Nichiha Brick and Stone Fiber Cement Panels Are Easy To Install

Job Site Preparation

1. Job site conditions:
   1. Nichiha fiber cement panels can be installed over bracing wood, steel studs and sheathing including; plywood, OSB, plastic foam or fiberboard sheathing.
   2. Allowable stud spacing - max. 20" o.c.
   3. 18 GA, 3-5/8" min. width C-studs are required when installing to metal construction.
   4. Building wrap is required for all exterior applications. Use approved moisture resistive building wrap, per local building codes, over sheathing or studs. Do not use plastic wrap.
   5. Seal all penetrations including openings with building tape in accordance with local building codes. To minimize water penetration onto substrate, apply building tape around all wall penetrations, including openings.
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10. Surface conditions:
    1. Examine, clean, and repair as necessary, any substrate conditions which would be detrimental to proper installation.
    2. Do not begin installation until unacceptable conditions have been corrected.
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Installation

1. General: Install products in accordance with the latest installation guidelines of the manufacturer and all applicable building codes and other laws, rules, regulations and ordinances. Review all manufacturer installation, maintenance instructions and other applicable documents before installation.
   1. Panels are installed working left to right, bottom to top. Prepare layout of material for the best appearance and to minimize cutting. Corner trim should be set first.
   2. Install Nichiha Starter Strip with either nails or screws that penetrate the studs or sill plate a minimum of 1", not to exceed 20" o.c. The starter pieces must be leveled, and applied a minimum of 6" above from soil finished grade or 2" above from hard finished surface, or per local building codes. When using over concrete construction, the wall must be furred out with pressure treated lumber.
   3. Place the first panel in the starter and attach using Nichiha short clips at each stud. Verify first panel is level. Install panels from left to right, bottom to top.
   4. Fit panels tightly together ensuring that panel edges are properly seated in the clips. You may use a block of wood to seat the panel. DO NOT hammer directly on panel edge.
   5. Do not apply any caulk/sealant to the panel joints, unless panels are cut.
   6. When vertical joints fall between two studs, use Nichiha long clips to bridge the studs.
   7. Maintain minimum of 1" clearance between roofing and bottom edge of panel.
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14. Cutting / Trimming:
    1. When the horizontal joints are cut, face nail or face screw to the studs, not to exceed 20" o.c. Fasteners must be spaced no closer than 1" from panel edge.
    2. Allow a minimum of 1/8" clearance between panel and trim or other products, and fill with high quality caulk/sealant in comliance with ASTM C-920.
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17. Fasteners:

    Unique clip system installs quickly and easily [interior installation shown]

    1. Recommend 6d, stainless steel or galvanized or other corrosion resistant fasteners for wood construction, as recommended by fastener manufacturer.
    2. Provide #8, pan head stainless steel or galvanized screws or other corrosion resistant screws for steel construction, as recommended by fastener manufacturer.
    3. Nails must penetrate 1 inch or more into the wood studs, and screws must penetrate 3/8 inch or more into the steel studs.
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22. Installation Details
    1. Installation Around Doors and Windows
       1. Metal flashing should be used to prevent water from entering behind panels at all openings.
       2. When panels butt next to a wood trim, a gap of 1/8" is required to allow for movement of the wood. This gap must be filled with caulk - in compliance with ASTM C-920.
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    4. Vinyl J-Trim
       1. Vinyl J-Trim may be used at door and window openings. Panels must fit completely within trim, with no exposed panel edges.
       2. When the horizontal joints are cut, face nail to the studs not to exceed 20" o.c.
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    7. Inside Corner Installation
       1. First install metal or vinyl corner angle. Install a panel on one side of the corner pushing the panel all the way into the corner angle.
       2. Install other panel and allow 1/8" for caulking - in compliance with ASTM C-920.
       3. When installing inside corners with vinyl or metal inside corner trim, panels must fit completely within trim, with no exposed panel edges.
       4. Panels may also be used with wood or other inside corner trim materials. Panels must fit completely within trim, with no exposed panels edges. If panel butts up to trim material allow 1/8" for caulking, in compliance with ASTM C-920.
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    14. Nichiha Outside Corner Installation
        1. When installing Nichiha corners, use one clip on each side of corner. Shims may be required behind the corner clips to ensure panels and corners are flush.
        2. Install the adjoining panel. A gap of 1/8" is required between the panel and the corner.
        3. This gap must be filled using caulk in compliance with ASTM C-920.
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    19. Vinyl or Metal Outside Corner Installation
        1. Panels must fit completely within trim, with no exposed panel edges.
        2. If panel butts up to trim material, allow 1/8" for caulking, in compliance with ASTM-C920.
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    22. Mitered Outside Corners
        1. Cut panels at a 45º angle. NOTE: When installing Vintage Brick or Newport Brick panels, if from either side you have a full brick on the pattern layout, then the other corresponding side should have a half-brick pattern.
        2. Clean all edges to reduce all dust, dirt etc.
        3. Apply glue on panel edges, hold in place and staple with a brad nailer. Nichiha recommends the use of a urethane or acrylic glue [adhesive] for use in exterior applications. Note: DO NOT USE SEALANT OR CAULK AS A REPLACEMENT TO GLUE/ADHESIVE.
        4. Leave edges untouched until the glue has completely dried.
        5. Bevel the glued edges utilizing a sander, putty knife, file or utility knife, until edges have a clean finished appearance.
        6. Fill with any crevices with an acrylic exterior patching putty. Note: DO NOT USE SEALANT OR CAULK AS A REPLACEMENT TO PATCHING PUTTY.
        7. Apply a color matched acrylic latex paint to beveled edges for a clean finished appearance.
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    35. Soffit Installation
        1. Cut panels to fit the contour of the gable or overhang.
        2. When using vinyl soffit, panel may be applied first, and the vinyl F-trim may be applied directly to the panels by face-nailing using stainless steel ring shank nails.
        3. For easier installation, pre-drill using a 1/8" drill bit. To avoid splitting the panel, do not nail within 1" of panel edge.
        4. Do not leave panel edges exposed.
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    42. Interior Installations

        Install panels beginning from left to right, bottom to top [interior installation shown]

        1. Panels can be installed directly to either wood or metal studs with no need for substrate.
        2. Install in accordance with exterior installation instructions as stated above.
        3. Interior Fastening without clips. An approved construction adhesive can be used to secure panels to the substrate where clips cannot be used such as a backsplash. Apply ½ ounce of adhesive to the panel or substrate a least every six inches vertically, 16 inches horizontally. It is recommended to use a few nails to hold the panel in place while the adhesive dries.
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    47. Caulking
        1. Nichiha Sealant: Apply masking tape along the joints for protection.
        2. Apply caulk between panels and trim, completely filling joint until caulk is even with panel.
        3. Before removing masking tape, press the surface of the caulk with a spatula or similar tool to ensure an even surface. Remove masking tape before caulk dries.
        4. If excess caulk adheres to panel surface, remove using a putty knife or soft cloth.
        5. Other Sealant Brands: Apply sealant in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
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Please read these instructions completely before beginning installation. Before installation, please refer to all local building codes fore compliance. It is recommended that installer view our 15-minute installation video before beginning installation, ask your distributor/dealer for details, or call or write to the address below.

Safety Information: When cutting fiber cement panels always use appropriate safety equipment and insure cutting area is free of obstructions and properly ventilated. Cutting fiber cement panels can generate a large volume of dust, which can be hazardous to your health if inhaled. Always wear safety glasses and a NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator with HEPA filter cartridge when cutting, drilling or abrading Nichiha fiber cement panels. For further safety information refer to Nichiha Brick and Stone Fiber Cement Product - Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS 05/00]. For a copy of this MSDS log on to our web site, www.NICHIHA.com, or call or write to the address below.

* For complete detailed and illustrated installation instructions contact:
Nichiha USA, Inc.
2625 Cumberland Parkway, Suite 450
Atlanta, GA 30339
Or call toll free: 1 86 NICHIHA 1 [1-866-424-4421]
Fax: 770-805-9467
Or visit our website www.NICHIHA.com