The MoistureShield Composite Cladding Installation Guide (PDF) provides a clear, step-by-step process for installing MoistureShield Meridian™ and Vision® composite cladding products. This guide covers tools, fasteners, furring requirements, WRB preparation, horizontal and vertical installation methods, butt joints, wall openings, and corner finishing.
Page 2 outlines the tools and PPE required, including a circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade, level, tape measure, hammer, screw gun, and eye and ear protection. A blue chalk line is recommended to avoid staining the cladding. The guide also lists approved MoistureShield cladding boards and compatible wood-furring fasteners.
Furring strips must be pressure-treated and installed at **16″ on center** for both horizontal and vertical installations (pages 2–3). Page 3 diagrams the full wall assembly: framing, OSB or sheathing, a code-approved Weather-Resistive Barrier (WRB), furring strips, and inset and corner flashing. The first course must sit a minimum of **6″ above grade**.
Horizontal installation steps on pages 4–5 include leveling the first course, squaring cut boards, using two approved fasteners per furring strip, and maintaining a **3/16″ width-to-width gap** between boards. Page 5 shows how to install butt joints using doubled 1×4 furring strips and how to stagger joints for a cleaner aesthetic.
Page 6 outlines wall-opening requirements, illustrating proper 1/4″ gaps around windows and doors and warning not to place butt joints directly over or under openings. The corner-options diagram shows three approved methods: overlapping corners, miter-cut corners, and vertical board corners.
Vertical installation steps on page 7 specify 16″ furring spacing, 1×3 or doubled furring where boards meet, and maintaining a 1/8″ butt-joint gap. Fasteners must be stainless steel #10×2″ headcote or cap-tor screws for both orientations.
Download the full MoistureShield Composite Cladding Installation Guide (PDF) for complete diagrams, gapping requirements, and fastening instructions. If you need help planning a MoistureShield cladding project, your TimberTown team is always here to help.
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