Installation Guide

Additionally, the following guidelines will aid in completing a satisfactory high moisture installation.
1. Limit panel length to 8’.
2. Install panels vertically.
3. Acclimate panels to the ambient temperature and moisture conditions for a minimum
of 48 hours prior to installation.
4. Install panels leaving a minimum of 1” space at both the floor and ceiling junctures.
5. Use mechanical fasteners (metal or nylon drive rivets). Always oversize the fastener holes. Do not use adhesive.
6. Install wall-hung equipment and signs with standoffs (washers) between the substrate
wall and equipment, making certain that the standoffs are thick enough to expand and
contract. Drill panels 1/4” diameter larger than the standoffs
(Figure 25).
7. Caulk and seal all edges to keep water from getting behind the panels
(Figure 25).
Factory Laminated Panels
Laminated panels may be installed following the FRP panel installation instructions. Laminated panels are commonly installed directly over
a steel or wood studded wall. Stud spacing is recommended to be 16” or less on center. Stud spacing should be planned so that panel
edges will occur on stud centers. Laminated panels should not be installed over C-Channel
aluminum studs, as the aluminum may not be strong enough to resist any movement in the
paneling should expansion or contraction occur.
• Use the same spacing guide for panels and fasteners as listed in FRP panel installation
recommendations.
• Laminated panels may be installed without a division bar molding, but maintain a 1/8”
space between panels. This space allows for normal expansion and should be filled with
silicone sealant to completely seal the installation from moisture
(Figure 26).
• Always seal around any moldings, fixtures or fasteners to provide a moisture resistant installation.
• Laminated panels may be fastened with non-corroding nails or screws directly to wood
or steel studs (minimum 25 GA.) or with nylon drive rivets to drywall, plaster, or concrete
block. Install fasteners no further than 8” apart around outside edges and 12” apart on
intermediate 16” centers.
• Put perimeter fastener holes 1/2” to 2” from panel edge depending upon width of molding
being used.
• Fastener holes in the panel should be predrilled 1/8” larger than rivets.
• One-piece molding is available for use with standard 9/32” OSB laminated panels.
• Two-piece molding or heavy-duty batten strip and corners are available for non-standard
thicknesses
(Figure 5). See your FRP panel distributor for availability.
• Silicone sealant should be applied in all moldings and around all panel edges, fasteners, and
fixtures to provide moisture resistant installation.
FIGURE 26
FIGURE 7
installation guide