IS A VAPOR SHIELD NECESSARY WHEN INSTALLING NEWTECHWOOD SIDING ON A HOME MADE OF CINDER BLOCKS?
Such an installation does not need a vapor barrier. The wall is sufficiently waterproof, if it is made of cinder block.
IN ADDITION TO THE US44 END TRIM, HOW ELSE MAY I CLOSE OUT THE BOTTOM OF A VERTICAL SIDING INSTALLATION?
You can use a PVC trim board across the bottom to keep all the boards straight.
WHAT IS THE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED JOIST SPACING FOR NEWTECHWOOD DECK BOARDS?
Detailed information on joist spacing for the decking board can be seen in our installation guide, specifically on pages 5-6 on this PDF. The installation video (https://youtu.be/aADwQpSH44c) also provides some insight regarding this, starting at around 4 minutes. For North America, this is 12-16 inches, depending on application.
HOW MUCH SPACING DO YOU NEED BETWEEN THE WALL AND THE BOARDS?
With a ¾ inch spacing created by the joists and an additional ¼ created by the AW08 siding clip, the total spacing would be an inch.
HOW MUCH SPACE HAS TO BE BETWEEN THE SIDING AND THE WALL AND WHY?
As best practices, we would recommend having a space of at least 1/2” behind the boards. This can be achieved via joists. You are welcome to therefore use anywhere from 1/4 to 3/4 inch thickness joist. A 1 by 3, 1 by 4, wood, aluminum, or hat channel would all fit this requirement. The AW08 siding clip would then add another 1/4 inch of space from the wall. This system is required to allow for air flow, which prevents the buildup of moisture on the siding boards.
HOW LONG CAN THE SIDING BOARDS BE INSTALLED WITHOUT A BUTT JOINT TRIM?
They can be installed two 16 feet boards back to back, or 32 feet. Any greater lengths could leave notably exposed gaps between boards when contracted (if installed in warmer temperatures) or cause bowing when expanded (if installed in colder temperatures).
HOW DO I KEEP BUGS OUT IN A VERTICAL INSTALLATION?
You may use a bug screen on the bottom.
HOW DO I CLEAN ANY RESIDUAL TAR FROM MY MOISTURE BARRIER OFF THE SIDING?
While most stains on our material can be cleaned with soap and water, this would require a deeper clean. Testing on an inconspicuous area first, you will want to use a combination of acetone and a wire brush, scrubbing gently. You will also want to make sure to wash this off once done.
FOR EUROPEAN STYLE SIDING, HOW DO I CLOSE OUT THE BOTTOM OF A VERTICAL SIDING INSTALLATION?
You can use either the UH50 end trim, or some sort of ledger board. The ledger board may also be one of our solid deck boards.
DO THE NEWTECHWOOD SIDING STARTER STRIPS HAVE TO BE CONTINUOUS?
No, but we do not recommend gaps of greater than 12 inches for ceiling or wall application. We also do not recommend gaps between starter strips at the ends of the siding installation.
