Installation and Handling Instructions

CLEAR LAM®  Fascia & Trim

HANDLING and STORAGE:

1.    All Clear Lam® Fascia/Trim must be stored in a roofed structure so as not to allow direct exposure to weather and the elements. Bundle wrap must remain intact so that the panel ends are not exposed to blowing rain, snow, etc.

2.    Fascia and trim must be stored off the ground, flat and well supported on 3½" stringers set a maximum 4 feet apart.

3.    During handling, care must be taken not to rupture the fascia or trim surface or otherwise break the factory-applied prime coat. If the prime coat is accidentally broken, you should reprime the damaged area with an unthinned 100% acrylic latex primer.

INSTALLATION:

1.    At the jobsite, Clear Lam® Fascia/Trim must be kept clean and dry prior to installation. Storage in a roofed structure would be advisable. Keep the material dry by wrapping loosely with plastic so that air may circulate. It is highly recommended that the material be allowed to equilibrate at the jobsite for at least two weeks prior to installation.

2.    Applications incorporating Clear Lam® Fascia/Trim must be such that water does not accumulate against it. Exterior horizontal applications such as cap rail or handrail are not acceptable.

3.    Clear Lam® Fascia/Trim is factory sealed and we do not recommend that the product be ripped in the field. In the event that ripping is a necessity, the fresh wood edge should be primed with an unthinned 100% acrylic latex primer. Next, the primed edge should be sealed with a high-quality, all season weatherproofing sealant. For best results, use a product that meets ASTM-C920S.

4.    End cuts and miter cuts across the product's width are permitted, however, the fresh wood must be primed and re-sealed using an unthinned 100% acrylic latex primer. Provide a slight gap for beveled end joints. Seal with a high quality, all season weatherproofing sealant. For best results, use a product that meets ASTM-C920S.

5.    For cutting, use a fine-tooth saw blade for the cleanest cut. Cut from the backside of fascia or trim when using a power saw with a combination blade or saber saw with a fine tooth blade. When cutting with a cross cut handsaw, use it from the front side of the fascia or trim. It is mandatory that all fresh cuts be reprimed with an unthinned 100% acrylic latex primer.

6.    For exterior applications, use 8 penny nails for Clear Lam® thickness' less than 1". For Clear Lam® thickness' greater than 1" use 10 penny nails. Nails should be galvanized or zinc coated.

7.    Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting at mitered corners or at ends. When face nailing, the nail should be driven so the head does not go below the MDO surface. Any accidental open voids should be filled with a paintable, high-quality latex or polyurethane caulk, or solvent based putty. Always use primed bevel cuts for end joining.

8.    Clear Lam® Trim should be located no closer than six inches to the soil line as required by the model building codes.

9.    Following installation, cover the Clear Lam® Fascia top edge as soon as possible with sheathing, roofing felt, or flashing for extra protection against excessive moisture prior to the installation of roofing. It is highly recommended that the exposed top edge of the product be protected with flashing to minimize the accumulation of water (e.g. belly band, window rake applications).

10.    In the rare event that the MDO face becomes broken or damaged due to accidental impact, the affected area can be repaired with a high quality two-part epoxy filler. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

FINISHING:

1.     Clear Lam® fascia and trim should be finish-painted with an unthinned 100% acrylic latex exterior paint that is intended for wood siding. A minimum of two coats of a major national brand totaling a dry thickness of three (3) mils is required. The use of solvent/oil based finishes is prohibited due to its brittle nature. Paint finish must be applied and maintained according to the paint manufacturer's specifications. Use a paint that contains a mildewcide in geographical areas where mildew is common.

2.    Fascia and trim just be finish-painted within 60 days after installation. If exposed for a longer period of time, some sanding may be required along the edges to remove raised grain. Sanding of the face should be minimized.

NOTE: AFTER THE PRODUCT HAS EQUALIZED TO LOCAL AMBIENT CONDITIONS, SOME DEGREE OF RAISED GRAIN MAY BE EVIDENT THROUGH THE MDO SURFACE. THIS MAY BE ESPECIALLY EVIDENT IN THE AREAS ADJACENT TO THE FINGERJOINT AND NAIL HOLES.

reprint April 1998