do not extend the siding or trim into the kick-out flashing or gutter.

23. 23

    Minimum 51 mm (2 in) clearance between trim and roofing material.

24. 24

    Use corrosion-resistant nails with a minimum 0.113 in diameter shank and 0.240 in head.

25. 25

    Maintain a minimum 32 mm (1-1/4 in) fastener penetration into the stud, strapping, or combination thereof.

26. 26

    Fasten along the nail-line no greater than 406 mm (16 in) O.C. DO NOT USE STAPLES.

27. 27

    Blind nailing is required except around windows and other wall openings.

28. 28

    Do not force or spring siding into place — this will cause buckling.

29. 29

    Use new 25 mm × 76 mm (1 in × 3 in) kiln-dried furring strips, straight and undamaged (no rot, no splits).

30. 30

    For re-siding: new siding must be installed on new furring strips after the water-resistive barrier is replaced. Old siding must be removed.

31. 31

    HORIZONTAL: Level and install metal starter strips along the bottom edge of sheathing or sill plate, or up to 25 mm (1 in) below.

32. 32

    HORIZONTAL: Install the first course so the machined groove on the lower back of the siding fits over the edge of the starter strip. Nail into the nailing line (~13 mm / 1/2 in from the top edge) at each stud; leave no more than 406 mm (16 in) between nails.

33. 33

    HORIZONTAL: Install subsequent courses so the machined lower edge on the back fits over the top edge of the previously installed course.

34. 34

    HORIZONTAL: When furring strips are required, install them vertically, nailed into wall studs 406 mm (16 in) O.C. over the full height of the wall. Furring strips must be at least 6 mm (1/4 in) thick.

35. 35

    HORIZONTAL: Ensure ventilation — both top and bottom of the space between furring strips must be left open. Protect the bottom opening with a mesh screen or ventilated starter strip.

36. 36

    VERTICAL: For Ontario, allow horizontal furring strips spaced not more than 406 mm (16 in) O.C.

37. 37

    VERTICAL: In Québec and Maritimes, double-furring or diagonal furring is mandatory. Double furring is strongly recommended for continuous ventilation and water drainage.

38. 38

    VERTICAL: Furring strips must be a minimum of 25 mm actual (1 in) thick and nailed directly into the framing or combined structural wood sheathing and framing.

39. 39

    VERTICAL: Ensure ventilation and drainage — leave periodic spacing of 25 mm to 102 mm (1 to 4 in) for horizontal and diagonal furring strips.

40. 40

    VERTICAL: When siding is installed vertically, coat the exposed lower ends of the laps with CanExel touch-up paint or stain to protect from the elements.

41. 41

    DIAGONAL: Allow for horizontal furring strips (Ontario) or diagonal furring strips. Nail spacing must not exceed 406 mm (16 in).

42. 42

    DIAGONAL: Furring should be spaced 305 mm (12 in) O.C. and securely nailed into the structural framing. Furring strips must be a minimum of 25 mm actual (1 in) thick.

43. 43

    DIAGONAL: When siding is installed diagonally, coat the exposed lower ends of the laps with CanExel touch-up paint or stain to protect from the elements.

44. 44

    JOINTS: The vertical joint between adjacent boards must be located over the middle of a stud or furring strip over a stud.

45. 45

    JOINTS (HORIZONTAL): Leave a 6 mm (1/4 in) gap when using joint moulding, or a 5 mm (3/16 in) gap when using sealant. Insert joint moulding or seal the gap.

46. 46

    JOINTS (DIAGONAL): Use sealant only in the 5 mm (3/16 in) gap.

47. 47

    JOINTS (VERTICAL): All VStyle joints in vertical installations must be sealed with a high quality paintable non-hardening sealant.

48. 48

    Do NOT use the VStyle aluminum joint moulding between VStyle vertical or diagonal boards.

49. 49

    Stagger joints from one course to the next.

50. 50

    TWO-STOREY (vertical/diagonal, new construction only): Where siding is applied vertically or diagonally on walls two storeys or more, cut the siding at each floor line leaving a 5 mm (3/16 in) gap; seal with a high quality paintable non-hardening sealant.

51. 51

    If siding is installed vertically on a wall exceeding 3 m (approx. 10') in height, fire-safety requirements may require a fire-blocking barrier.

52. 52

    Siding should be butted to inside and outside corners leaving a 5 mm (3/16 in) gap.

53. 53

    CanExel aluminum inside/outside corners should be installed BEFORE the siding; alternatively, wood trim may be applied over the siding after installation.

54. 54

    Use colour-matched touch-up paint for small scratches and chips that occur during installation. Dab with a Q-tip or point of a cloth; do not brush or rub.

55. 55

    Paint ALL exposed cut edges.

56. 56

    Siding must be washed annually using non-abrasive household cleaners. DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER.