A smarter building envelope doesn’t begin when the cladding goes up, it starts long before that moment. As performance standards rise, energy codes tighten, and construction schedules face increasing pressure, the industry needs building systems capable of doing more with less. The Hitch Attachment System was engineered to meet that challenge head-on.

Built to support heavy cladding and withstand high wind loads with remarkable reliability, Hitch™ delivers structural confidence without the complexity typically associated with façade engineering. By allowing up to 50% fewer clips, the system significantly reduces penetrations, lowers material and labor costs, and keeps installation teams moving efficiently from day one.

But what truly differentiates Hitch is its installer-first design philosophy. Every element—brackets, rails, and girts—is thoughtfully pre-engineered to remove guesswork on-site. The system produces straight, consistent lines, precise spacing, and reliable fastener placement. Even uneven or imperfect substrates aren’t an obstacle; built-in adjustability provides up to one full inch of on-site correction. The result is a cleaner, more accurate, and faster installation with far less rework.

Performance, however, is only part of the story. Hitch meets the Passive House Institute’s rigorous standards, achieving up to 94% thermal efficiency, a rare accomplishment for heavy cladding applications. With the ability to accommodate 1″ to 16″ of continuous insulation, the system supports wall assemblies reaching R60 and beyond, even in demanding high wind load or seismic conditions. Thermal modeling confirms Hitch’s ability to minimize heat loss, protect substrates from temperature fluctuations, and strengthen overall envelope performance.

Versatility is another defining advantage. Hitch™ works across virtually every cladding category: wood-look aluminum, architectural metal, stone, terracotta, masonry, and more. It installs on all major substrates and supports both vertical and horizontal girt layouts, allowing design teams to maintain their vision while improving structural and thermal outcomes. Whether the project is Passive House, high-rise residential, institutional, or commercial, Hitch adapts without compromise.

Its longevity is equally intentional. Constructed from high-tensile aluminum combined with stainless and galvalume steel, the system is non-combustible, corrosion-resistant, and crafted for a service life exceeding 50 years. This durability supports long-term sustainability, reduces maintenance, and contributes to building envelopes designed to perform for generations.

Longboard backs the engineering with comprehensive support—technical documentation, spacing calculators, installation videos, and PHI-certified performance data—giving designers and builders the clarity and certainty they need to specify confidently.

Ultimately, Hitch is more than a cladding attachment system. It represents a smarter, more integrated approach to façade engineering, one where strength, precision, thermal performance, and installation efficiency come together in a single unified solution. For teams striving for higher energy performance, tighter budgets, and cleaner architectural details, Hitch offers a simple proposition:

Fewer penetrations. Fewer steps. Fewer complications. Better buildings.