For a successful project, do not rush, you will save time anyway!

This is the most pertinent of the many useful tips that we’ve learned from on site professionals during the SmartClad™ development process. So here are some more...

1. Make sure the SmartClip fits snugly into the groove at all times.
2. Keep the fixing screw angle the same as the hole in the SmartClip.
3. Work your way along board, from one end, securing the SmartClips as you go (you are straightening the timber as you go because your starter board is installed straight and level).
4. Short board lengths can creep more than the longer runs. Make sure you reference the short runs to other walls to keep them in line.
5. Some face nailing will be required around gables etc, where it is difficult to achieve the downward angle of the screw. Don’t be afraid to face nail in the traditional manner (10mm above the lap of the board underneath). You will still achieve a premium finish and save time, because nailing will be kept to a minimum.
6. Install a face nail on each end of the board 10mm above the lap of the board in a place where the soaker, facing or box corner will cover the board. This additional fixing is an easy insurance against any potential movement in the timber as a result of cutting the ends of the timber and reducing the seal.
7. Pre-scribed scribers, corners and facings may need a final fitting before being applied. By using the pre-scribed scriber as a story board, there should be minimal cutting and altering of scriber needed.
8. If using boxed corners, finish the first board flush with the wall end. The second board should be finished at the outside of the first board and bevelled back at the same angle as the weatherboard. This eliminates the hole at the bottom corner.
9. It is faster and easier to clad before windows are installed.

Painting

1. Always liberally prime cut ends – more paint will help seal the timber from moisture uptake, thereby reducing dimensional movement.
2. Ensure two coats of high quality acrylic top coat are applied at a minimum wet film thickness of 80 microns per coat. More paint applied will aid the performance over time.
3. Because SmartClad™ is sealed prior to priming, moisture from the paint will not be absorbed into the timber as it normally would. This means that the paint will take longer to fully cure. The surface will cure first and possibly leave the appearance of water marks beneath the surface. This will take time to fully cure. Be patient and these watermarks will disappear. The time it takes will depend on weather conditions but it could take up to a month. Watering down the paint will slow the drying process.