Installation Guide

Vertical siding applications require horizontal nailers, blocking or other wood framing members spaced no more

than 24 inches on center. Check your building code to verify requirements in your area.

Lumber Size and Spacing for Blocking and Furring

1. Furring must be securely fastened to studs.

2. Can be used in moist and severe climates to form an air space between siding and sheathing (i.e. rain screen).

Rain Screen Construction

The basic rainscreen wall conguration, incorporating two layers, or wythes, separated by an air space, has

variations that provide different levels of rain protection effectiveness. A distinction should be made between the

drained cavity wall, the simple or open rain screen, and the pressure-equalized rain screen wall. What is usually

meant by a “rain screen wall” is generally the latter: an exterior cladding, a cavity behind the cladding, drained and

vented to the outside; an inner wall plane incorporating an air barrier; and a set of compartment seals limiting

the cavity size. The outer “screen” layer of cladding deects the kinetic force of the rain, while the inner wythe

remains protected. The vented cavity uses gravity and ashings to drain water that penetrates the outer wall, away

from vulnerable surfaces and joints. The cavity is sufciently wide so that surface tension and capillary action are

not able to move water across the cavity.

Step by step construction tips for basic rainscreen construction (check with local building codes for the

appropriate techniques in your area):

1. Install gas permeable housewrap (such as DuPont™ Tyvek® DrainWrap™) or breathable building paper.

2. Install vertical furring strips. Ensure they are lined up with the studs.

3. Install screen materials under the ends of the furring strips. Fold the screen material over the furring strips

and staple to the front of the furring strips.

4. Install Western Red Cedar siding over the furring strips.

Masonry Walls

Masonry walls require furring strips for horizontal and vertical siding installation. Furring strips must be thick

enough to allow for nail penetration of 1 ¼” into solid wood.

Structural Insulated Panels (S.I.P.)

Structural Insulated Panels require furring strips for horizontal and vertical siding installation. Furring strips must

be thick enough to allow for nail penetration of 1¼” into solid wood. Typical Structural Insulated Panels have

nominal ½” sheathing. To ensure the appropriate nailing base, furring strips a minimum of ¾” thick should be

installed on the outside of the sheathing and breathable building paper at a maximum of 16 inches on center.

BEFORE YOU START