Installing Open-Joint Cladding

PVC CLADDING
Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards

TimberTech® Open-Joint
Cladding Install Guide
Tools Required ................................................................................................................................ 2
Products .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Installation Preparation................................................................................................................... 3
Expansion and Contraction............................................................................................................... 4
Fasteners ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Fastening Schedule....................................................................................................................... 5-6
Horizontal Application .................................................................................................................. 7-9
Vertical Application .................................................................................................................. 10-12
Storage & Handling, Considerations...............................................................................................13
Care and Maintenance.....................................................................................................................14

CCRR-0266 (Code Compliance Research Report) is available for TimberTech® Open-Joint Cladding in Vintage and Landmark Collections.

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 Installing Open-Joint Cladding Installing Open-Joint Cladding
PVC CLADDING PVC CLADDING
Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards

TOOLS REQUIRED Products

TimberTech® Open-Joint Cladding should be installed using good building principals and in accordance with local building TimberTech® Open-Joint Cladding Boards
codes and the installation guidelines included below. AZEK® Building Products LLC and its affiliates, successors and (Grooved Boards Not Recommended)
assigns accepts no liability or responsibility for the improper installation of this product. TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding OPEN-JOINT CLADDING BOARD
5-1/2”
PRODUCTS LENGTHS
may not be suitable for every application and it is the sole responsibility of the installer to be sure any products are a 5-1/2”
12’ and 16’ recommended
3-1/8”
fit for the intended use. Since all installations are unique, it is also the installer’s responsibility to determine specific
requirements for each application. AZEK recommends that all applications be reviewed by a licensed architect, engineer
or local building official before installation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call AZEK 5½” Width 12’ 16’
Customer Service at 1-800-910-3545 our website at www.AZEKexteriors.com.
1”
3-1/2” VINTAGE COLLECTION® •
1”
Tools Required 1”
LANDMARK COLLECTION •
TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding can be installed with a minimum number of readily available tools. Many other tools
are available that can be used for installation. All tools should be used per applicable manufacturers’ instructions. AZEK: Vintage and Landmark 3½” Width
Collections
Some of the basic tool requirements: 1”
VINTAGE COLLECTION® • •
• Cordless Driver • Carpenter Square • Chalk Line • Spacing Tools AZEK: Vintage
7¼” Width
• Tape Measure • Miter Saw • Jig Saw • Chalk Line/String 7-1/4”

• Level • Safety Glasses VINTAGE COLLECTION® • •

Use the jigsaw to cut around obstruction. For best results when cutting, use a power miter saw with a fine-toothed,
carbide tipped finish trim blade (12”-100 tooth min. or 10”-80 tooth min.) For best results, and to minimize gapping,
1”
use boards 12’ in length or less. Do not install 20’ lengths as cladding. When working with AZEK products be sure
AZEK: Vintage
to wear proper clothing and safety equipment. Safety glasses should be used during the entire installation process.
Do not use any cordless saws.

Extreme Heat Warning Important Installation Preparation

Be aware of excessive heat on the surface of AZEK The outside wall of structure must be weather tight
products from external sources, such as but not limited Follow these installation preparation best practices to
and up to code with a proper weather-resistant barrier ensure a successful installation
to, fire or reflection of sunlight from energy-efficient or other weather-proofing product prior to installing
window products. Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass can of TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding:
TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding. AZEK Closed-Joint
potentially harm AZEK products. Low-E glass is designed Cladding is not designed for nor intended to prevent House framing
to prevent passive heat gain within a structure and water infiltration. It is the sole responsibility of the • Prior to installation, be sure the wall is structurally
can cause unusual heat build-up on exterior surfaces. engineer, architect, and installer to ensure the design sound, weather-tight, stud locations are identified
This extreme elevation of surface temperatures, which and installation of the wall and building are code and marked, and any protruding screws, nails, or
exceeds that of normal exposure, can possibly cause compliant and weather-resistant behind TimberTech staples are removed or pounded in. Weather-resistant barrier (WRB)
AZEK products to melt, sag, warp, discolor, increase Open-Joint Cladding.
expansion/contraction, and accelerate weathering. • Ensure the finished installation is flat and even
by using shims or a planer on wood furring strips Furring strip

Current or potential AZEK customers that have concerns TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding will conform to
about possible damage by Low-E glass should contact undulations in the wall.
the manufacturer of the product which contains Low-E
glass for a solution to reduce or eliminate the effects of • For low profile sheathing installation, recommended AZEK Open-Joint
reflected sunlight. furring is ½” x 2” plywood strips wrapped with Cladding

TimberTech Joist tape.

• Use maximum spacing between furring strips of 16”
on-center.
Non Load Bearing Only
• TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding is a one-sided Foundation

TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding is a non-structural product and must be installed with the grain side out.
cladding and cannot be used as a load bearing component
of the wall.

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 Installing Open-Joint Cladding Installing Open-Joint Cladding
PVC CLADDING PVC CLADDING
Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards

Expansion and Contraction Fastening Schedule

TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding will expand and contract with changes in temperature, unlike wood which
fluctuates with moisture. The expansion and contraction encountered may result in slight gaps at the board ends 5-1/2” Width Fastening
or splice joints. To help minimize these gaps, follow these best practices: 1/8” gap b
1/8” gap between
1/8” gapboards
between boards
• Install the TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding boards when they are as cool as possible. Avoid leaving them in
direct sunlight prior to installation.
Main Course:
• Install boards cut to length immediately after cutting them.
• Use a minimum of 2 fasteners into each 16” 3/4
• Cut all factory edges to ensure a clean, square cut, and install butt joints tight at all temperatures. on-center furring strip between the ends of the board.
Do not leave a gap. 3/4 ” 3/4 ” • Position fasteners 3/4” from each side of the board.
• Leave a 1/8” gap between boards along the full length of the boards for proper airflow. 3/4 ” 3/4 ”

• Leave a minimum 1/8” gap around all protrusions, boxes and fixtures. When notching or cutting out product 1/2 ” 1/2 ”
Board Ends:
to fit around the protrusions create a radius corner to limit stress. Install 2x4 furring strips around all
protrusions. and fasten the Cladding boards within 1/2” of cut edges. 2 3/4 ” 2 3/4 ” • Use a minimum of 3 fasteners into the furring strip on
the ends of each board.
• For best results, and to minimize gapping, use boards 12’ in length or less. Do not install 20’ lengths as
cladding. • Fasteners need to be placed within 1/2” from the ends,
with 2 fasteners 3/4” from the edges and 1 fastener in 1/2 ”
the middle.
• Drive fasteners perpendicular into furring strips.
Fasteners Do not angle. Install buttInstall
joints butt
tightjoi
Install buttInstall
joints butt
tightjoints tight

• Use 2 ½” and 2” Cortex® hidden fasteners available in color matching, or stainless steel fasteners for
Vintage, Harvest and Arbor are available (use 2” when installing into 2x4 pressure treated furring strips
over a masonry wall).
3-1/2” Width Fastening
• For salt water coastal applications, we suggest using the above minimum fastener requirements in 316
stainless steel. 1/8” gap between boards
1/8” gap between boards
• For masonry walls, use 1-5/8” Cortex Drillers installed into minimum 18-gauge steel channel. The steel should
Main Course:
have a minimum yield strength of 33 ksi. 2x4 furring can also be installed over a masonry wall using 2” cortex.
AZEK is not responsible for installation of furring to exterior wall. • Use a minimum of 2 fasteners into each 16”
3/4 ” on-center furring strip between the ends of the board.
• AZEK does not recommend any fastener that is not explicitly stated in this installation guide. Use of any alternative
fastener does not void the AZEK warranty; however, if a cladding failure is caused by using one of these alternative • Position fasteners 3/4” from each side of the board.
3/4
fastening methods, any corresponding claims will be denied. 3/4 ”

3/4 ”
• AZEK strongly recommends using the fasteners outlined above. Other fasteners have not been tested and may 3/4 ” 3/4 ”
1/2 ” Board Ends:
limit the performance of the product and installation.
3/4 3/4
” ” 3/4 ”
• Use a minimum of 2 fasteners into the furring strip on
1/2 ” 1/2 ”
2 3/4 ” the ends of each board.
2 3/4 ” 2 3/4 ” • Fasteners need to be placed within 1/2” from the ends
and 3/4” from both edges.
1/2 ”
• Drive fasteners perpendicular into furring strips.
Do not angle. 1/2 ”

Install butt joints tight Install butt joints tight

Install buttInstall
joints butt
tightjoints tight Install buttInstall
joints butt
tightjoi

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 Installing Open-Joint Cladding Installing Open-Joint Cladding
PVC CLADDING PVC CLADDING
Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards

Fastening Schedule 1/8” gap between boards 1 Furring Strips

Weather-resistant barrier (WRB)
HORIZONTAL APPLICATION

• Attach min 1/2” x 2” plywood furring against the WRB

7-1/4” Width Fastening or weather-tight wall. Warning: Do not use OSB as a
furring strip.
1/8” gap between boards • Use a maximum spacing of 16” on-center between
3/4 ” Weather-resistant barrier (WRB) furring strips.
Main Course:
• For wood framing, secure the furring strips into studs
• Use a minimum of 2 fasteners into each 16” 16 ” using suitable fasteners.
on-center furring strip between the ends of the board. • For masonry construction, secure the steel channel to
• Position fasteners 3/4” from each side
1/2 ” of the board. the masonry wall with suitable masonry fasteners.
• Attach min 1/2” x 2” plywood furring against the WRB
3/4 ” or weather-tight wall. Warning: Do not use OSB as a
Board Ends: furring strip.

• Use a minimum ofInstall

3 fasteners into
butt joints the furring strip
tight 16 ” Pressure treated
Min ½” x 2” furring. Must use plywood furring.
on the ends of each board. 2x4 (1-1/2”
Warning: not use OSB1/8”
do thick) as a gap between
furring strip. boards
Important Weather-resistant barrier (WRB)
1/2 ” • Fasteners need to be placed within 1/2” from the
3 5/8” ends, with 2 fasteners 3/4” from the edges and 1 Important After the furring members are installed, run
fastener in the middle.
string lines to ensure the faces of the furring
• Drive fasteners perpendicular into furring strips. The wall or furring strips may move over time due to strips are in plane. TimberTech Open-Joint
Do not angle. settling of the ground or building, age of the building, Cladding will contour to undulation in the
3/4 ”
Install butt joints tight Pressure treated or expansion and contraction from moisture or furring strips. It may be necessary to shim
2x4 (1-1/2” thick) temperature. To avoid wicking water into furring strips or plane the furring strips due to thickness
16 ”
leave a gap to grade or use furring strips approved for variations in lumber, or variations in the wall to
ground contact. which the furring strips are attached.
1/2 ”

2 Starting
Install Course
butt joints tight & Fastening Pressure treated
2x4 (1-1/2” thick)
HORIZONTAL APPLICATION

• Determine the starting location of the first

course, hold the board in place and ensure it
is level prior to fastening.
• For solid wood furring/sheathing assemblies, use the
recommended fasteners and fastener lengths, with
a minimum penetration into the sheathing assembly
1-1/4”.
• The multi-width offering of TimberTech Open-Joint
Cladding has varying fastening schedules outlined
on pages 5 and 6. It is important to fasten each width
according to this fastening schedule.
• Fasten from the center out, or from one end to
the other. Do not fasten each end and then fasten to
the middle.
• Install all butt joints tight no matter the temperature.
• Frequently check for level as additional boards
are installed up the wall.

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 16 ” 16 ”

Installing Open-Joint Cladding Installing Open-Joint Cladding

PVC CLADDING PVC CLADDING
Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards

3 Spacing of Boards
HORIZONTAL APPLICATION
5 Trimming Windows & Doors
1/8” gap between courses
HORIZONTAL APPLICATION

• In order to facilitate air circulation, leave a

• TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding boards or AZEK Trim may
minimum 1/8” gap between board courses
also be used as a casing around windows or doors.
up the wall. However, butt joints must be
16 ” 16 ”
installed tight.
• Use a spacer to create consistent gaps. Do not
use a spacer that may damage the boards or
that cannot be easily removed.
Factory edge facing outwards
• To minimize the number of butt joints on a
1/8” gap between courses single furring strip, stagger butt joints across
Rip cut edge facing inwards
multiple furring strips.
16 ” • If a butt joint is16necessary,
” be sure to center it • T
 he example shown on the left is using an TimberTech
over a furring strip. Open-Joint Cladding board that was rip cut to width as a
side jam extension. The factory edge is installed facing
outward and the rip cut edge toward the interior of the
Factory edge facing outwards building (not exposed).
Rip cut edge facing inwards
• Window jam extensions created with Cladding or Trim
1/8” gap between courses must be fastened with 2 fasteners every 16” and within
1/2” of each end cut.

4 Adjoining Walls
HORIZONTAL APPLICATION

Factory edge facing outwards

16”
Rip cut edge facing inwards
16”

3/4 ”
3/4 ”

1/2 ”
1/2 ”

• For use on adjoing walls, but sure to check the level of each course frequently.
• TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding can be installed with mitered corners. For best results, build out
the corners with additional furring strips so the cladding can be fastened close to the ends.
• Additional furring may also be needed around wall openings such as doors and windows.
• Vertical outside corners may be constructed using TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding boards being run
vertical, or with AZEK Trim, AZEK Cornerboards, or aluminum corner profiles.
• Vertical outside corners created with Cladding, Trim or Cornerboards must be furred out and
fastened with 2 fasteners every 16”.

16”
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 Installing Open-Joint Cladding Installing Open-Joint Cladding
PVC CLADDING PVC CLADDING
Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards

1 Furring Strips
VERTICAL APPLICATION
3 Spacing of Boards
VERTICAL APPLICATION

• First, attach a minimum ½” thick plywood

furring strips vertically over a WRB
or weather-tight wall (furring width
minimum 2”)
• Use a maximum spacing of 16” on center
between furring strips, attached to
structural framing members.
• After initial vertical furring strips are
installed, attach treated 2x4 furring strips
16” on center horizontally thru the vertical
furring strips and into structural framing
members.
• For masonry construction, steel hat • In order to facilitate air circulation, leave a minimum 1/8” gap between board courses along the wall.
channel with min 1” separation from However, butt joints must be installed tight.
exterior wall can be used in both • Use a spacer to create consistent gaps. Do not use a spacer that may damage the boards or that
horizontal and vertical installations. If cannot be easily removed.
wood furring is used over a masonry wall, Important
the total furring must be minimum 1-1/4”. • To minimize the number of butt joints on a single furring strip, stagger butt joints across multiple
furring strips.
• For proper fastener type and placement After the furring members are installed, run
refer to your fastener manufacturer. string lines to ensure the faces of the furring • If a butt joint is necessary, be sure to center it over a 1/2” x 3” plywood furring strip.
strips are in plane. TimberTech Open-Joint

4
Cladding will contour to undulation in the
Important furring strips. It may be necessary to shim VERTICAL APPLICATION
or plan the furring strips due to thickness Adjoining Walls
To avoid wicking water into furring strips leave a gap to variations in lumber, or variations in the wall to
grade or use furring strips approved for ground contact. which the furring strips are attached.

2 Starting Course & Fastening

VERTICAL APPLICATION

• Determine the starting location of the first course, hold the

board in place and ensure it is plumb prior to fastening.
• Use the recommended fasteners and fastener lengths,
with a minimum penetration into the furring strips of
1-1/4”.
• The multi-width offering of TimberTech Open-Joint
Cladding has varying fastening schedules outlined
• For use on adjoing walls, but sure to check the level of each course frequently.
on pages 5 and 6. It is important to fasten each width
according to this fastening schedule. • TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding can be installed with mitered corners. For best results, build out
the corners with additional furring strips so the cladding can be fastened close to the ends.
• Fasten from the center out, or from one end to
the other. Do not fasten each end and then fasten to the • Additional furring may also be needed around wall openings such as doors and windows.
middle. • Vertical outside corners may be constructed using TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding boards being run
• Install all butt joints tight no matter the temperature. vertical, or with AZEK Trim, AZEK Cornerboards, or aluminum corner profiles.
• Check for plumb as boards are installed along the wall. • Vertical outside corners created with Cladding, Trim or Cornerboards must be furred out and
fastened with 2 fasteners every 16”.

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 Installing Open-Joint Cladding Installing Open-Joint Cladding
PVC CLADDING PVC CLADDING
Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards

5 Trimming Windows & Doors

VERTICAL APPLICATION
Storage & Handling Considerations
• Store TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding on a • Advanced PVC Deck is designed to mimic the look
• TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding boards or AZEK Trim may flat and level surface. of real wood, and like real wood, there will be a
also be used as a casing around windows or doors. • Store products in a cool, shady area prior slight difference in color and grain pattern from
to installation. board to board. This is intentional and part of the
manufacturing process, giving Advanced PVC
• Do not stack bundles over 8 units high.
Deck the most realistic and wood-like appearance
• Always leave factory applied protective wrap. possible. This variation is purely aesthetic and does
If stored outdoors, the product must be covered not or will not affect the performance of the product.
with non-translucent material. When working with multiple units of decking,
• Use care when handling product with a forklift as consider pulling boards randomly to mix rather than
forks can easily damage the material. completing one unit at a time. It is always a good
practice to layout deck boards in different lighting
•  he example shown on the left is using an TimberTech
T • If banding is used, use protective corners to conditions/angles before final fastening.
Open-Joint Cladding board that was rip cut to width as a prevent indents from the bands.
• Depending on the environmental conditions,
side jam extension. The factory edge is installed facing • Avoid storing TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding in TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding colors may appear
outward and the rip cut edge toward the interior of the areas of excessive heat, such as on top of asphalt. to lighten over time as part of a natural weathering
building (not exposed).
process.
• Window jam extensions created with Cladding or Trim • Please be aware that excessive heat build on the
must be fastened with 2 fasteners every 16” and within surface of AZEK products from external sources such
1/2” of each end cut. as, but not limited to, fire or reflection of sunlight can
Excessive Construction Debris potentially lead to damage. For example, sunlight
which may be reflected by low-emissivity (Low-E)
It is important during construction that TimberTech glass can potentially lead to damage of exterior
Open-Joint Cladding products stay clear from building products, including TimberTech Open-Joint
excessive build-up of dirt, sand, and dust from tile, Cladding and AZEK Trim, due to elevation of surface
concrete, landscape blocks, or any other masonry temperatures which far exceed that of normal
products. If these materials are not removed exposure of the same materials to direct sunlight.
immediately, the cladding surface will become Possible damage by such reflected concentrated light
difficult to clean and can potentially damage the may include melting, sagging, warping, distortion,
cladding’s surface finish. surface discoloration, increased expansion or
contraction, and unusual weathering.
Do not use TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding
• Static build-up is a natural occurring phenomenon
products as a work surface.
that can occur with many plastic-based products
If a build-up does occur please refer to the Care and including PVC Cladding. It could occur with AZEK
Cleaning section in the installation guidelines or products under the right conditions.
website www.AZEKexteriors.com. • Although TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding products
are cooler to the touch than many other cladding
products in similar colors, all cladding products will
get hot in the sun. Additionally, generally speaking,
the darker the color, the hotter it will feel.
• Always remove job-site dust, clay, dirt, mud, and other
construction products from TimberTech Open-Joint
Cladding quickly. Do not allow construction dirt and
debris to sit on the surface.
• IMPORTANT: Do not allow airborne dust from
concrete, landscape blocks, or any masonry
products to accumulate on the TimberTech Open-
Joint Cladding surface as it may damage the surface.
Do not cut any products on or near TimberTech Open-
Joint Cladding.

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 Installing Open-Joint Cladding Installing Open-Joint Cladding
PVC CLADDING PVC CLADDING
Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards Using TimberTech® Square Shoulder Boards

Care & Maintenance

To keep your TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding • Always read the cleaning products manufacturer’s
Notes:
looking its best: specific information before using any product on
your TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding and follow
• Some products, such as sunblock or insect their instructions. It is also a good idea to test the
repellent, contain chemicals that may alter the cleaner on a scrap piece or inconspicuous area of
surface of TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding and the wall to make sure it does not harm the surface.
AZEK Trim. Check product labels and consult with
• WARNING: Keep children and pets away from
the manufacturer as to product compatibility with
cleaning products on the surface of Open-Joint
plastic materials prior to use on or near TimberTech
Cladding until it is dry.
Open-Joint Cladding or Trim products.
• *Note that composite deck and composite
• Do not get any PVC glue or similar product on
cladding cleaners such as Corte Clean®,
the surface of any TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding
Thompson’s® Water Seal® Oxy Action, Olympic®
or Trim products as it may discolor and
Premium Deck Cleaner, or other cleaners
permanently damage the surface.
specified as composite deck cleaners, in
• To clean TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding, use powder or liquid form, SHOULD NOT be used
TimberTech® DeckCleaner™ with a stiff natural with TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding or Trim.
fiber brush, or another all purpose cleaner such TimberTech Open-Joint Cladding is a PVC-
as Simple® Green. based polymer, not a wood/plastic composite.
• Be sure to thoroughly rinse after cleaning to prevent • These guidelines may not encompass all
discoloration that could occur with residual cleaner installation, care and maintenance topics. For
drying on surface additional questions about TimberTech Open-Joint
Cladding installation, care or maintenance, call
1-800-910-3545.

Warranty
AZEK Building Products are made exclusively from technologically advanced materials designed to provide years of
enjoyment. TimberTech Closed-Joint Cladding products are covered by a Lifetime Limited Warranty for residential
applications and a 30-year Limited Warranty for commercial applications. The warranty covers certain defects resulting
in splitting, cupping, splintering, blistering, peeling, flaking,cracking, rotting or structural damage from termites or
fungal decay, as further described in the Limited Warranty. TimberTech® Closed-Joint Cladding products are also
covered by a 50 year limited residential fade and stain warranty and a 30 year limited commercial fade and stain
warranty. Visit AZEKexteriors.com/warranty to view complete warranty information.
The diagrams and instructions in this brochure are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to replace a licensed
professional. Any construction or use of the product must be in accordance with all local zoning and/or building codes.
The consumer assumes all risks and liability associated with the construction or use of this product. The consumer
or contractor should take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the project, including, but
not limited to, wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Except as contained in the written limited warranties, AZEK
does not provide any other warranty, either express or implied, and shall not be liable for any damages, including
consequential damages.

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 PVC CLADDING

AZEK Building Products LLC and its affiliates

1330 West Fulton, Suite 350
Chicago, Illinois 60607
AZEKexteriors.com • 1-800-910-3545

©2022 AZEK Building Products