- Review the order — verify correct extrusions and colors. Check for any defects or damage.
- Wear appropriate PPE: eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, and pants.
- Review and understand the full aPlank system before installation. Plan the install to reduce waste.
- Plan for woodgrain pattern repeats (every 5'–6'). Pull product from multiple boxes per section for variety.
- Account for aluminum expansion and contraction — see Section 04.
- Do not install over pressure treated material without barrier protection.
Step through the complete installation sequence — from bare substrate to finished facade.
Do not over-tighten screws. Leave 1/16" of space between the fastener head and the plank. Always screw in the center of the slot to allow movement.
Keep 3/16" between aPlank and all Starter Trim, Connection Trim, and Corner Trim to allow expansion and contraction.
Install a high-quality waterproofing membrane with flashing and caulking per local building code. Secure your warranty from the installer/provider.
Installing more than two consecutive planks requires a Connection Trim. For exactly two planks without Connection Trim: lock both ends at butt-joints by fastening tightly, then screw remainder using the slots. Anchor fasteners to solid framing, blocking, furring strip, or bracket.
Hard fasten at no more than one location per plank. Butt-joints secured at the joint only. Outside corners at the corner only. Do not install more than one butt-joint between two components. Do not hard fasten to any Starter/Connection/Corner Trim.
Always use a compound miter saw or table saw with an 80T–100T non-ferrous metal cutting blade. Cut face-up whenever possible. Wear eye and ear protection.
If using Starter Trim on the bottom for drainage, drill 1/4" wide holes into the channels before installation.
If necessary to end with a ripped aPlank, use Connection Trim or flashing to finish cleanly.
Ensure a 1/4" gap between every 2nd joint or every 24' of all components to allow for expansion and contraction.
Cover exposed cuts at all joints with a matching paint pen or exterior spray paint to prevent raw aluminum from showing.
- Pull planks from 2+ boxes per section to avoid noticeable pattern repeats (patterns repeat every 5'–6').
- Cut face-up whenever possible to reduce scratching the finished surface.
- Cut off taped ends as needed before installation.
- Store material flat, exterior side facing up, in a dry safe location until ready to install.
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Contact UsAbout aPlank Aluminum Rainscreen Siding
aPlank is a prefinished extruded aluminum cladding system designed for exterior and interior building facades. Available in woodgrain, solid, natural stone, and concrete finishes, aPlank panels are non-combustible, non-corrosive, and engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions — including coastal, marine, and high-wind environments.
This installation guide covers everything contractors, architects, and builders need to correctly install aPlank aluminum siding panels: pre-installation checklist, storage requirements, required tools, aluminum expansion and contraction allowances, fastening rules, and a step-by-step animated installation sequence.
aPlank cladding panels can be installed vertically or horizontally, are available in planks up to 16 feet long, and meet ASTM E136 non-combustibility, ASTM E330 structural performance, TAS 202 impact testing, and TAS 203 cyclic pressure standards. At end of building life, panels can be reused, repainted, or fully recycled with zero material going to landfill.