NovikStone PHC Premium Hand-Cut Stone

Preparation: start at the lowest point of the structure and work left to right. Install Universal Starter Strips first, perfectly level and square with the wall. Leave a 1" (2.54 cm) gap at each wall end when using decorative corners. With a floor against the wall, leave 1/8" (0.32 cm) between the polymer starter strip and the floor (Pro Series strip: top set 2" (5.08 cm) above the floor); with no floor, install flush with the wall base.

Nail through the nailing holes at maximum 8" (20.32 cm) intervals, including the centre hole. Slide each successive starter strip leftward to the stopper in the previous one.

Fastener requirements: non-corrosive nails or screws with a head diameter of 0.4" (1 cm) and a shank diameter of 0.150" (0.38 cm), penetrating at least 1-1/4" (3.18 cm) into a solid surface. Novik recommends a flat substrate such as plywood or OSB for the best look. On a furring wall, furring strips go at 8" (20.32 cm) o.c., installed obliquely per the PHC summary guide, with a strip behind every nail. CCMC 13420-R requires installation over furring that leaves a continuous 19 mm air space outboard of the sheathing membrane; confirm the wall build with your building official.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trim finishing: leave a 1/4" (0.64 cm) gap between any trim (NovikTrim1 or J-trim) and the siding. The required opening for NovikStone PHC finishing trim is 3/4" (1.91 cm). Inside corners: finish 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.

Cutting: use a circular saw with a finishing blade. No mortar, adhesives or masonry tools are needed.

Installation over masonry, stucco or CMU: apply a weather-resistant barrier first. Fasten vertical 1" x 3" (2.54 x 7.62 cm) furring strips, pressure treated for best performance, at 8" (20.32 cm) o.c., with fasteners driven at least 3/4" (1.91 cm) into the masonry. Dry-fit a panel to see where extra nailing blocks are needed at the lateral nail slot. Shorten siding fasteners to 1" (2.54 cm) if furring is applied directly to masonry.

Care & maintenance: do not paint (painting voids the warranty). Clean once a year or every other year with plain water and 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 with clear water. Never pressure wash (voids the warranty); avoid abrasive cleaners and strong solvents.