Sierra Premium

Sierra Premium™ Shakes and Sierra Premium™ Plus Shakes from Nichiha, are easy to cut and handle as other fiber cement shake products and install easily and quickly, with no special tools required. The beautiful deep-grain shake textured panels, look as great as they perform and are available primed and in four beautiful factory-applied stain color options: Mahogany, Redwood, Maple and Cedar*.

Sierra Premium™ Shake panels are 1/2 inch thick and a full 8 foot in length, which translates into less panel breakage and less cutting and trimming for less on-the-job installation time. Each panel is factory-sealed on all six sides, protecting the panel from water penetration and factory-primed for a consistent surface that will readily accept a painted finish. Sierra Premium™ Shake panels are rated to withstand 110 m.p.h. sustainable winds, blind nailed [ASTM E 330] and are backed by a 30-year transferable limited warranty.

The following is a summary of Nichiha's installation guidelines. For complete illustrated installation instructions, call or write Nichiha or visit our website www.NICHIHA.com.

SIERRA PREMIUM™ SHAKES / SIERRA PREMIUM™ PLUS SHAKES - INSTALLATION SUMMARY

Storage and Handling
Nichiha Sierra Premium™ Shake and Premium Plus panels must be stored flat and kept dry before being installed. On site it is recommended that you carry the panels by the edges for product integrity.

Cutting
When cutting, it is recommended that you use either a diamond or carbide tipped blade with a circular saw or hand shears specifically designed for fiber cement siding. Always wear safety glasses and a NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator when handling the panels. Please refer to the MATERIAL SAFTY DATA SHEET for specifics on handling panels.

Preparation
Shake panels can be installed over sheathing or bracing wood studs. Maximum stud spacing should be no more than 16" o.c. Building wrap is required on all exterior applications. It is recommended that OSB or plywood as sheathing be used to ensure nail-holding power and provide an air gap between panel and sheathing.

Installation

1. Cut shake panels horizontally into 3" wide strips and install as you would a starter strip, leaving a minimum 6-1/8" from soil grade or 2-1/8" from hard surface to the bottom of the strip.
2. Install the first course of the panels horizontally. The bottom edge should overlap the starter strip by 1/8".
3. Use 6d, 8d nails or 2" length siding nails when fastening panels to stud. It is recommended that fasteners used with shake panels be high quality corrosion resistant such as hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel. Fasteners must penetrate stud a minimum of 1".
4. All vertical panel joints must be located on studs.
5. Nailing occurs a minimum of 1" from top edge, and a minimum of 3/4" from panel edges. Fasteners must be angled on the vertical joint. It is recommended that you use a pneumatic tool that is specifically designed for use with siding fasteners. Check with tool manufacturer for recommended air pressure. Air pressure that is too high can cause panels to break and air-pressure that is too low can cause nail head exposure.
6. Provide a 1/8" gap between the panels and trim, such as windows and doors, for caulking.
7. A minimum of 1-1/4" overlap is provided on the horizontal joint.