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Siding Installation Manual for:Multi-Panels Cedar Plank and Smooth Plank

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FUTURE PRESENT PRESENT/BETTER

Read the installation manual before you installthe Multi-Panels Cedar and Smooth Plank

Review and comply with all local building codes and regulations regarding wall construction including the proper use of sheathings, framing, water-resistive barriers, flashings and other building materials and systems.

Multi-Panels Cedar and Smooth Plank are certified to ICC-ES AC 90 norms for fiber cement.

Lap Siding ConstructionBenefits -Disadvantages

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1. M4 Exterior Sheathing structural panel2. High Impregnated wood latch 1" x 2"3. Fasteners Non-corrosive4. Siding (Cedar / Smooth) Plank5. Air tight Vapour barrier

Benefits:lower energy consumption, non combustible sheathing, is termite, mold and water resistant. No need for water resistive barrier.

Disadvantages:Need air tight vapour barrier on inside of construction.

1. OSB/Plywood structural panel2. Water resistive barrier3. Fasteners Non-corrosive4. Siding (Cedar / Smooth)Plank

Benefits:Initial price

Disadvantages:Higher energy consumption, OSB/Ply is combustible sheathing, is also not termite, mold and water resistant

1. M4 Exterior Sheathing structural panel2. Water resistive barrier3. Fasteners Non-corrosive4. Siding (Cedar / Smooth) Plank

Benefits:Initial Price, Non combustible sheathing, is termite, mold, water resistant

Disadvantages:Higher energy consumption

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End Plank courses 1/8” From vertical trim and fil gap with

flexible caulk

Cedar / Smooth Plank

Fig-1: Future Low energy Siding concept “Ventilated facade concept” With non combustible M4 sheathing

Joint flashing

Impregnated wood latch 1” x 2”

Ventilation gap 1” take away all humidity

Fig-2: Present Lap Siding construction concept but with M4 structural sheathing (non combustible)

M4 Exterior Sheathing structural panel (Non

combustible) or OSB/Plywood (combustible)

Water resistive barrier

Joint flashingCedar / Smooth Plank

Ground to Cedar /Smooth

Plank 6”

Starter strip to have the proper angel

M4 Exterior Sheathing structural

panel

Do not use flexible caulk in stagger butt joints

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Types of Cutting Tools and BladesCut Cedar and Smooth Plank face down, below are recommended cutting practices.When fiber cement is cut or drilled, it will create dust. This dust may contain crystalline silica, which can pose a health risk. Ensure adequate ventilation by working outdoors or by using mechanical ventilation to reduce potential exposure below applicable exposure limits. The use of recommended cutting tools and blades can greatly reduce the amount of dust generated when cutting fiber cement. Use a polycrystalline diamond-tipped fiber cement blade for circular, miter, and table saws ranging from 7-1/4" to 12" (cut up to 5 panels at the time). For irregular or radius cuts, use scroll cutting shears or jigsaw equipped with a medium polycrystalline diamond-tipped blade or course grit carbide-tipped blade. Use a masonry hole saw for making penetrations for plumbing pipes or other similar cuts. Circular saws with conventional carbide-tipped blades can also be used. Shear-type tools will also cut fiber cement. These tools cut with relatively little effort, less noise, and virtually no dust. The cut is not as smooth as the cut of a polycrystalline diamond-tipped blade, but is acceptable Always re-seal field-cut edges of butt end/joint with 100% acrylic latex paint, primer or Hydro Block prior to installation.

Types of FastenersNon-corrosive, double hot-dipped, galvanized or stainless steel nails or screws specially designed for fiber cement are recommended. Screw type is determined by application and/or wall design see below fig 3:

Wood Studs- Face nail:,113” shank x ,267” HD x 2” long

Wood Studs - Blind nail: ,09” shank x ,222” HD x 2” long

Wood Studs - Blind Nail: No 11ga ,121” shank x ,371 HD x 1,25” long

Steel Studs - Face Screw: Ribbed Bugle head No 8 -18 x ,323” HD x 1,58” long

Steel Studs - Blind Screw: Ribbed Wafer Head No 8 ,375” HD x 1 ¼” long

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Types of Cutting Tools and Blades

Fastening to WoodThe maximum stud spacing allowed is 24". Refer to local building codes for structural requirements. Nails must penetrate a minimum of 1-1/4" into the structural framing. If you use screws, a minimum of 3/4" must penetrate the structural framing. Some screws may require more than 3/4” penetration to resist lateral loads refer to the screw manufacturer for requirements. You can hand nail fiber cement but fiber cement is harder than wood, so be sure the nails are well set before driving them. It may be necessary to predrill the holes at the corners to prevent the edges from breaking.

Fastening to Metal FramingCedar / Smooth Plank can be installed over metal framing. The maximum stud spacing allowed is 24". Self-tapping, corrosive-resistant, ribbed bugle-head screws specifically designed for Fiber Cement are recommended. Fiber cement must be attached to the metal framing members. Screws must penetrate into the metal framing a minimum of 1/4" or three threads.

Drive fasteners perpendicular to Siding and Framing. • Fastener heads of screws/nails should fit snug against siding, no air space. (Fig 4 no. 2 ) • If nail is countersunk, fill nail hole and add a new nail. (Fig 4 no 1 and 3) • Do not use staples and no air space accepted for fasteners (fig 4 no. 4 and 5) • Do not drive nails/screws at an angle • Do not use aluminum fasteners, staples, or clipped head nails

Fig-4: Fasterners must fit snug against Multi-Panels Cedar / Smooth Plank

Fig-5: Installation instruction Blind Nailing Fig-5a: Installation instruction Face Nailing

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Place fasteners between ¾” and 1” from

the top edge of the plank.

Fasteners must not be closer than ½” from end of the Plank,

predrill to avoid cracks.

Drive fasteners ONLY where Planks overlap and into the StudsUse Joint flashing behind

stagger butt joints

¾” – 1” Edge distance of fasteners

Min 1 ¼” overlap of the Plank

Plank overlap 1 ¼” min.

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Flashing Concept

Processing and Storing

Fig-6: Horizontal Flashing concept

Z Flashing

Leave 1/8" gap between

siding and trim surrounding

and fill gap with flexible culk

Min ¼” Do not caulk

SafetyAs for all other building materials, safety precautions must be taken into account and local laws and regulations must be observed. Cutting and drilling are subject to dust development, and proper precautions must be taken by using appropriate dust extraction equipment. Dust from fibre-cement panels is characterized as mineral dust and a prolonged exposure to this may cause lung disease. Fast running electrical equipment hand held circular saws leave a fine and sharp edge on the panels and provide fine dust. Due to the speed of the blade the dust is dispersed over a larger area. Therefore, it is necessary to establish sufficient exhaustion and it is recommended the operator carry personal safety equipment.

Application conditionsPanel temperature and ambient temperature should be + 44°F (+7 °C) - 86°F (+30 °C) and relative humidity <85 % (optimally 60 %). Process temperature must be min +44°F (+7 °C).

Painting & CaulkingUse high quality 100% acrylic latex paint or stain. X Use high quality, exterior grade, color matched or paintable caulk or sealant that meets ASTM standard C-920 and is compatible with both Multi-Panels Fiber Cement Siding and the trim materials. Be sure to caulk wherever the siding meets the trim and around non-self-flashing penetrations and all windows and doors. Never apply oil-based paint or stains. Do not caulk the bottom of the horizontal joint that is above “Z” flashing.

Always re-seal field-cut edges of butt end/joint with 100% acrylic latex paint, primer or Hydro Block prior to installation.

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General Information

Storing- Lifted offMulti-Panels products are delivered with plastic protection cover on the pallet. If undamaged, the plastic cover protects against weather conditions during transportation. The plastic cover is for dust protection only and should be removed upon arrival at the building site. Hereafter the pallets should be kept under a roof, leaving the possibility of ventilation around the panels. Multi-Panels must be stored on a flat and dry level surface on pallets or sleepers with max 400 mm distance. Note! max 5 pallets in a stack at the warehouse and on the building side max 2 pallets in a stack. The panels must be lifted off the pallet and not drawn over the next board, as this will cause scratches and damages on the surface.Lift pallet crosswise and set forks apart to minimize bending of pallet. Fork length must support pallet entirely; if required, use fork extensions.

Annual InspectionNormally, a Multi-Panels Siding does not require maintenance to maintain its strength, properties and function, but an annual inspection of the surface, ventilation gaps, joints and fixings is recommended. Environmental impacts may, however, influence the visual appearance of the façade, detection and repair of possible damages secure a prolonged lifetime for the facade.

High Pressure CleaningWarning High Pressure Cleaning is a rough treatment of a fibre cement Siding. Use of a high pressure cleaner may damage the surface. Therefore, high pressure cleaning is not recommended.

Cleaning of dirtNever clean Cedar/Smooth Plank in bright sunlight, the siding panels can be cleaned with cold or hot water with the addition of a mild household detergent not containing solvents, before cleaning full scale it is recommended to test the selected cleaning method on a smaller area to make sure it answers its purpose. Rinse with plenty of clean water until the facade is perfectly clean.

Moss and Algae removalNever clean in bright sunlight, moss and algae growth can be removed with common detergents available on the market, examples are: “Klorin” or “Rodalon” 2.5% active that has a long-term effect preventing of new growth. After wetting the Multi-panels with clean water, the detergents is applied according to the supplier's instructions. Do notleave the detergents to dry completely and rinse with lots of clean water to remove the moss and algae.

Impact by Pollution and NatureThe weather and nearby vegetation may affect the appearance of the panels. Could be pollution, dust and leaves from trees, bushes and flowers do all together have an impact on the panels.

ServiceIf you have any questions regarding the Multi-Panels Siding panels, our dedicated service are ready to assist you with advice and guidance. Please visit our website for more information.

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WarrantyThis warranty covers:The warranty cover the ICC-ES certification AC 90 scope/values ( US certification of fibre cement) and we confirm that we give a warranty for a period of 10 years, beginning on date of delivery, provided that, the panels were cut/drilled/stored/installed/used prescribed system components etc according to this “ Installation Manual”.

The warranty does not cover: colour fading due to the UV light, environment impact on the panels as pollution etc.

Replacement: Any Multi-panels product which does not comply with these results in the datasheet tested according ICC-ES AC 90 will be replaced free of charge, ex works Los Angeles, on condition that Multi-Panels Corporation are notified within a period of 4 weeks after the appearance of any accepted claim by Multi-Panel Corporation. In particular, the warranty covers neither the transport costs nor labour expenses for dismantling and dumping defective panels and installing new panels. Multi-Panels Corporation shall not be liable for failure of performance hereunder due to force majeure.

DisclaimerThe information contained in this manual is based on Multi-Panels’s general experience, best knowledge and belief, however because of factors that fall beyond Multi-Panels’s knowledge and control, which can affect the use and function of the products, no warranty is given or implied with respect to the information.

Multi-Panels’s policy is one of continuous improvement and therefore reserves the right to alter specifications at any time and without notice. In case of doubt, please contact your local Multi-Panels representative.