Choosing NewTechWood Outdoor Surfaces Profiles and Shadow Lines

Understanding NewTechWood Outdoor Surfaces Cladding

NewTechWood offers composite products designed to provide wood-look options for cladding, siding, and various outdoor surfaces. These systems are recognized for their low-maintenance characteristics, making them a practical choice for finished exterior applications. The material category is wood-plastic composite, suitable for both exterior and interior applications where a wood-look surface is desired.

When planning a project, it is essential to consider the complete surface system, including the wall assembly, profile direction, trim, fastening method, and required quantities. Lumber Plus assists in matching the application, profile, and local availability to specific project needs. Availability of specific profiles and colors can vary, so confirming current options with the branch is a key step in project planning.

The Impact of Profile Depth on Shadow Lines

The depth of a NewTechWood cladding profile refers to the distance it projects from the wall surface. This dimension is crucial because it dictates the extent of the shadow cast by each board. On a sunny day, a deeper profile will create a more dramatic interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the facade.

Conversely, a shallower profile produces softer, less defined shadow lines. This can result in a more uniform and subtle appearance, often favored for minimalist designs or when the focus is on the color and texture of the material itself rather than pronounced architectural relief. Consider the desired visual impact and how light will interact with the facade throughout the day and across seasons.

Common Profile Types and Their Visual Effects

NewTechWood Outdoor Surfaces typically come in various profiles, each designed to achieve a specific aesthetic. While exact profiles should be confirmed with current availability, common types might include:

Tongue-and-Groove (T&G) profiles: These often feature a relatively shallow reveal, creating a smooth, continuous surface with fine lines. The shadow lines are typically narrow and consistent, contributing to a clean and modern look. This profile can offer a more integrated appearance, suitable for contemporary designs.

Shiplap profiles: Shiplap creates a distinct overlap, resulting in a slightly deeper and more pronounced shadow line than a typical T&G. The offset between boards adds a subtle architectural detail, giving the facade more depth without being overly dramatic. This profile often evokes a classic siding aesthetic with a modern twist.

V-Groove profiles: Characterized by a V-shaped indentation between boards, this profile creates a sharp, defined shadow line. The V-groove emphasizes individual planks and can add a sense of craftsmanship and detail to the facade. It can be particularly effective in designs aiming for a slightly rustic yet refined appearance.

Worked Example: Calculating Shadow Line Impact

Consider a hypothetical wall section measuring 10 feet wide by 8 feet high. We are choosing between two NewTechWood cladding profiles: Profile A with a 0.25-inch reveal (the depth of the shadow line) and Profile B with a 0.75-inch reveal. Both profiles are 6 inches wide.

For Profile A, the subtle 0.25-inch reveal would create fine, delicate lines across the facade. If the sun is at a steep angle, these shadows would be short and sharp. For Profile B, the 0.75-inch reveal would produce a much bolder, more visible shadow. This deeper shadow would be more apparent from a distance and would shift more dramatically with the sun's position, enhancing the facade's texture and giving it a more robust appearance. The choice here is between a minimalist, flat aesthetic (Profile A) and a more textured, dimensional look (Profile B).

To cover the 10-foot width (120 inches) with 6-inch wide boards, you would need 120 / 6 = 20 boards. Each board contributes its profile and shadow line. Over an 8-foot height, the cumulative effect of these shadow lines would be significant, defining the overall character of the wall. This example highlights that even small differences in profile depth can lead to noticeable changes in the visual outcome.

Considering Project Scale and Context

The ideal profile depth can also depend on the scale of your project and its surrounding environment. For large, expansive facades, a deeper profile might be necessary to ensure the shadow lines are visible and impactful from a distance. On smaller accent walls or interior feature walls, a shallower profile might be more appropriate to avoid overwhelming the space.

Additionally, consider the architectural style of the building. Modern, minimalist designs often benefit from profiles that create subtle, clean lines, while more traditional or rustic architectures might embrace deeper profiles for added texture and visual interest. The choice should integrate seamlessly with the overall design vision for the property.

Before you order

• Determine the desired overall aesthetic: Do you prefer a bold, textured facade or a subtle, smooth appearance?
• Consider the project scale: Will the cladding be viewed from a distance or up close? Larger facades may benefit from deeper profiles.
• Evaluate lighting conditions: How will natural light interact with the facade throughout the day and year? Will shadows be prominent?
• Review available NewTechWood profiles: Confirm the specific profiles and their actual reveal depths available for your project.
• Request physical samples: View samples of different profiles in person to understand their texture and shadow-casting properties.
• Coordinate with other materials: How will the chosen profile depth complement adjacent materials like stone, stucco, or metal?
• Consult your contractor: Discuss installation implications and any preferences for specific profiles based on their experience.

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

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