Store engineered wood siding flat on stringers in an unheated, covered building away from direct exposure to the elements to keep them clean and maintain a uniform moisture content. Job-site storage should likewise be on stringers, avoiding direct contact with the ground, and covered to prevent direct exposure to inclement weather during construction.
When building during cold, wet, winter months or anytime with high moisture conditions such as drying concrete or standing water, allow at least 24 hours for siding and trim to attain moisture equilibrium with job-site conditions before they are installed. Attics and crawl spaces should be properly vented to minimize moisture buildup. Failure to do this may result in unsightly warping and bowing after installation.
Allow at least a 6" space between siding or trim and the ground or any area where water may collect. Allow at least 2" of exposed flashing above roofing materials. Do not install siding or trim in direct contact with concrete.
If siding and trim products are exposed to prolonged high humidity or get wet in transit or in storage, they should be allowed to air out and dry thoroughly before installation. If mold, which can be observed as a discoloration ranging from white to gray or green to black, is present, it should be removed using a commercial mildew wash or by following the guidelines of the Composite Panel Association at www.pbmdf.com.
Vapor Retarder
Building codes generally require a continuous vapor retarder of 1.0 perm or less (such as 6 mil polyethylene film or foil-back gypsum board) on the interior side of the wall insulation in all heated buildings. This can help prevent damaging moisture condensation from forming within the wall cavity in some climates. Check your local code for requirements.
Temple-Inland will assume no responsibility for problems relating to moisture buildup within the wall or for damage to the siding caused by this moisture.