A Practical Composite Cladding Installation Guide For 2019

Investing in Teckwood Class B Fire Rated composite cladding is a smart move. The composite cladding will transform any building, providing a fresh modern look.

Teckwood only sell high quality wood plastic composite (WPC) products and we want ensure that your installation matches our exacting standards. This guide will walk you through a step by step installation process.

Composite cladding installation – preparation

Preparation is an important part of composite cladding installation process and should never be overlooked. Failing to carry out vital preparation may impact on the overall quality of the finished composite cladding.

Composite cladding installation – first steps

Check that the surface of every wall is free from moisture and damp. Deal with any issues if required before proceeding further.

Do you have the correct tools? You may need the following.

• Rubber Mallet
• Level/Plumb Line
• Battery/Electric Drill
• Drill Bits
• Screws
• Starter Clips
• Saw

All fixings, breathable building wrap, moisture protection and flashings must be installed according to standard building practices, the requirements of the relevant building codes and common sense.

If you are installing Teckwood’s composite cladding horizontally or vertically the battens must be fitted at a centre to centre maximum measurement of 400mm. Treated timber or Teckwood’s composite battens can be used. Please note than when screwing through composite battens they must be pre drilled first and be at least 1mm bigger than the fixing you intend to use to ensure that the composite does not crack. Battens must be installed in the opposite direction to which the composite cladding will be running.

It is essential that any screws used do not penetrate the back edge of the battens and pierce the building wrap as this can allow water to leakage into the building. Any fixings used must be fixed in accordance with the manufactures instructions.

Composite cladding installation – ready to start

You are now ready to start the installation of your composite cladding. Firstly screw the starter clips in position, one per batten using the black electro plated stainless steel screws provided. Use a level or plumb line to make certain that the clips are level. If you intend to install your cladding vertical we would advise using a drip plate to prevent the panels from sliding down.

Offer the first board into the starter clips already fitted. When in place use a rubber mallet and gently tap the board into place. Before securing in place make sure that there is an expansion gap of at least 5mm where the cladding meets an object i.e. a wall or window. Once in position use a 4.5mm high speed steel (HSS) drill bit to drill a hole through the cladding where it meets the batten as figure A. You should always try to drill the hole in the centre of the batten to reduce the possibility of cracking when screwing into the batten. Once the holes have been drilled use the black electro plated stainless steel screws provided to secure the cladding board in place. This process should be repeated until you have reached the required height.

To secure the last board you have two options.

1. Cut the board to size (if necessary) in width and gently tap into place using the rubber mallet. To secure pre drill a 5mm hole and use the supplied black electro plated stainless steel screws to secure in place.
2. Alternatively after cutting the board to size and placing in position, use a 3mm HSS drill bit to drill a hole through the board. Secure the board in position using a colour coded poly pin. Available at polytops.com

Please note when butting composite cladding boards together an expansion gap of 3mm must be left. Failure to do this may result in the composite cladding boards being damaged.

A composite cladding board can overhang a batten by no more than 20mm. Failure to do this may result in the composite cladding board being damaged.

Composite Cladding installation – corner details

Internal Cladding Corners.

Installing to an internal corner with composite cladding is simple and easy and does not need any special fixings or tools.

Ensure that the two treated timber battens or composite battens are installed as closely as possible into the internal corner, one to each wall. When installing the first composite cladding board leave a 5mm expansion gap where it meets the other batten. When fitting the return composite cladding board leave a 5mm gap where it meets the cladding board already installed. If required this gap may be closed using a weatherproof silicone sealant.

External Cladding Corners

When using composite cladding to form an external corner we recommend finishing the corner by using a 50 x 50mm or a 70 x 70mm ninety degree finishing trim. This type of installation is also suitable for window returns. 

The composite batten or treated timber batten should be fitted as per the drawing. The composite cladding must be fitted in accordance with the earlier description leaving a 5mm gap for expansion where they meet at the corner. The 50 x 50mm or 70 x 70mm cover trim can be fitted using black electro plated stainless steel screws to secure in place or colour coded poly pins.

Do not apply wood plastic composite cladding directly to any solid wall as moisture will be trapped at the back of the composite cladding and his may result in damage to the composite cladding and the building. Ensure there is an air space between the composite cladding and the solid wall using battens and all moisture or water that penetrates the composite cladding can readily escape to the outside at the bottom of the composite cladding.

The information provided is based on guidelines for installation of domestic properties only. This blog does not cover any guidance for installation of Teckwood’s composite cladding on commercial properties. This is just a general guide, it may not cover every scenario envisaged. It is the sole responsibility of the installer for the installation methods they use as every installation differs and could be unique. Teckwood recommends that all should be reviewed by a licensed architect or engineer before installation commences, and that every plan or design meets building regulations and permissions (if required) have been granted before the installation begins. Please use suitably qualified personnel to prevent injuries or accidents.