Perfection Shingles

Critical Installation Rules

1. 1

   Install over solid substrate 7/16" or better with nail holding strength (e.g., Plywood, OSB).

2. 2

   Use of a plastic or woven house wrap is recommended.

3. 3

   Accessories require a minimum 3/4" pocket width opening for J-Channel, Inside, and Outside Corners.

4. 4

   Not recommended to install over existing real cedar siding.

5. 5

   Painting or staining panels will void the warranty. Not intended as a roof covering. Vertical application only.

6. 6

   Panels expand and contract with temperature — position each panel using the temperature indicator gauge provided at time of installation.

7. 7

   Temperature gauge positions: 100°F–91°F → 100°F Line; 90°F–76°F → between 65°F & 100°F Lines; 75°F–56°F → 65°F Line; 55°F–41°F → between 35°F & 65°F Lines; 40°F–35°F → 35°F Line.

8. 8

   Install Corner Post, Molded Corner Pieces, or J-Channel vertically on the wall — pocket width must be a minimum of 3/4".

9. 9

   Install the Starter Strip level at the bottom of the wall; allow 1/4" gap inside the J-Channel or Corner Post for expansion and contraction.

10. 10

    After Starter Strip is level: place one full panel inside the left J-Channel or Corner Post and mark its top with a pencil; repeat on the right side of the wall; stretch a chalk line between the two points — this is the guide for hanging the first course.

11. 11

    To install the first shingle panel: cut a straight edge on the side so it fits into the J-Channel or Corner Post; hook the bottom lock into the starter strip and slide into the J-Channel or Corner Post; leave 1/4" space between the cut panel edge and the J-Channel or Corner Post.

12. 12

    Drive all nails along the nailing hem until a 1/8" to 1/16" space remains — this allows freedom of movement during normal expansion and contraction.

13. 13

    Nails must be centered in every nail slot. Every panel must have a nail through the center nail hole to prevent the panel from shifting left or right.

14. 14

    Recommend a nail every 8–12 inches.

15. 15

    Install the 2nd panel by hooking it into the starter strip and sliding it over to engage the side lock tab. Tip: if having problems with the side lock, install panels starting on an angle and sliding up and over.

16. 16

    Position each panel so the temperature indicator correlates with the air temperature at installation.

17. 17

    Every 3–4 courses, measure up 14-1/4" from the top of the panel on both sides and stretch a chalk line to verify panels are hanging straight.

18. 18

    Use random length starter pieces — every starter course should be a different length than the previous course to avoid a repeat pattern. Cut starters between 6" and 46".

19. 19

    Never use the scrap piece cut from the end of the last course as your next starter — a repeat pattern will appear on the 4th or 5th course.

20. 20

    For the top panel in a course: drill a 3/16" hole in the center of the top nail hem, then place a nail in that hole and continue installation.

21. 21

    After inserting panels together, verify the side lock by pulling back the right top side of the panel — the left locking tabs should move with the right side if the panels are locked.

22. 22

    Peek around the left side of the joint using your fingers or a flat pry bar to verify the bottom lock is fully engaged; a large gap indicates the bottom lock has been missed.

23. 23

    For starters at a J-Channel: measure from inside the J-Channel to the right side of a top lock, then subtract 1-1/2" (allows 1/4" spacing inside J-Channel); flip panel to back side, mark, and cut.

24. 24

    For finishers at a J-Channel: measure from inside the J-Channel to the temperature gauge indicator leaving room for expansion; flip panel to back side, mark, and cut; install in a down-to-up motion applying even pressure on top and bottom locking tabs.

25. 25

    Leave 1/4" of space around all windows — the panel will warp and buckle off the wall if space is not provided.

26. 26

    When nailing panels around the bottom of a window, use small head finish nails to prevent pieces from falling down.

27. 27

    When finishing at a gable or soffit: measure from the top of the panel down 1-7/8"; then measure down to the J-Channel allowing 1/4" spacing; mark and cut the top of the panel; lock the panel into the J-Channel.

28. 28

    Optional: cove molding may be used as a decorative edge to snap into F-Channel — it also helps fasten the panels more securely to the wall. Contact your local distributor for availability.

Storage & Handling

• Store panels flat and protected from direct sunlight prior to installation.
• Panels are for vertical application only — not intended as a roof covering.
• Do not install over existing real cedar siding.