Allura Shake Select Primed delivers authentic cedar shake aesthetics in 5/16” fiber cement panels with Class A fire rating and hurricane-force wind resistance. The 16” x 48” panels come factory primed for field painting, solving the labor problem contractors face when installing individual shakes in Montana’s compressed building season.
These fiber cement panels carry a 30-year transferable warranty and offer 50-100 year lifespans with proper maintenance. For Montana contractors dealing with wildfire zones, extreme temperature swings, and persistent woodpecker damage, that durability matters more than aesthetics.
Weather Performance Built for Montana Extremes
The panels withstand hurricane-force winds and carry Class A fire rating (noncombustible) — specifications that translate directly to Montana’s challenges. Those hurricane ratings handle chinook gusts. The Class A fire rating meets Montana’s statewide IWUIC requirements without modification.
The product resists termites, rot, fire, and harsh weather conditions. In practical terms, that means no woodpecker holes to patch, no rot at the ground line from spring snowmelt, and no feeding the next wildfire.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 5/16” |
| Panel dimensions | 16” x 48” |
| Exposure | 7” |
| Fire rating | Class A (noncombustible) |
| Wind resistance | Hurricane-force |
| Warranty | 30-year transferable limited |
| Expected lifespan | 50-100 years with maintenance |
The noncombustible nature and flood damage resistance make it suitable for a variety of climates. That flood resistance rating matters for properties along Montana’s river corridors where spring runoff creates moisture challenges traditional wood can’t handle.
Installation Efficiency in Short Building Seasons
Contractors appreciate the authentic look of shakes while panels save time and labor costs. Each 16” x 48” panel covers the area of multiple individual shakes with consistent 7” exposure.
Edge options include straight, staggered, and half-round, letting contractors match historic shake patterns without hand-cutting individual pieces. Texture choices include Traditional Cedar and Combed.
The factory-primed surface simplifies installation and field painting. No back-priming individual shakes. No sealing cut edges. The primer’s already there, ready for topcoat.
Material Properties That Handle Montana Reality
The 5/16” fiber cement construction provides real depth and shadow lines — not the flat appearance of thinner sidings. The staggered edge design gives it a natural, hand-split shake appearance.
Features include insect and rot resistance, weather resistance, and sustainable durability. Weaknesses include the need for careful handling during installation due to its cement composition, and potentially higher costs compared to vinyl. Fiber cement doesn’t bounce when dropped. Plan accordingly.
The product complies with 2024, 2021, 2018, and 2015 International Building and Residential Codes, with flame spread index 0 and smoke developed index ≤5 per ASTM E84. NGBS Green Certified and suitable for LEED projects.
The Verdict
Worth it for contractors installing shake siding in wildfire zones, high-wind areas, or anywhere woodpeckers turn cedar into swiss cheese. The panel format cuts installation time dramatically versus individual shakes — critical in Montana’s short building season.
The durability and long-term performance often justify the investment. After watching cedar shakes fail at 15 years, vinyl shake blow off in chinooks, and engineered wood products swell from moisture, fiber cement’s 50+ year performance starts making sense.
Not the cheapest option. But for projects where shake aesthetics meet code requirements for fire resistance, Allura Shake Select Primed delivers what Montana’s climate demands.
FAQs
Q: How do the different edge options (straight, staggered, half-round) affect installation?
A: Allura offers straight, staggered, and half-round edge options. The Shake Select features staggered, straight, half-round, and octagon edges (the latter only in Select). Each creates different shadow patterns and visual texture. Staggered edges create the most random, hand-applied appearance.
Q: What’s the actual installed cost difference between panels and individual fiber cement shakes?
A: Panels dramatically reduce labor time compared to individual shakes. Installing 16” x 48” panels covers ground fast — figure one panel replaces dozens of individual shakes. That labor savings adds up quickly on a full house.
Q: How does the 30-year warranty handle Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles?
A: The 30-year transferable limited warranty covers the product through decades of Montana weather. Allura’s weather-resistant formulation handles freeze-thaw cycles that destroy lesser sidings. The fiber cement composition doesn’t absorb water like wood products, preventing the expansion damage that cracks other materials.
Q: Can you install these panels directly over existing siding?
A: Installation must follow Allura’s specifications, QAI Laboratory standards, and local jurisdiction requirements. Check with your local building department about installation over existing siding — requirements vary by location and existing siding type.
Q: How much does moisture affect fiber cement during Montana’s spring installation season?
A: The siding should be stored dry, covered, and on a flat surface. Careful handling during installation is needed due to its cement composition. Fiber cement can absorb moisture if not properly stored, affecting its dimensional stability.
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