Wood Cladding Specifications
Specification guidance to reduce installation risk, moisture issues, and avoidable rework.
Where Specifications Fail
Most cladding failures are not material failures — they are coordination failures.
Wood cladding functions as part of a larger wall system.
Performance depends on how multiple elements work together. These include the rain screen cavity, fastening strategy, profile design, and exposure conditions.
When these elements are coordinated early in the design and fabrication process, the cladding system is far more likely to perform consistently once installed.
Expansion Not Considered
Long runs accumulate movement across the full assembly. Expansion must be engineered into the layout and fastening strategy.
Rain Screen Gap Misaligned with Profile
The rain screen cavity must align with the profile depth, fastening method, and project exposure.
Diagonal Strapping
Diagonal strapping can reduce effective fastening count and change how the cladding system performs.
Insufficient Fastening Points
Fastening requirements vary by project and depend on wind load, board width, orientation, and rain screen design.
Flashing Angled Toward Building
Improper flashing orientation can direct water back toward the wall assembly.
Ends Not Sealed
End grain absorbs moisture faster than the face of the board.
Installation Sequencing Errors
Cladding exposed before roofing and weather protection can absorb excess moisture during construction.
Overhang Omission in Wet Climates
Minimal roof overhangs increase exposure in coastal or wet climates and raise the risk of moisture related issues.
Rain Screen Philosophy
Rain screen design is determined by the project engineer. Increased airflow generally improves drying performance.
Rain screen depth must work together with:
- fastening system
- clip system
- board orientation
- project exposure
No universal cavity dimension is published because system requirements vary by project.
Fastening Considerations
Wood cladding performance depends heavily on how boards are fastened and supported.
Spacing and fastening methods are typically determined by the project engineer and depend on:
Wind load
Engineer specification
Rain screen system
Clip system used
Board width
Orientation
Fastening methods should always be coordinated with the wall assembly rather than determined during installation.
Production Delay Drivers
Many delays originate from coordination and documentation gaps rather than fabrication constraints.
Common drivers include:
- Late color approval
• Texture changes during production
• Ambiguous minimum board length requirements
• Incomplete drawing dimensions
• Coordination gaps between architect and builder
Confirming these decisions early helps production proceed without interruption.
Required Pre-Fabrication Information
Before cladding profiles are fabricated several project details must be confirmed.
Dimensional Confirmation
• Minimum board lengths not multiples
• Coordinated architectural drawings
• Orientation vertical or horizontal
Finish and Appearance
• Species confirmation
• Texture decision
• Finish system selection
• Final color approval
• Visibility clarification
System Coordination
• Rain screen detail
• Flashing detail