Cut and Install

Wear correct PPE, including a P1 dust mask (at minimum), safety glasses and steel-cap boots.

Before cutting, measure the wall, check panels for damage and then cut to size. Then re-check the panel for damage before installing.

Use a track saw connected to a class M or H dust extractor.

For precise cutting, make sure the guide track is as long as or longer than the panel.

Follow best practice when moving panels into position.

Don’t rest corners or shiplap edges on the ground, as it could damage the panel.

Position cutting station in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, close to where panels will be installed.

Check wind direction and make sure any dust from the cutting station will blow away from the user or others on site. 

Warn others in the area when you are about to start cutting so they can avoid exposure to the dust.

Set up two sawhorses with timber beams large enough to support the biggest panels as they’re cut.

Install the Hardie™ PVC Cavity Vent Strip at the bottom of the frame. 

Fix at 600mm centres maximum with 10mm edge clearance.

The Hardie™ PVC Cavity Vent Strip needs to be mitred at corners. 

Do not insert Hardie ™ Cavity Batten into the Hardie™ PVC Cavity Vent Strip .

There should be a minimum 150mm clearance between the ground and the bottom of the Hardie™ PVC Cavity Vent Strip.

For on-stud fixing, the cavity trim is installed directly to the stud over the weather barrier. 

Click here for fastener and stud spacings. 

When fixing, ensure a minimum 20mm clearance from the edge of the cavity or timber batten.

Stagger nails in a zigzag pattern so they are not visible in the join.

Ensure the cavity trim butts up to the PVC vent strip. 

Do not insert the Hardie™ Cavity trim into the vent strip.

Make sure all Hardie™ Cavity trims or Timber Battens are straight.

Ensure the backing strip is 5mm shorter than the Matrix™ panel on each side to prevent it from being visible at the joins.

Apply a continuous 6mm diameter bead of James Hardie™ joint sealant below the stop on the backing strip. Attach backing strip to Matrix™ panel.

Wait for the sealant to dry before installing the Matrix™ panel. 

When installing the panels, apply a 6mm diameter bead of sealant between the back of the backing strip and cavity trim.

Continue bead onto the back of the panel. 

Fill 50mm of each end of the back of the stop with sealant.

Install panel, matt side facing out, before sealant dries to ensure bond.

Apply a continuous bead of James Hardie™ joint sealant along the top edges of the front of the panel. 

On battens where there’s a join, apply sealant down each side.