Avoid These Mistakes on Your First Longboard Install
https://youtu.be/-Bd94R308tg
We recently visited the Latimer Lake project in beautiful British Columbia, where installer Carter McCullik was putting Longboard Tongue & Groove Cladding on a multi-phase building. It was Carter’s first time using Longboard and he’s already a fan: “It’s gravy work. Easy to cut, clips in nice, and a lot lighter than ACM panels. You just load up the lift and go. At the end, you stand back and think, wow… that’s pretty good.”
Carter’s fresh perspective got us thinking: sometimes knowing what not to do is just as valuable as knowing the right steps. So, inspired by Latimer Lake and Carter’s first experience, here are the top mistakes to avoid on your first Longboard install.
1. Skipping the End Trim Cut
Every plank comes with a drilled end and masking tape on woodgrains. Forgetting to trim ½” off each end can leave visible marks and uneven joins. Don’t take shortcuts here, it’s a quick step that pays off in a polished final look.
2. Ignoring Expansion Gaps
Aluminum moves with temperature changes. If you don’t account for expansion and contraction, you risk buckling or gapping later. Plan your layout with room for movement, especially on longer runs.
3. Using the Wrong Clip Spacing
Not all wind conditions are the same. Stick to Quick-Screen Clips every 32″ O.C. for standard wind, but in high-wind areas, reduce spacing to 16″. Over-spaced clips can mean over-stressing fasteners and wavy walls.
4. Over-Fastening Planks
Hard-fastening a plank in multiple spots locks it in place, preventing natural movement. This leads to warping. Remember: only hard-fasten once per run, ideally at the center or a butt-joint.
5. Waiting Until the End to Check Level
One of the most common rookie mistakes is rushing through installs without checking level every few rows. By the time you reach the top, small errors can be exaggerated, and very noticeable.
The Takeaway
Carter’s success at Latimer Lake wasn’t just luck, it came from following the fundamentals and avoiding these common pitfalls. The result? A clean, precise cladding installation that shows off both Longboard’s design and Carter’s craftsmanship.
Whether it’s your first time using Longboard or your hundredth, keep these “what not to do” tips in mind. Avoiding mistakes early will save you time, ensure longevity, and deliver a finish you’ll be proud to stand back and admire.
About Longboard Architectural Products
Longboard Architectural Products is committed to inspiring the design and construction community with innovative architectural solutions that breathe life into their projects. Our diverse range of aluminum products, spanning from cladding systems to architectural screens and beyond, serves both interior and exterior applications.
We prioritize innovation, quality, and sustainability, ensuring that each product is aesthetically pleasing, environmentally responsible, and durable.
