Content Type:
Installation, Performance & Testing
Project Type:
-
System Name:
Hitch™
Installation:
Exterior
Hitch® Cladding Attachment System by Longboard is engineered for exceptional strength, supporting high wind loads and heavy cladding dead loads with confidence. By allowing up to 50% fewer clips, Hitch ® reduces penetrations, cuts material and labor costs, and accelerates installation schedules. The system is built with ease of installation in mind including simple adjustments to accommodate substrate inconsistencies making it faster, cleaner, and more efficient from start to finish.
Every year, moisture damage costs North America tens of billions of dollars. Walls have been built the same way for decades, essentially creating incubators for rot, mold, and decay. The culprit? Water that’s been trapped within walls.
The rain screen, a simple solution that’s come into fruition due to the wet climate of mid-20th century Europe and Canada. It is essentially an air gap created between the exterior cladding and the building’s structural wall. This separation prevents moisture from becoming trapped, reducing the risks of mold growth, structural decay, and damage to insulation.
This essential air gap requires a sturdy structural support clip without creating thermal inefficiencies. Traditionally, since these attachments are metallic, they form thermal bridges acting as conductors of heat that bypass the insulation layer. Additionally, this thermal bridging, the clip can reduce insulation effectiveness to as low as 20-40% of its rated value, effectively negating many of the benefits of the building’s insulation performance.
The real cost of thermal bridging extends beyond energy bills. Buildings with compromised thermal envelopes experience increased heating and cooling demands, contributing to higher carbon emissions and accelerated climate change. In commercial buildings, where operational costs directly impact profitability, the cumulative effect of thermal bridging can translate to thousands of dollars in wasted energy annually. The development of high-performance attachment systems represents a meaningful shift in construction. Engineers have created solutions that retain up to 95% of insulation effectiveness while supporting the cladding.
The HITCH™ Clip
Pioneered by Longboard, our HITCH™ clip system was created to combat exactly that. It excels in joining thick layers of exterior insulation, crucial for designers aiming for the highest levels of thermal performance. The standard version of our system, HITCH™ SD, is capable of incorporating 2.5 inches of exterior insulation, while the HD and HD+ models can accommodate anywhere from 6 to 16 inches of exterior insulation.
Our Engineers have created this clip that retains up to 95% of insulation effectiveness while supporting the cladding. These systems demonstrate that thermal performance and structural integrity need not be in competition, offering a path forward that addresses both concerns. As building codes continue to evolve and energy efficiency requirements become more stringent, high-performance cladding attachment systems will play an increasingly vital role in sustainable construction. The industry is trending toward innovative materials and designs that further reduce thermal bridging while maintaining structural integrity. Emerging technologies in composite materials and advanced manufacturing processes are enabling the development of even more efficient attachment solutions.
As climate change drives more extreme weather conditions, these systems will become more critical in creating resilient building envelopes that can adapt to environmental demands.
The success of high-performance cladding attachment systems ultimately depends on the careful balance of thermal efficiency, moisture management, structural capacity, and practical constructability. By understanding and implementing these systems effectively, designers and builders can create building envelopes that not only meet current performance standards but are also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow’s construction industry.
Learn more: HITCH™ clip
