TimberTech SIDELoc Hidden Fastening System

TimberTech’s SIDELoc isn’t a deck fastening system — it’s PVC cladding. An exterior siding product, not hardware for hidden deck board attachment.

What TimberTech PVC Cladding Actually Is

TimberTech PVC Cladding comes in three widths (3.5”, 5.5”, and 7.25”) and lengths of 12, 16, and 20 feet. This is 1.0 inch thick exterior cladding designed for residential and commercial exterior walls.

The cladding offers Class A Flame Spread Rating (ASTM E84) and high moisture resistance with no wood fibers. It’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Compliant, making it suitable for Montana’s fire-prone regions.

Installation Features

The cladding installation requires Cortex® Hidden Fasteners (2.5” for wood, 2” for block/masonry) with minimum 2 fasteners per furring strip. The system supports both open-joint (ventilated) or closed-joint (T&G interlocking) configurations.

Montana’s extreme temperature swings demand proper gapping during installation. Follow the install guide for thermal expansion and contraction allowances.

Performance in Montana Conditions

The Stay-Cool Technology™ reduces heat absorption by up to 30% compared to traditional composites. Combined with proprietary capping for superior color-fastness, this addresses UV exposure at Montana elevations.

The 50-Year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty for residential applications backs up the UV resistance claims. Commercial installations receive 30-Year Limited Product Warranty + 30-Year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty.

The Bottom Line

This is exterior cladding, not a deck fastening system. No model comparisons or fastener specifications exist because SIDELoc as a hidden deck fastener product line doesn’t exist in TimberTech’s catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What widths does TimberTech PVC Cladding come in?

TimberTech PVC Cladding is available in three width options: 3.5 inches (narrow), 5.5 inches (standard), and 7.25 inches (wide). All boards have a 1.0 inch actual thickness and come in 12-foot and 16-foot lengths, with 20-foot lengths available for decking applications only.

Q: What’s the fire rating on TimberTech cladding for WUI zones?

TimberTech PVC Cladding carries a Class A Flame Spread Rating (ASTM E84) and is certified as Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Compliant. This makes it suitable for high-fire risk areas and meets the ignition-resistant designation requirements.

Q: What warranty does TimberTech offer on their PVC cladding?

TimberTech provides a Lifetime Limited Product Warranty plus 50-Year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty for residential installations. Commercial installations receive a 30-Year Limited Product Warranty plus 30-Year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty.

Q: Can TimberTech cladding be installed in a ventilated rainscreen system?

Yes, TimberTech cladding supports both open-joint rainscreen installations with a 3/16 inch gap for modern ventilation/shadow lines and closed-joint rainscreen using tongue-and-groove interlocking for a weather-tight finish. Maximum spacing between furring strips is 16 inches on-center.

Q: What fasteners are required for TimberTech cladding installation?

TimberTech cladding requires Cortex® Hidden Fasteners — 2.5” for wood substrates and 2” for block/masonry. For coastal areas, 316 Stainless Steel fasteners are specified, with a minimum of 2 fasteners per furring strip and 3 fasteners at board ends for wide boards.

Q: How much recycled content is in TimberTech cladding?

TimberTech PVC Cladding contains up to 60% post-industrial recycled plastics. The product contributes to LEED certification points due to this recycled content.