Technical Specifications

NICHIHA INSTALLATION GUIDE FOR SIX-FOOT HORIZONTAL PANELS
4
LIMITATIONS, TECHNICAL REVIEWS
& SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
Natural limitations on product usage are
inherent to any cladding product’s design,
physical characteristics, and attachment
system. Nichiha AWP are intended as a low-
to-mid-rise cladding product and are not for
use on high-rise buildings. Do not use AWP
on open screen walls.
Any project of more than three stories or 45
feet, as well as those located in high wind
coastal areas (Exposure Categories C and D
with Basic Wind Speed in excess of 130 mph),
requires a technical review by Nichiha to
evaluate feasibility via our Technical Review
and Special Application Form (SAF) process.
By evaluating a project’s unique criteria and
design, we can reference independently
test-derived and calculated wind load
performance data for our products to
determine whether and how the panels can
safely be installed on the project. Contact
your local rep or Nichiha technical department
for details or to initiate an SAF.
AWP are not to be used in any applications/
uses not specified or described in this
installation guide or other Nichiha technical
documents. Any such use shall not be backed
by the manufacturer’s product warranty.
Please contact Nichiha Technical Services and
Installation Support for assistance.
SAFETY
As with any natural stone, masonry, or
concrete based product, when cutting,
drilling, sawing, sanding, or abrading fiber
cement cladding, proper safety measures
must be taken due to the potential for
airborne silica dust, an OSHA-identified
hazardous substance that can pose serious
medical risks.
Always wear safety glasses and a NIOSH/
OSHA approved respirator with a rating of N,
O, or P 100. Carefully follow the respirator
manufacturer’s instructions as well as
applicable governmental safety regulations
concerning silica. Refer to Nichiha’s (M)SDS
for more information.
Always cut fiber cement panels outside or in a
well-ventilated area. Do not cut the products
in an enclosed area.
Use a dust-reducing circular saw with
diamond-tipped or carbide-tipped fiber
cement saw blades.
Always clean panels after cutting. Fiber
cement dust can potentially bind to the panel
finish.