ThermaWood thermally modified tongue and groove Hem-Fir wood siding is a gorgeous option to consider. It is a great siding material for new homes and buildings. It also is well suited for re-cladding existing properties wherever a natural wood siding is the preferred cladding. Here are some installation options to help ThermaWood siding last beautifully.
Thermawood Hem-Fir is a thermally modified softwood that undergoes a unique process to create a beautiful, stronger wood siding material that is resistant to rot, decay and insects. The colors of the thermally modified Western Hemlock (Hem-Fir) are richer than the original wood. It looks very similar to what you’d expect from the lighter shades of Western Red Cedar. The siding may be stained or painted to match your design scheme.
RELATED: More about ThermaWood Tongue and Groove Wood Siding
ThermaWood Hem Fir is available in three different 1x6 tongue and groove profiles. The first option, commonly known as nickel gap, has a slight reveal on the face of the siding, about the thickness of a nickel, that creates a shadow line and accents the linear effect of the siding on the exterior wall. It is a gorgeous option and may be installed horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
ThermaWood Hem-Fir T&G Nickel Gap profile creates a nice shadow line
The next option is slick. It is a standard 1x6 tongue and groove profile, with micro bevels on the edges. This creates a tighter fit and has a more subtle linear effect when you install the siding. The micro bevel also helps minimize splintering of the boards. That’s good news when installing the wood siding and even better news during the lifetime of your siding project.
The best part of the standard 1x6 tongue and groove wood siding option is that it is reversible. It is smooth on one face and re-sawn on the other face. You can choose to install either face out. The smooth side out works fantastic for a more contemporary natural appearance. The re-sawn face can be used for a more rustic look.
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Yes, it is true that wood siding may be installed directly over the WRB (weather resistive barrier). In very arid areas, some installers choose this installation method. In nearly all other climates, however, this installation method carries some risk. Leaving no space behind the siding means there is no way for any trapped water or moisture to escape. This could create a haven for mold and rot. Who wants their siding or wall assembly to rot? There are better ways to protect your investment.
Creating a space between the back of the siding and the building envelope is called a rainscreen. Leaving a space (rainscreen gap) between the back of the siding and the weather resistive barrier is a much safer building practice. In fact, some type of a rainscreen is often mandated by building codes in many areas. The deeper the rainscreen gap, the more effective the rainscreen performance.
Bear in mind that when you are using interlocking tongue and groove siding, you are creating a closed joint system. The only way for moisture to escape is through the bottom or the top of the rainscreen gap. For best results, always create an ‘escape route’ at the top and bottom of your wall cavity for bulk water or water vapor when designing or installing a rainscreen wall assembly.
Even a small rainscreen gap is better than no gap at all. One rainscreen method is to install a weather resistive barrier (WRB) that has built-in spacers. There are many reliable brands and types such as HydroGap by Benjamin Obdyke and others. Many of these options essentially create a rainscreen in one step while you are installing your weather resistive barrier. The tongue and groove wood siding may be installed directly over this type of WRB.
Using furring strips to create a rainscreen system is an old school way to make a ventilated wall cavity. If you use ¾” thick furring strips, this will create a ¾” wall cavity, also commonly referred to as a rainscreen gap, behind the tongue and groove siding. Covering the furring strips with a protective tape, such as Delta Dorken Façade Tape, or a similar product, is a great way to make your furring strips last longer.
Install your furring strips over your weather resistive barrier. Then add the furring strips at appropriate spacing, (typically 16” on center). Then protect your furring strips. Now you are ready to install your tongue and groove siding.
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The beauty of installing 1x6 ThermaWood is that there is minimal expansion and contraction of the material. The thermally modified Hemlock (Hem-Fir) wood siding is exceptionally stable in all climates. This allows you to blind fasten the siding boards by top nailing each piece.
ThermaWood Hem-Fir installs very much the same as cedar or redwood tongue and groove siding. Here is a link to additional installation recommendations from Real Cedar that are extremely helpful.
Stainless steel ring shank finish nails work exceptionally well.
Looking for more information? Check out the links below:
ThermaWood Siding Picture Gallery
ThermaWood FR Fire Retardant Treated Wood Decking and Siding
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