The Viking Clip hidden fastener supports the outer wall in a double-walled system. This system creates the necessary ventilated airspace between the framed inner wall and the finished rain screen wall. Proper overall design and construction techniques for this system are the builder’s responsibility.

Rain screen requires the following:

• Distance between studs can not exceed 24” – Recommended spacing is 16”.
• Installation of structural sheathing, such as Plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB), to the framed wall system.
• Application of asphalt-impregnated building paper or house wrap over the wall sheathing to create a moisture barrier and drainage plane.
• Suitable furring strips - pressure treated 1×3 or marine grade plywood ripped into 2 ½” strips work the best.

Storage and Handling - Prior to installation, the moisture content of the rain screen siding boards should acclimate to the relative humidity levels of your local environment (an approx. 2 week acclimation is good). Once this occurs, The Viking Clip Rain Screen System allows for normal expansion and contraction of the siding. If you do not provide adequate time for this acclimation process, it may result in seasonal variations to the material exceeding the design tolerances of the rain screen system.

For best results, cut the bands and stack individual boards with enough spacing to allow clear air flow about all four sides of each plank (you can use furring strips from your local lumber yard). This takes a little time, but it is worth the effort. In a matter of days, your siding will be ready for installation.

The siding should be stored off of the ground and loosely covered with a water-resistant tarp to prevent exposure to rain and direct sunlight, never restricting free air flow to the top and sides of the bundle.

Siding Board Preparation - Inspect the siding for evidence of discoloration and consider applying a wood brightener such as to restore the original color if needed. It is inexpensive and easy to do. Light sanding is often effective in removal of any rough or roary grain. Clean the board surfaces if necessary, then apply a UV Sealer such as ExoSheild to all four sides of each board. To avoid tacking and sagging of the sealer, apply in successive thin coats.

Some boards will require cutting to finish off a course, meet windows or doors, or to avoid bows. The topmost level, where the siding meets the lower margin of the roof, needs at least a ¾” ventilation gap between the top of the final siding course and the eave. This same gap is needed beneath the window openings. For end cuts, apply end wax to reduce the likelihood of cracks and checks. Top course boards require pre-drilling and face screws (or screws and plugs) at the top of the board.

Rain Screen Assembly - Before beginning the installation of the Viking Clip Rain Screen, ensure that all windows and doors, including trim, flashing and counter flashing is in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in compliance with local building codes. To allow for potential expansion of the siding boards, a 1/8” gap should be present between board ends and adjacent window and door borders, as well as any other abutment sites.

Establish a starter course. Be certain that the starter course boards are level and do not contact the ground, concrete slabs, or deck materials at any point. (Again, a 3/4″ gap is recommended and necessary for spacing at the envelope base).

Viking Clip Installation - The Viking Clip Rain Screen system includes 2 ¼“, #7 trim head, 315 grade stainless-steel screws. After establishing the starter course height, screw Viking Clips through the furring strips and exterior sheathing at each stud, no further than 24″ (16" is recommended) on center from the preceding clip. Use clips at butt joints, one at each board end, at the top and bottom of the siding. Tighten all screws for a flush mount.

Insert the first siding board into the previously attached Viking Clips and place additional boards lengthwise along the level line until reaching the end of the course. Cut to complete the starter row, so that an 1/8″ gap is present between the siding and the window/door abutments.

The Viking Clip side boards are milled to firmly settle into the Viking clip. It should not be necessary to pound, jam or otherwise force boards into the clip. If your pieces are not fitting properly, the board may be bowed or bent. Cut the deformation out or use another board in its place. This is all natural wood so this can occur.

Finishing Up - Repeat this process, checking alignment and level on each row until the finish course. Again, allow at least a ¾” ventilation gap. (Gaps are also necessary beneath all window openings). Install flashing and counter flashing where side wall meets roof in accordance with the roofing manufacturer’s instructions. We recommend installing insect screens at these and all ventilation gaps.

With this technique, the only exposed fasteners exist on the top course (and if the Starborn Plug System is used, they will not show on the top either) and if the clips can be implemented for a full piece at the bottom. It’s a good idea to check your layout due to the variance in material width and wall height.