The TimberTech Closed-Joint Cladding Installation Guide (2025 PDF) provides full instructions for installing TimberTech’s tongue-and-groove Closed-Joint PVC cladding in both horizontal and vertical applications. This guide explains how to prepare the wall, install furring strips, set fasteners, manage expansion and contraction, and finish around windows, doors, and outside corners for a clean, long-lasting cladding installation.
Closed-Joint Cladding uses TimberTech’s Advanced PVC technology to deliver a low-maintenance, wood-inspired exterior finish with no open gaps between boards. The guide begins with critical notes on wall preparation, including ensuring the structure is weather-tight, applying a black vapor-permeable WRB, leveling furring strips, and confirming all stud locations. It also outlines tools required for cutting and fastening, including carbide-tipped saw blades, jigsaws for obstructions, and safety equipment.
Horizontal installation instructions explain how to install pressure-treated plywood or 2×4 furring strips, determine starting course elevation, position tongue-and-groove boards, and secure each course using the TimberTech fastening schedule. Important notes highlight leaving 1/8″ gaps between courses, centering butt joints over furring strips, and staggering joints for best performance. Diagrams show correct fastening placement for both 3-1/8″ and 5-1/2″ board widths.
Vertical application instructions cover building a drainage plane using ½” furring strips installed vertically, followed by 2×4 horizontal furring strips spaced 16″ on center. Installers will find guidance for seating tongue-and-groove boards with rubber mallets, aligning each course for plumb, staggering butt joints, and fastening into structural furring or metal hat channel. The guide also includes clear diagrams for mitered corners, casing windows and doors with AZEK Trim or Open-Joint boards, and ensuring proper support at openings.
Additional sections cover fasteners, Cortex® requirements for different substrates, expansion and contraction behavior, temperature considerations, and storage and handling. Care and maintenance instructions outline approved cleaners, cautions about masonry dust, and notes on PVC heat sensitivity and Low-E window reflection.
Download the full TimberTech Closed-Joint Cladding Installation Guide (2025 PDF) below for fastening schedules, diagrams, furring requirements, and best-practice installation details. For help selecting materials or building a complete cladding package, your TimberTown team is always here to help.
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