Cedral Weatherboard cladding is designed to be straightforward to install, but a few common mistakes can cause problems later on.
We regularly help customers with external cladding projects, so we’ve put together seven practical tips to help your installation go smoothly and avoid costly issues further down the line.
1. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines
If you want your cladding to look good and perform properly for years to come, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidance from the start.
Cedral provides a detailed installation guide along with a range of quick and easy-to-follow video tutorials. Spending half an hour reading through the guidance before you begin can save a lot of time and frustration later on.
Your cladding will likely stay on the building for decades, so it’s worth getting it right first time.
2. Check whether you need planning permission
Before starting your project, it’s always worth checking with your local planning office to see whether planning permission is required.
This is especially important if your property is located in a conservation area, a national park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AoNB).
You may also need permission if the new cladding is significantly different in appearance from the existing building materials.
A quick check before you order materials can help avoid delays later on.
3. Store and handle boards properly and carefully
Cedral fibre cement cladding is extremely durable once installed, but the boards should still be handled carefully before fitting to avoid chips, scratches or other damage to the finish
When unloading or restacking boards:
- Keep protective plastic sheeting between painted faces
- Store boards flat and fully supported
- Avoid dragging boards across each other
Cedral Weatherboard Click boards need extra care around the tongue-and-groove edges. If boards overlap during storage, the edges can become damaged.
It’s also important to keep boards dry before installation. If indoor storage is not possible, make sure the boards are fully covered and protected from rain.
Never install wet cladding boards.
4. Make sure the airflow is correct
Good airflow behind the cladding is essential for long-term performance.
Cedral recommends:
- Battens with a minimum depth of 38mm
- Maximum batten centres of 600mm
- A continuous 30mm airflow gap behind the boards
Poor ventilation is one of the most common causes of cladding problems.
Perforated closures should be fitted at the top and bottom of the battens to help stop insects nesting behind the cladding while still allowing airflow.
Avoid using horizontal noggins between vertical battens, as these can restrict ventilation
5. Plan your board layout before you start
Taking time to plan the layout properly can make installation much easier and improve the finished appearance.
Ideally, full-width boards should line up neatly above doors and windows wherever possible. This reduces unnecessary, awkward cutting and helps create a cleaner finish.
Before fitting the first board:
- Measure and mark out the wall carefully
- Check where joints and openings will fall
- Adjust the width of the first board if needed
A small tweak at the beginning can save a lot of awkward cutting later on.
6. Use the right tools for the job
Cedral cladding doesn't require a lot of specialist tools, but using the correct equipment will make installation quicker, cleaner and easier.
If you need to cut fibre cement boards, a diamond-tipped blade is recommended. Standard blades tend to wear out quickly when cutting fibre cement.
For straight cuts on Cedral Lap boards, a guillotine can be a worthwhile investment. It produces clean cuts and helps reduce dust on site. (Not recommended on Cedral Click boards)
If you’re installing Cedral Lap boards on your own, tools such as the Cladman can also make positioning and fixing boards much easier.
7. Choose the right fixings
There are several fixing options available for Cedral Weatherboard cladding, and the right choice often comes down to personal preference and installation method.
Cedral Lap boards
Cedral Lap boards can be fixed using:
- Stainless steel screws
- Stainless steel nails
- Nail gun nails
For most installations, we recommend stainless steel screws. They provide a secure fixing and make it much easier to remove or adjust boards if changes are needed during installation.
Cedral Click (tongue and groove) boards
Cedral Click boards use a hidden fixing system for a clean, modern finish.
Boards can be fixed using:
- Hidden clips and screws when installing onto a timber subframe
- Hidden clips and rivets when installing onto a metal subframe
For both Cedral Lap and Cedral Click systems, the top row of boards will usually require visible fixings. To maintain a neat finish, we recommend using colour-matched dome head screws.
Need advice on your cladding project?
Whether you’re working on a small DIY project or a larger build, getting the right advice early on can save time, money and hassle later.
Our team can help you choose the right products, fixings and accessories for your project, along with practical installation advice built on years of hands-on experience.
You might also like to read:
Can I paint cladding? A guide to options for metal, fibre cement and timber cladding
