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Preparation: install at the lowest point of the structure, working left to right. Install Universal Starter Strips first — ensure the horizontal starting line is perfectly level and square with the wall. Leave a 1" (2.54 cm) gap at each wall end when using decorative corners. If a floor is against the wall, leave a 1/8" (0.32 cm) gap between the starter strip and the floor. If there is no floor, install starter strips flush with the wall base. Nail through nailing holes at maximum 8" (20.32 cm) intervals including the center hole. Slide successive starter strips leftward to the stopper in the previous one.
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Fastener requirements: use non-corrosive (aluminum or galvanized) nails or screws with a head diameter of minimum 0.4" (1 cm) and a shank diameter of 0.150" (0.38 cm). Fasteners must penetrate a minimum of 1-1/4" (3.18 cm) into a solid surface. For furring walls: install furring strips at 8" (20.32 cm) o.c. vertically with one strip required behind each nail hole.
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Nailing each panel: nail the center hole first to ensure even movement in both directions during expansion and contraction. Then nail both end holes, the lateral hole, and 2 additional nails in the nailing channel — minimum 6 nails per full panel at maximum 16" (40.64 cm) intervals. Never hammer nails flush — leave a 1/16" (0.16 cm) gap. If a panel piece has no center hole, drill a new 1/8" (0.32 cm) diameter hole at the same height as the other installation holes.
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Panel assembly & temperature adjustment: hook panels onto the starter strip and slide over the previous panel — lock tabs on both sides and space panels equally. At outdoor temperatures above 40°F (5°C): slide panel to the stoppers at the rear. At temperatures below 40°F (5°C): adjust panel to the temperature line indicated on the panel. Never force insertion. Finish one wall completely before beginning the next wall.
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Row stagger: start the second row with a 16" (40.64 cm) offset from the cut line of the first row. Slide the bottom hooks into the top of the previously installed row. Alternate the cut position on the first panel of each new row to create an authentic random-stone appearance.
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Decorative corner installation: begin after starter strips on both adjacent walls are installed at equal height. Install the first corner base — leave 1/4" (0.64 cm) between the corner base bottom and the starter strip. Slide the first panel of each row 1/4" (0.64 cm) from the corner base to allow thermal movement. Check corner height alignment with siding before fastening corner facings (mortar lines do not need to align — align tops and bottoms of pieces). Install corner facings only after both adjacent rows are completed. For subsequent corner bases, slide each one behind the previous and fasten to the wall. For the last corner, cut excess from base and facing, install, then fasten all facings.
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Last row / cut panels without nail holes: choose a concealed spot and use a knife to create 1/2" (1.27 cm) slots — slots must be wider than the nail shank but narrower than the nail head. This maintains expansion and contraction movement. Nail at maximum 16" intervals. Do not set accessories directly on siding; if required, create 1/2" slots in a concealed spot.
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Trim finishing: leave a 1/4" (0.64 cm) gap between any trim (NovikTrim1 or J-Channel) and the siding panel end. The required opening for NovikStone PHC finishing trim is 3/4" (1.91 cm). For inside corners: finish with (A) an inside corner post, (B) two J-trims, or (C) two NovikTrim1 pieces. Always seal the inside corner of the wall before installing any trim.
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Cutting: use a circular saw with a finishing blade. No mortar, adhesives, or masonry tools required at any stage of installation.
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Care & maintenance: NovikStone PHC requires no painting, staining, caulking, or masonry maintenance. Clean periodically with mild soap and water using a soft-bristle brush — clean bottom-up and rinse top-down with clear water. Do not use a pressure washer, abrasive cleaners, or strong solvents.
