Cladco ProClad Composite Wall Cladding Installation Guide

Pre-drill the battens and the surface below using a 6mm drill bit. The battens are 30mm high and should be secured at least 50mm into the surface. Choose fixings that are appropriate for the material you’re working with— screws should be 5–6mm in diameter and at least 80mm long*.

*Cladco does not provide the fixings and screws for your installation.

Battens should be attached to the surface at a maximum distance of 500mm apart. The battens will need to run the entire length of the area being clad, adding in additional battens at any point where you will need to join two cladding boards end to end. Remember to install your battens at a 90° angle to the way that you want your wall cladding boards to run. Battens should be 50mm wide x 30mm high and should be fully supported once installed. It is important to ensure the surface below the battens is flat and stable.

Attach a starter strip to the bottom of each batten, leaving a 10mm ventilation gap at the base of the installation. Ensure no sealant is applied around this area. This will give the first cladding board something to sit on. You will need to pre-drill a pilot hole into the composite batten and attach the starter strip using a screw that is at least 15mm long. Ensure that each strip is level with the next and that the first board sits level on the strips before continuing to the next step.

Place the first wall cladding board onto the starter strips. Mark and then pre-drill pilot holes through the fixing groove of the board into the batten below. Secure the boards using a screw at least 20mm in length, ensuring that the board is fastened securely on each batten that it touches. Secure these fixings by hand, as it is important not to over-tighten the screws and risk splitting the board.

Slot the second board onto the first and repeat the fixing process, making sure it is securely fitted to each batten. Continue this method with each subsequent board until you reach the required height. Be sure to leave the sections between the battens empty to allow proper airflow beneath the boards.

When butting two boards together, you should use a mitred edge for a neat finish. The most common mitre angle is 45°. As the cuts are angled, you’ll have one side of the wood longer than the other. You’ll need to keep track of which side will be which and make your measurements correctly.

Set the mitre saw to the angle it will need to cut. Use the included instructions for your machine, as each is different. Set the pieces side by side to ensure a neat joint. Screw the wall cladding board through the top and into the batten.

Continue to fit the cladding boards in this manner until you have completely covered the area you want. It is possible to fit your boards side by side by simply butting the two ends up together and allowing for a temperature expansion gap. You may need to install more battens if you wish to do this, as each board will need to be supported on a batten where it meets the next board.

We recommend the battens used to support your ProClad composite wall cladding boards are made from a composite material, as this helps to maximise the long-term performance of your cladding. Alternatively, you can use wooden battens to support your cladding following the same fitting process as you would for composite battens.

Pre-drill both the battens and the surface below using a 6mm drill bit. Cladco composite battens are 30mm high and should be secured at least 50mm into the underlying surface. Be sure to select fixings appropriate for the material you’re drilling into. Screws should be 5–6mm in diameter and a minimum of 80mm in length*.

*Cladco does not provide the fixings and screws for your installation.

Battens should be fixed to the surface no more than 500mm apart. They must span the full length of the area being clad, with additional battens installed wherever two cladding boards will be joined end to end. Ensure the battens are mounted at a 90° angle to the direction you intend the cladding boards to run. It’s also essential that the surface beneath the battens is flat and stable to guarantee a secure installation.

Attach a starter strip to the right side of each batten, as this will give the first cladding board something to sit on. You may wish to pre-drill a pilot hole into the composite batten and attach the starter strip using a screw that is at least 15mm long. Ensure that each strip is level with the next and that the first board sits level on the strips before continuing to the next step. Leave a 10mm ventilation gap at the side of the installation and ensure no sealant is applied around this area.

Place the first wall cladding board on to the starter strips. Mark and then pre-drill pilot holes through the fixing groove of the board into the composite batten below. Secure the boards using a screw at least 30mm in length, ensuring that the board is fastened securely on each batten that it touches. Secure these fixings by hand, as it is important not to overtighten the screws and risk splitting the board.

Ensure that the section between the battens remains empty allowing air to flow beneath the boards. Slot the second board onto the first and repeat the fixing process ensuring that the second board is fitted securely in place on each batten.

It is possible to fit your boards side by side by simply butting the two ends up together. You may need to install more battens if you wish to do this, as each board will need to be supported on a batten where it meets the next board. Continue to fit the cladding boards in this manner until you have completely covered the area you want.

Depending on your installation, you may want to finish off the edges using trims to give you a lasting professional look. There are a range of trims available in all colours to complement your cladding boards, which can be secured to your installation by glue.

Whether you have installed your ProClad boards vertically or horizontally, you can use matching your ProClad boards to complete the look of your project for a professional touch. ProDeck corner trims can be worked into your installation easily using normal woodworking tools and Cladco high strength adhesive.

Measure the area where the corner trim will be installed—for example, the height and width around a door or window.

Corner trims can be cut to length and worked in the same way as timber. If fitting two trims side by side, you can either mitre them for a clean angled finish or cut them to fit as required.

Once the corner trim is cut to size, apply Cladco adhesive along one or both inner edges to secure it to the cladding.

To allow for expansion, you may choose to apply adhesive only along the top edge. After fixing the first piece, cut and fit the second trim as needed to complete the desired finished look.

Cladco ProClad has a 15-year warranty and is stain and fade resistant. In some cases, pressure washing may be required for persistent dirt. When using a pressure washer, it is recommended that a distance of at least 30cm is left between the cladding and the nozzle, to avoid any damage.

For standard everyday debris such as plants, leaves, berries, and animal droppings, simply brush away. Soapy water can also be used to ease this process.

Take care when using fire pits or BBQs near ProClad Composite Wall Cladding, as embers or direct heat may damage the surface. Cladco cannot be held responsible for any fire-related damage or contact with flames. Using a heat source near the cladding is entirely at the customer’s own risk.

Mould and mildew are common in outdoor environments. The climate will affect how mould grows, dependent on temperature and moisture levels. To minimise mould growth on your cladding, ensure it is cleaned often. If mould is present, use soapy, hot water to remove it. In cases of more stubborn dirt or grime, pressure washing may be necessary to restore the cladding’s appearance.

Discolouration can be caused by chemicals found in everyday household products, such as suntan lotion, or insect repellent. Take care when using these products near your ProClad boards.

During the first 6-12 months after installation, the colouring of the cladding will stabilise.