VII. 1. Downtown Overlay District Standards AppealMEMO
To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Jason Lindahl, AICP
Date: October 22, 2019
Subject: Downtown Overlay District Standards Appeal
Overview
The applicant, Tom Dewitz contractor for the owner of 1209 Mainstreet (Slingshot Enterprises,
LLC), requests the Planning & Zoning Commission review of staff’s interpretation of the
Downtown Overlay district’s Materials and Detailing standards. Staff finds the applicant’s proposed
exterior material is not allowed in the Downtown Overlay district while the applicant states the
proposed product looks like brick or stone and should be allowed. The Planning & Zoning
Commission should review the interpretations of both staff and the applicant and make a
recommendation to the City Council as to which one is consistent with the Materials and Detailing
standards of the Downtown Overlay District.
Attachment
• Site Location Map
• Building Elevation
• Section 556 - Downtown Overlay District
• Nichiha Vintage Brick Spec Sheet
Issues to Consider
The applicant would like to re-face the Mainstreet side of their building with Nichiha Vintage Brick
wall panels (see attached product spec sheet). Staff’s interpretation of the Materials and Detailing
standards in the Downtown Overlay district is this material is not allowed. The Planning & Zoning
Commission should review the Materials and Detailing standards in the Downtown Overlay district
and make a recommendation to the City Council as to whether the applicant’s material is allowed
under the regulations.
The Downtown Overlay District regulations are detailed in City Code Section 556 – Downtown
Overlay District. The Materials and Detailing standards are provided in Section 556.11 (see
attached). These standards call for exterior materials to be “long lasting and use materials and
detailing that maintain the district character and harmony of downtown.” Staff has traditionally
interpreted this language to require brick or stone as the primary exterior building materials on all
street facing building walls in downtown.
The standards go on to state, the following materials are not allowed on the facade sides of buildings
adjacent to public right-of-ways:
• Painted concrete block
• Aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass siding or roofing materials
• Precast concrete panels
• Painting previously unpainted brick on the facades of buildings
While the applicant’s proposed material is not specifically listed in the regulations, staff finds
Nichiha is a fiber cement panel and most similar to the siding materials listed above as specifically
prohibited. The applicant disagrees and states the Nichiha product looks like brick or stone and
should be allowed.
Review Criteria
Section 556.16 – Exceptions allows departure from the requirements in this ordinance after review
by both the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council. This section states that financial
considerations alone are not a basis to grant an exception from the regulation but the City may
consider the following:
• Safety
• Unique site or building character
• Standards would have a detrimental effect to the use of the property
• Public benefit
Site Location Map for 1209 Mainstreet
Subject
Property
Hopkins City Code (Zoning) 556.01
Section 556 – Downtown Overlay District
556.01. Boundaries. Subdivision 1. The boundaries of the overlay district are as follows:
south side of First Street North to north side of First Street South; the west side of
thth6Avenuetotheeastsideof 13 Avenue
556.02. Application. Subdivision 1. Commencing on the date of the adoption of this ordinance
the overlay district standards will apply to the following:
a) All newly constructed buildings or structures
b) All exterior building improvements and sign changes for which a conditional
use permit is not required but which require abuilding and/or sign permit
overlay district standards are applicable only to the changed element or
improvement)
c) Renovations for which a conditional use permit is required under the
provisions of the Hopkins City Code as in effect at the time of the renovation
all applicable standards apply)
d) All new or reconstructed parking areas with 5 or more spaces
e) Temporary signage
Subd. 2. Grandfather. Any building, structure, parking area or sign that lawfully exists at the
time Ordinance 03-900 is enacted, which would not otherwise be permitted under Ordinance 03-
900, may be continued in the same manner as existed before the effective date of the Ordinance,
but any future construction, additions, reconstruction, renovation, or sign erection shall be subject
to the requirements of this ordinance.
Subd 3. Compliance. At the time of application for any CUP, building permit, or sign
permit. The applicant shall demonstrate the proposed building, structure, improvement,
renovation or sign complies with the requirements of this Ordinance. No CUP, building permit, or
sign permit shall be issued until the requirements of this ordinance have been met. It is the
applicant’sresponsibility to provide the necessary information to the City staff to determine
compliance with the section of the ordinance.
556.03. Awnings. Subdivision 1. Awnings may be required to enhance the historic character of
Mainstreet while providing sun protection for display windows, shelter for pedestrians, and asign
panel for businesses.
Subd. 2. Length. Awnings cannot extend across multiple storefronts and/or multiple
buildings.
Section 556 Page 1
Hopkins City Code (Zoning) 556.03, Subd. 3
Revised 8-29-13)
Subd. 3. Materials. Awnings must be constructed of durable, protective, and water
repellant materials. Plastic or fiberglass awnings are not allowed.
Subd. 4. Lighting. Backlit or illuminated awnings are not allowed.
Subd. 5. Projecting. Awnings must project a minimum of 36” from the building.
556.04. Signs. Subdivision 1.Signs will be architecturally compatible with the style,
composition, materials, colors, and details of the building to which they are affixed and with other
signs on nearby buildings, while providing for adequate identification of the business.
Subd. 2. Lighting. Internally illuminated signs (not including neon) are prohibited
except for theater signage.
Subd. 3. Prohibited. Pylon and monument signs are prohibited on Mainstreet.
Subd. 4. Window signage. Temporary window signs shall be on the inside of the
window. Temporary window signs are limited to one-third of the surface area of the window to
which they are affixed. (Amended Ord. 13-1064)
Subd. 5. Size. The combination of neon, permanently painted, and temporary window
signs shall not exceed a total of two-thirds of the window surface area for that facade.
Subd. 6. Projecting. Projecting signs will have a maximum size of 12 square feet and a
maximum width of three feet. Projecting signs cannot extend beyond the first floor of the
building. No less than 10 feet of clearance shall be provided between the sidewalk surface and
the lowest point of the projecting sign.
Subd. 7. Distance. Maximum distance between sign and building face is one foot.
Subd. 8. Design details. Signs cannot block or obliterate design details, windows or
cornices of the building upon which they are placed.
556.05. Building height. Subdivision 1. New buildings, building and additions and redeveloped
or remodeled buildings will complement the existing pattern of building heights.
Subd. 2. Height. Buildings in the overlay district may not exceed four stories or 45 feet
in height.
556.06. Buildings. Subdivision 1. Buildings in the overlay district
will together create the “wall of buildings” effect associated with traditional “Main Street” areas.
Section 556 Page 2
Hopkins City Code (Zoning) 556.06, Subd. 2
Subd. 2. Setback. New construction and infill buildings must maintain the existing
alignment of facades along the street front. Exceptions may be granted if the setback is
pedestrian-oriented and contributes to the quality and character of the streetscape. An example
would be outdoor dining.
Subd. 3. Parking lots. In instances where there are parking areas abutting the street, the
sidewalk edge must be delineated with landscaping.
556.07. Roofs and parapets. Subdivision 1. Rooflines will mimic the separate yet
complementary character and design of historic Mainstreet buildings.
Subd. 2. Roofs. Sloped roofs are not allowed unless the roof form is concealed by a
parapet or false front. Exceptions may be granted if the sloped roof is used on top of amulti-
story building to help reduce the overall height of the façade and define the residential character
of the upper floors.
556.08. Utility areas, mechanical equipment and screening. Subdivision 1. Utility areas,
mechanical equipment, and screening will be designed so that they do not detract from the
aesthetic appeal of the district.
Subd. 2. Materials. The screening of exterior trash, storage areas, service yards, loading
areas, transformers, heating, and air conditioning units must use the same materials, color and/or
style as the primary building in order to be architecturally compatible with the primary building
and the building it is adjacent to. If the utility area is separate from the building it serves, it
should be consistent with the City of Hopkins streetscape theme.
Subd. 3. Roof equipment. All roof equipment will be screened from public view so as
not to be visible from the street.
Subd. 4. Screening. All exterior trash and storage areas, service yards, loading, areas,
heating, and air conditioning units must be screened from view. Camouflaging heating and air
conditioning units is an acceptable screening method.
556.09. Facades. Subdivision 1. To break up the monotonous appearance of long facades, the
exterior of buildings will be designed with visual breaks.
Subd. 2. Width. A building more than 45 feet in width will be divided into increments of
no more than 45 feet through articulation of the facade. This can be achieved through
combinations of the following techniques:
a) Divisions or breaks in materials
b) Window bays
c) Separate entrances and entry treatments
d) Variation in roof lines
e) Building setbacks
Section 556 Page 3
Hopkins City Code (Zoning) 556.10
556.10. Windows and doors. Subdivision 1. It is encouraged and may be required that windows
and doors be incorporated in building designs to provide large open views into the commercial
space enhancing the pedestrian experience by providing avisual connection to the use inside the
building.
Subd. 2. Upper level windows. Windows are required on upper levels, and should
provide privacy while aesthetically and functionally serving the building.
Subd. 3. Ground level windows and doors. A minimum of 30% of the ground level
facade and sides of buildings adjacent to public streets shall consist of transparent materials.
Subd. 4. Rear facade. A minimum of 15% of the building’srear façade facing apublic
right-of-way, parking area, or open space shall consist of transparent materials.
Subd. 5. Glass. Reflective glass is not allowed. Glass tinted more than 40% is not
allowed.
556.11. Materials and detailing. Subdivision 1. New buildings and structures, additions and
renovations will be constructed to be long lasting and use materials and detailing that maintain
the distinct character and harmony of the downtown.
Subd. 2. Materials. The following materials are not allowed on the facades or sides of
buildings adjacent to public right-of-ways:
a) Painted concrete block
b) Aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass siding or roofing materials
c) Precast concrete panels
d) Painting previously unpainted brick on the facades of buildings
Subd. 3. Approval. Any exterior material used in new construction or change in
exterior materials on more than 50 percent of the front, rear, or side of a building facing a public
right-of-way, shall require prior approval of the Zoning and Planning Commission and City
Council for compliance with the requirements of this subsection and the other provisions of this
Ordinance.
556.12. Franchise architecture. Subdivision 1.To maintain the unique character of Hopkins
downtown, buildings will not be constructed or renovated using franchise architecture.
Subd. 2. Franchise.Franchise architecture is defined as building design that is
trademarked or identified with aparticular franchise, chain or corporation and is generic or
standard in nature. Franchise architecture is not allowed. Franchises or national chains must
follow the standards of this ordinance to create abuilding that is compatible with downtown
Hopkins.
Section 556 Page 4
Hopkins City Code (Zoning) 556.13
556.13. Streetscape. Subdivision 1. The streetscape will be uniform so that it acts to provide
continuity throughout the downtown.
Subd. 2. Replacement. When aredevelopment project disturbs existing streetscape
elements, those items must be replaced with approved Hopkins streetscape elements compatible
with the character of downtown Hopkins.
556.14. Lighting. Subdivision 1. Lighting in the overlay district should serve to illuminate
facades, entrances, and signage to provide an adequate level of personal safety while enhancing
the aesthetic appeal of the buildings.
Subd. 2. Source. Building and signage lighting must be indirect, with the light source(s)
hidden from direct pedestrian and motorist view. For exterior sign illumination, shaded
gooseneck lamps are encouraged.
556.15. Parking. Subdivision 1. Parking in the overlay district must adequately serve the users
without detracting from the compact design that makes it asuccessful commercial center.
Subd. 2. Off-street parking. Off-street parking must be located in the rear of buildings
on Mainstreet.
556.16. Exceptions. It is recognized that there may be projects that require a departure from the
requirements in this ordinance in order to be feasible. Possible grounds to be considered in
determining possible reasons for granting exceptions to the ordinance are as follows:
a) Safety
b) Unique site or building characteristics
c) Standards would have a detrimental effect on the use of the property
d) Public benefit
Financial hardship alone is not abasis to grant an exception. Exceptions will be reviewed by the
Zoning and Planning Commission with a recommendation to the City Council for action. Minor
exceptions can be granted on a staff level.
Section 556 Page 5
Project Name/Number/Date 07 42 43-1 Composite Wall Panels
VintageBrick Three-Part Specification
07 42 43
Composite Wall Panels
Part I - General
1.1 SECTION INCLUDES:
A. Exterior, panelized fiber cement cladding system and accessories to complete a drained
and back-ventilated rainscreen.
B. Interior fiber cement panelized cladding system and accessories.
1.2 RELATED SECTIONS
A. Section 05 41 00 - Structural Metal Stud Framing
B. Section 06 10 00 - Rough Carpentry
C. Section 06 16 00 - Sheathing
D. Section 07 20 00 - Thermal Protection
E. Section 07 25 00 - Weather Barriers
F. Section 07 60 00 - Flashing and Sheet Metal
G. Section 07 90 00 - Joint Protection
1.3 REFERENCES
A. American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA):
1. AAMA 509-14 – Voluntary Test and Classification Method of Drained and Back
Ventilated Rain Screen Wall Cladding Systems
B. ASTM International (ASTM):
1. ASTM C 518 - Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus.
2. ASTM C 1185 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Non-Asbestos Fiber
Cement.
a. ASTM C 1186 – Standard Specification for Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets.
3. ASTM E-84 - Standard Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
4. ASTM E 119 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and
Materials.
5. ASTM E 228 - Standard Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Solid Materials
with a Vitreous Silica Dilatometer.
Project Name/Number/Date 07 42 43-2 Composite Wall Panels
6. ASTM E 330 - Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows,
Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.
7. ASTM E 331 - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows,
Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.
C. Florida Building Code - Test Protocol HVHZ
1. Testing Application Standard (TAS) 202, 203 – HVHZ Test Procedures
D. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
1. NFPA 285 - Fire Test Method for Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible
Material.
2. NFPA 268 – Ignition Resistance of Exterior Wall Assemblies.
E. Standards Council of Canada & Underwriters Laboratories Canada (ULC):
1. CAN/ULC S-102 – Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics.
2. CAN/ULC S-134 – Standard Method of Fire Test of Exterior Wall Assembly.
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit under provisions of Section 01 33 00.
B. Product Data: Submit manufacturer’s product description, storage and handling
requirements, and installation instructions.
C. Product Test Reports and Code Compliance: Documents demonstrating product
compliance with local building code, such as test reports or Evaluation Reports from
qualified, independent testing agencies.
D. LEED Credits: Provide documentation of LEED Credits for project certification under
USGBC LEED 2009 (Version 3.0) or 2012 v.4.
E. Manufacturer’s Details: Submit drawings (.dwg, .rvt, and/or .pdf formats), including plans,
sections, showing installation details that demonstrate product dimensions, edge/termination
conditions/treatments, compression and control joints, corners, openings, and penetrations.
F. Samples: Submit samples of each product type proposed for use.
1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Manufacturer Qualifications:
1. All fiber cement panels specified in this section must be supplied by a manufacturer
with a minimum of 10 years of experience in fabricating and supplying fiber cement
cladding systems.
a. Products covered under this section are to be manufactured in an ISO 9001
certified facility.
Project Name/Number/Date 07 42 43-3 Composite Wall Panels
2. Provide technical and design support as needed regarding installation requirements
and warranty compliance provisions.
B. Installer Qualifications: All products listed in this section are to be installed by a single
installer trained by manufacturer or representative.
C. Mock-Up Wall: Provide a mock-up wall as evaluation tool for product and installation
workmanship.
D. Pre-Installation Meetings: Prior to beginning installation, conduct conference to verify and
discuss substrate conditions, manufacturer’s installation instructions and warranty
requirements, and project requirements.
1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Panels must be stored flat and kept dry before installation. A waterproof cover over
panels and accessories should be used at all times prior to installation. Do not stack pallets
more than two high. Refer to the information included on each pallet.
B. If panels are exposed to water or water vapor prior to installation, allow to completely dry
before installing. Failure to do so may result in panel shrinkage at ship lap joints, and such
action may void warranty.
C. Panels MUST be carried on edge. Do not carry or lift panels flat. Improper handling may
cause cracking or panel damage.
D. Direct contact between the panels and the ground should be avoided at all times. It is
necessary to keep panels clean during installation process.
1.7 WARRANTY
A. Provide manufacturer’s 15-year warranty against manufactured defects in fiber cement
panels. Additional 5-year extension available when refinished in year 14-15.
B. Provide manufacturer’s 15-year warranty against manufactured defects in panel finish.
C. Warranty provides for the original purchaser. See warranty for detailed information on
terms, conditions and limitations.
PART II: PRODUCTS
2.1 MANUFACTURERS
A. Acceptable Manufacturer: Nichiha Corporation, 18-19 Nishiki 2-chome Naka-ku, Nagoya,
Aichi 460-8610, Japan.
Project Name/Number/Date 07 42 43-4 Composite Wall Panels
B. Acceptable Manufacturer’s Representative: Nichiha USA, Inc., 6465 E. Johns Crossing,
Suite 250, Johns Creek, GA 30097. Toll free: 1.866.424.4421, Office: 770.805.9466, Fax:
770.805.9467, www.nichiha.com.
1. Basis of Design Product: Nichiha VintageBrick.
a. Profile colors: Alexandria Buff, White Wash.
b. Profiles: Each panel features six rows of rough-cut brick pattern. Rows one,
three, and five begin and end with a whole brick. Rows two, four, and six
begin and end with a half brick.
c. Accessory/Component Options:
i. Manufactured Corners with 3-1/2” returns for each profile color.
ii. Essential Flashing System: Starter, Overhang.
1. Finish: Matte black.
d. Dimensions – AWP-1818: 455mm (17-7/8”) (h) x 1,818 mm (71-9/16”) (l).
e. Panel Thickness: 18 mm (3/4").
f. Weight: 39.68 lbs. per panel.
g. Coverage: 8.88 sq. ft. per panel.
h. Factory sealed on six [6] sides.
C. Substitutions: Not permitted.
D. Requests for substitutions will be considered in accordance with provisions of
Section 01 60 00.
2.2 MATERIALS
A. Fiber cement panels manufactured from a pressed, stamped, and autoclaved mix of
Portland cement, fly ash, silica, recycled rejects, and wood fiber bundles.
B. Panel surface pre-finished and machine applied.
C. Panels profiled along all four edges, such that both horizontal and vertical joints between
the installed panels are ship-lapped.
D. Factory-applied sealant gasket added to top and right panel edges; all joints contain a
factory sealant.
2.3 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:
A. Fiber Cement Cladding – Must comply with ASTM C-1186, Type A, Grade II
requirements:
1. Wet Flexural Strength: Result: 1418 psi, Lower Limit: 1015 psi.
2. Water Tightness: No water droplets observed on any specimen.
3. Freeze-thaw: No damage or defects observed.
Project Name/Number/Date 07 42 43-5 Composite Wall Panels
4. Warm Water: No evidence of cracking, delamination, swelling, or other defects
observed.
5. Heat-Rain: No crazing, cracking, or other deleterious effects, surface or joint changes
observed in any specimen.
B. Mean Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (ASTM E-228): Max 1.0*10^-5 in./in. F.
C. Surface Burning (CAN-ULC S102/ASTM E-84): Flame Spread: 0, Smoke Developed: 0.
D. Wind Load (ASTM E-330): Contact manufacturer for ultimate test pressure data
corresponding to framing type, dimensions, fastener type, and attachment clips. Project
engineer(s) must determine Zone 4 and 5 design pressures based on project specifics.
1. Minimum lateral deflection: L/120.
E. Water Penetration (ASTM E-331): No water leakage observed into wall cavity.
F. Steady-State Heat Flux and Thermal Transmission Properties Test (ASTM C-518): 16mm
thick panel thermal resistance R Value of 0.47.
G. Fire Resistant (ASTM E-119): The wall assembly must successfully endure 60-minute fire
exposure without developing excessive unexposed surface temperature or allowing flaming
on the unexposed side of the assembly.
H. Ignition Resistance (NFPA 268): No sustained flaming of panels, assembly when
subjected to a minimum radiant heat flux of 12.5 kW/m2 ± 5% in the presence of a pilot
ignition source for a 20-minute period.
I. Fire Propagation (NFPA 285): Wall assembly of Nichiha AWP, Ultimate Clips and Starter
Track, Tyvek Commercial Wrap, ½” Densglass Gold Sheathing, 16” o.c. 18 gauge steel
studs, mineral wool in-cavity insulation, and interior 5/8” Type X gypsum met the acceptance
criteria of NFPA 285.
J. Fire Propagation (CAN/ULC S-134): Wall assembly of Nichiha AWP, Ultimate Clips and
Starter Track, Tyvek Housewrap, 5/8” FRT plywood, 16” o.c. 2x wood studs, fiberglass in-
cavity insulation, and interior 5/8” Type X gypsum met the acceptance criteria of CAN/ULC
S-134.
K. Drained and Back Ventilated Rainscreen (AAMA 509-14): System classifications: W1, V1.
L. Florida Building Code - Test Protocol HVHZ (TAS 202, 203): Design Pressure: 95 psf
2.4 INSTALLATION COMPONENTS
A. Ultimate Clip System:
1. Starter Track: FA 700 (10mm rainscreen) – 3030mm (l) galvalume coated steel.
Project Name/Number/Date 07 42 43-6 Composite Wall Panels
2. Panel Clips: JEL 788 “Ultimate Clip II” (10mm rainscreen for 3/4” AWP) – Zinc-
Aluminum-Magnesium alloy coated steel.
a. Joint Tab Attachments (included) – used at all AWP-1818 panel to panel
vertical joints.
3. Corner Clips: JE 787C (10mm rainscreen for 3/4” AWP Manufactured Corners) --
Zinc-Aluminum-Magnesium alloy coated steel.
4. Single Flange Sealant Backer – FHK 1015 R (10mm) – 6.5’ (l) fluorine coated
galvalume.
5. Double Flange Sealant Backer – FH 1015 R (10mm) – 10’ (l) fluorine coated
galvalume.
6. Corrugated Spacer – FS 1005 (5mm), FS 1010 (10mm) – 4’ (l).
B. Essential Flashing System (optional):
1. Starter – main segments (3030mm), inside corners, outside corners
2. Overhang – main segments (3030mm), inside corners, outside corners, joint clips
C. Fasteners: Corrosion resistant fasteners, such as hot-dipped galvanized screws
appropriate to local building codes and practices must be used. Use Stainless Steel
fasteners in high humidity and high-moisture regions. Panel manufacturer is not liable for
corrosion resistance of fasteners. Do not use aluminum fasteners, staples or fasteners
that are not rated or designed for intended use. See manufacturer’s instructions for
appropriate fasteners for construction method used.
D. Flashing: Flash all areas specified in manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use raw
aluminum flashing. Flashing must be galvanized, anodized, or PVC coated.
E. Sealant: Sealant shall comply with ASTM C920, Class 35.
PART III: EXECUTION
3.1 EXAMINATION
A. Verification of Conditions:
1. Fiber cement panels can be installed over braced wood, steel studs and sheathing
including plywood, OSB, plastic foam (1” or less) or fiberboard sheathing. Fiber cement
panels can also be installed over Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s), Concrete Masonry
Units (CMU’s) and Concrete Block Structures (CBS’s) with furring strips, and Pre-
Engineered Metal Construction. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) require added
measures. Consult with Nichiha Technical Services.
2. Allowable stud spacing: 16” o.c. maximum.
Project Name/Number/Date 07 42 43-7 Composite Wall Panels
3. A weather resistive barrier is required when installing fiber cement panels. Use an
approved weather resistive barrier (WRB) as defined by the 2015 IBC or IRC. Refer to
local building codes.
4. Appropriate metal flashing should be used to prevent moisture penetration around all
doors, windows, wall bottoms, material transitions and penetrations. Refer to local
building codes for best practices.
B. Examine site to ensure substrate conditions are within alignment tolerances for proper
installation.
C. Do not begin installation until unacceptable conditions have been corrected.
D. Do not install panels or components that appear to be damaged or defective. Do not
install wet panels.
3.2 TOLERANCE
A. Wall surface plane must be plumb and level within +/- ¼ inch in 20 feet in any direction.
1. One layer of Nichiha 5mm (~3/16”) Spacer may be used as shim.
3.3 INSTALLATION
A. General: Install products in accordance with the latest installation guidelines of the
manufacturer and all applicable building codes and other laws, rules, regulations and
ordinances. Review all manufacturer installation, maintenance instructions, and other
applicable documents before installation.
1. Consult with your local dealer or Nichiha Technical Department before installing any
Nichiha fiber cement product on a building higher than 45 feet or three stories or for
conditions not matching prescribed standard installation guide requirements and
methods. A Technical Design Review (TDR) process is available to evaluate project
feasibility.
2. Vertical Control/Expansion Joints are required with AWP-1818, for walls wider than
30 feet, within 2-12 feet of outside corners finished with metal trim and approximately
every 30 feet thereafter.
3. Horizontal/Compression Joints are required for multi-story installations of AWP.
Locate joints at floor lines. Joints are flashed minimum ½” breaks. Do not caulk. Refer to
installation guide(s).
A. Wood framed buildings of three or more floors require a compression joint at
each floor.
Project Name/Number/Date 07 42 43-8 Composite Wall Panels
B. Steel framed buildings (including reinforced concrete core with LGMF exterior
walls) of more than three floors (or 45 feet) require a compression joint every 25
feet at a floor line.
B. Panel Cutting
1. Always cut fiber cement panels outside or in a well ventilated area. Do not cut the
products in an enclosed area.
2. Always wear safety glasses and NIOSH/OSHA approved respirator whenever cutting,
drilling, sawing, sanding or abrading the products. Refer to manufacturer SDS for more
information.
3. Use a dust-reducing circular saw with a diamond-tipped or carbide-tipped blade.
a. Recommended circular saw: Makita 7-1/4” Circular Saw with Dust Collector
(#5057KB).
b. Recommended blade: Tenryu Board-Pro Plus PCD Blade (#BP-18505).
c. Shears (electric or pneumatic) or jig saw can be used for complicated cuttings,
such as service openings, curves, radii and scrollwork.
4. Silica Dust Warning: Fiber cement products may contain some amounts of
crystalline silica, a naturally occurring, potentially hazardous mineral when airborne in
dust form. Consult product SDS or visit
https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/silicacrystalline/.
5. Immediately clean dust from cut panels as it may bind to the finish.
3.4 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
A. Review manufacturer guidelines for detailed care instructions.