If you've been installing composite cladding long enough, you know the difference between a job that holds up over years. Similarly, know one that starts showing problems before the client even calls you back. Newtechwood's UltraShield line is one of the better composite siding systems on the market. However, it has specific installation requirements that will make or break the finished result. This guide walks you through the key steps and technical details every contractor needs before the first board goes up.
Why Newtechwood Composite Cladding Performs Differently
Newtechwood composite siding uses a capped wood plastic composite (WPC) construction under its UltraShield technology. That outer shell is what sets this composite siding apart from standard uncapped WPC products. It resists staining, UV degradation, and mold without any painting, oiling, or sealing after installation. The material also maintains its color consistency across the full service life of the project. This matters a lot when clients are counting on a specific aesthetic holding up over time.
The boards are made from roughly 95% recycled materials. This includes plastic bottles and reclaimed wood fiber, so sustainability-conscious clients will appreciate that specification.
Substructure: Get This Right First
One of the most common installation mistakes with exterior wall cladding is skipping proper subframe preparation. Newtechwood's composite cladding cannot be installed directly onto a flat surface. The manufacturer requires a structural subframe that provides a minimum of 25mm (about 1 inch) of continuous net free area behind the cladding surface. This airspace allows moisture to drain and air to circulate. In turn, this prevents water absorption and keeps the wall cavity dry over time.
Your subframe needs to be clean, flat, level, and structurally sound before any boards go on. Out-of-plane framing will telegraph through the finished cladding in a way that is very hard to fix after the fact. Take the time to check for level in both directions and shim where needed.
For framing materials in contact with the outdoors, galvanized or powder-coated aluminum furring strips are a solid choice. Avoid untreated wood that can introduce moisture into the assembly.
Understanding Thermal Expansion in WPC Cladding
All wood plastic composite cladding products expand and contract with temperature changes. Newtechwood's installation guidelines address this directly. Following those gap specifications is one of the conditions required to keep the warranty intact. The good news is the AW-08 hidden clip system handles most of this automatically by allowing boards to move laterally without buckling or opening up unsightly gaps at the face.
There is one critical rule to understand about locking clips: only one locking screw should be used per board. This anchors the board at a single point and lets it expand in one controlled direction from there. Do not lock every clip. Doing so prevents the thermal movement the system is designed to accommodate and can cause boards to buckle in warmer months.
According to official installation documentation, the AW-08 clips also serve a secondary function by keeping the siding boards separated from the joists. This promotes the air circulation the system relies on.
Fasteners and Face Fixing For Composite Cladding
Always use stainless steel screws or nails whenever face fixing is required at trims, edges, or end conditions. Using standard zinc-plated or galvanized fasteners will cause corrosion staining on the composite surface over time. That staining can get permanent on a capped product because you cannot sand or refinish it.
For face-fixed applications, use a screw specifically rated for composite wood. These are available at most lumberyards and home centers. Standard wood screws can cause mushrooming or surface bulging at the fastener head. If minor mushrooming does occur, a rubber mallet can usually flatten it back down without damaging the board face.
Avoid colored chalk lines on the installed boards at all stages of work. Chalk will permanently stain the UltraShield surface.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Orientation
You can install Newtechwood's UltraShield wall cladding in both horizontal and vertical orientations depending on the project design. Horizontal composite cladding gives a broader, more traditional look, while vertical installation reads taller and more contemporary. Both orientations follow the same subframe and clip requirements. However, vertical installation requires particular attention to how you position the locking screw to control the direction of thermal movement.
Check local building codes before finalizing orientation and layout. Most jurisdictions require permits for permanent exterior cladding installations, and some may have fire or wind-resistance specifications that affect the assembly details.
Cutting and Tooling
Standard woodworking tools handle Newtechwood boards without issue. Because WPC is denser than natural wood, carbide-tipped saw blades and drill bits will give you cleaner cuts and longer tool life than standard steel tooling. Seal all cut ends with a composite-rated end sealer like a wet-look paving sealer. This step is especially important on boards near pools, spas, or high-moisture environments.
Do not cut boards and leave them unsealed in the field. Exposed end grain is where composite products are most vulnerable to moisture absorption, and sealing those cuts is a simple step that protects the long-term performance of the installation.
A Note on Low-E Glass Proximity
One often-overlooked installation condition applies to buildings with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass windows nearby. Low-E glass can focus and reflect heat onto adjacent exterior surfaces in a way that significantly exceeds normal sun exposure. This concentrated heat can cause Newtechwood products to warp, discolor, or accelerate weathering. If your project includes Low-E glazing, assess the angle and distance of any glass relative to the cladding surface before finalizing the layout.
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