NewTechWood Outdoor Surfaces on Sun-Exposed Elevations

Understanding NewTechWood Composite Material

NewTechWood products are wood-plastic composite materials designed for exterior applications, offering a wood-look surface with low-maintenance characteristics. The composite nature of these materials means they are engineered to provide a consistent appearance and performance across various outdoor conditions. However, like all materials, they interact with solar radiation in specific ways that influence design and installation.

The primary applications for NewTechWood include cladding, siding, and other outdoor surfaces. The exact profiles and colors available can vary, so it is important to confirm the current line with your Lumber Plus branch when planning your project. These products are developed to offer a durable alternative to traditional wood, reducing the need for frequent painting or staining.

Thermal Movement and Solar Exposure

All building materials expand and contract with changes in temperature, a phenomenon known as thermal movement. For composite materials like NewTechWood, direct sun exposure can lead to significant temperature fluctuations on the surface, which in turn causes the material to expand and contract.

When designing for sun-exposed elevations, it is crucial to account for this thermal movement. Proper installation techniques, including specified gaps and fastening methods, are necessary to accommodate these changes without stressing the material or the fastening system. Failing to plan for thermal movement can lead to buckling, warping, or fastener pull-out over time, especially on long runs of material or in areas with extreme temperature swings.

It is always recommended to review the manufacturer's specific installation guidelines for movement joints and fastening schedules applicable to your chosen NewTechWood profile and local climate conditions.

Color Selection and Solar Performance

The color of any exterior material plays a significant role in how it absorbs and reflects solar energy. Darker colors tend to absorb more heat, leading to higher surface temperatures and potentially greater thermal expansion. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight, resulting in cooler surface temperatures and generally less thermal movement.

When selecting NewTechWood colors for sun-exposed elevations, consider the potential impact of darker shades on thermal performance. While darker colors can offer a striking aesthetic, they may require more diligent adherence to thermal movement guidelines during installation. Conversely, lighter shades may offer a degree of mitigation for thermal expansion.

Confirming the specific color options and any associated recommendations for sun exposure with your Lumber Plus representative is a practical step. Requesting physical samples can also help visualize how colors appear in direct sunlight and understand their aesthetic impact.

Application Restrictions and Orientation

Certain NewTechWood profiles or colors may have specific application restrictions or recommendations based on their intended use and expected sun exposure. For instance, some products might be optimized for vertical cladding applications, while others are better suited for horizontal outdoor surfaces. The orientation of the elevation – whether it faces south, west, east, or north – will dictate the intensity and duration of direct sun exposure.

South and west-facing elevations typically experience the most intense and prolonged solar radiation. These orientations demand careful planning regarding material choice, color, and installation details. East-facing elevations receive morning sun, which is generally less intense, while north-facing elevations receive minimal direct sunlight.

Before finalizing your design, verify any specific application restrictions or guidelines for the chosen NewTechWood product with the manufacturer's documentation or a Lumber Plus specialist. This ensures compatibility with your project's orientation and solar conditions.

Worked Example: South-Facing Cladding Panel

Consider a hypothetical project involving a single south-facing wall panel, 10 feet wide by 8 feet high, using a NewTechWood composite cladding profile. The goal is to clad this panel with minimal visible joints, but recognizing the thermal expansion on a sun-exposed elevation.

Assuming the chosen NewTechWood profile is a 6-inch wide board, installed horizontally, the panel would require 16 courses (8 feet / 0.5 feet per board = 16). If the boards are supplied in 12-foot lengths, each course could be achieved with a single board cut to 10 feet, leaving a 2-foot offcut. For a total of 16 courses, 16 full 12-foot boards would be purchased. The total area is 80 square feet.

For a south-facing wall, the material will experience significant temperature swings. Additionally, the fastening schedule would need to be strictly followed, often including specific fastener types and spacing to allow for movement without compromising the attachment.

Choosing a lighter color for this south-facing panel could help mitigate some of the heat absorption, potentially reducing the overall thermal expansion compared to a darker shade. This example highlights the need to consider both material quantity and specific installation requirements tailored to sun exposure.

Before you order

• Identify the orientation of all elevations receiving NewTechWood Outdoor Surfaces.
• Determine the expected intensity and duration of direct sun exposure for each elevation.
• Review specific NewTechWood product documentation for any sun exposure or thermal movement guidelines.
• Consider the chosen color's impact on heat absorption and thermal expansion.
• Plan for appropriate thermal expansion gaps and movement joints during installation.
• Confirm the fastening method and spacing are suitable for sun-exposed applications.
• Verify any application restrictions for the selected NewTechWood profile on high-sun elevations.
• Request current physical samples to assess color and appearance in direct sunlight.

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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