Kayu® Vented Rain-Screen System™

The Kayu® Vented Rain-Screen SystemTM is recommended as the best for all siding installation (refer to diagram).

We believe that it is wise to assume all Siding Materials & Profiles of wood or other material will be likely to leak at least sometimes. The felt I tar paper or house wrap is the most critical water barrier. An air space vented on both the top and bottom, between the siding and house wrap, facilitates the water exiting optimally.

Priming & Pre-finishing

Pre-Oiling or Priming on all 4 sides is strongly recommended in all circumstances and confirm the pre-finish is compatible with the final coat.

Installation

Kayu® 100% Natural Wood Siding must be installed over felt / tar paper or house wrap regardless of the sheathing material used. Building paper is a water barrier rather than a moisture barrier and necessary to prevent water from entering the wall cavity. The building felt I tar paper or house wrap must be dry before the wood siding is nailed into position. Mount a vapor barrier on the inside of the wall insulation to reduce moisture movement.

The majority of profiles may be installed with either a horizontal or vertical orientation – direction. However, Board-and-Batten profiles must be installed vertically. Bevel and Dolly Varden must be installed horizontally only.

In vertical applications, bevel cut the ends of boards and install the siding so water is directed to the outside. Theoretically, any profile which can be installed in either direction, such as channel or tongue-and-groove, can also be installed diagonally. Be careful through diagonal installation, which can channel water directly into door jambs, window casings or other joinery details on a structure. If siding is to be installed diagonally, the application must be designed from the outset to accommodate the direction of run-off.

When wood siding is installed over metal studs, concrete or masonry, provide 2x nails of sufficient spacing and size to meet the nailing requirements. This procedure can also be used when wood siding is installed over foam sheathing.

Kayu® Vented Rain-Screen System™

Furring strips that are a minimum 3/8″ thick, space the siding away from the wall; creating a vent space that helps to dry the back of the siding. Layered Felt ofTar paper behind the furring strips create what is called a drainage plane, which alone would protect the house from water, even if there were no siding. This system will contribute to the longevity of both the house and finish.

Recommended Nails

Nails must be corrosion resistant and rust proof. Do not use staples.

1. Stainless Steel: Is by far the best choice. Our Kayu® woods nail nicely with SS Ring Shanked, both with air guns and by hand.
2. Hot-dipped Galvanized: This nail is the least expensive. Make certain the nails are of top quality, as the degree of protective coating varies with the hot-dip galvanization process.
3. Other Fasteners: Other types of corrosion-resistant fasteners may perform satisfactorily. Before selecting an alternative fastener, check with the fastener manufacturer to determine whether or not it is suitable with wood. Avoid fasteners that may stain as a result of them weathering. Do not use staples or electro-plated nails. These fasteners often result in black iron stains which can be permanent. None of our Kayu® woods contain Tannins that often create unsightly black streaks on the siding face.

While budgets are always a consideration, high-quality stainless steel nails for solid clear grade real wood siding are a wise investment. The discoloration streaking or staining that can occur with cheap nails ruins the appearance of the project and is very difficult to remove. Remember you are using the Very Best Siding, Please don’t skimp on your fasteners. Your product when properly installed and maintained should last 100+ years.

Nail Shanks

Even though Kayu® siding holds nails very well, nails that have smooth shanks can loosen as any siding expands and contracts, under the
extremes of seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. Ring or threaded nail shanks will increase the holding power.

INSTALLATION REMINDERS

• Do not nail through overlapping pieces. Use stainless steel nails with ring or threaded
  shanks. Use casing nails to blind nail; siding or box nails to face nail. Space 1 /8″ for 8″
  and wider and 1/16″ up to 6″
• Horizontal applications only for Bevel
• Vertical applications only for Board-and Batten, bevel cut ends of pieces and
  install so water is directed outside
• Horizontal or vertical applications for Tongue & Groove, Channel Rustic, Log Cabin or
  Drop patterns. Tongue edge up in horizontal applications of Drop and T&G patterns
• Read the section on Nail Penetration & Spacing to determine nail size
• Read the sections on pre-finishing before installing siding

Download the PDF Below for Full Installation Details and Diagram