Celect 7″ Shake siding solves the wind problem that plagues Montana buildings. Rated for extreme weather conditions (>210 mph wind resistance), this cellular composite product handles chinook gusts that rip traditional shingles off roofs. The R-2.0 to R-3.0 thermal resistance beats traditional materials by nearly double, cutting heating bills during Montana’s long winters.
Patented interlocking joints: Locks top-to-bottom and side-to-side for seamless appearance. Gravity-lock design: Keeps boards tight, eliminates warping, buckling, and shifting. That gravity-lock system means no caulking gaps to fail after freeze-thaw cycles hammer the joints.
Performance That Matters in Mountain Country
Montana contractors deal with three siding killers: wind, UV, and temperature swings. Celect tackles all three.
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Load Rating | >210 mph | manufacturer |
| Thermal Resistance | R-2.0 to R-3.0 | manufacturer |
| Exposure Width | 7 inches | manufacturer |
| Overall Width | ~8.5 inches (with overlap) | manufacturer |
| Panel Length | 49.5 inches | manufacturer |
| Coverage | 50 sq ft per carton (21 panels) | manufacturer |
| Weight | ~55 lbs per carton | manufacturer |
The Kynar Aquatec coating: Superior UV protection, moisture resistance, and fade resistance comes with a 25-year color protection warranty on the factory-applied Kynar Aquatec finish. That coating outlasts standard paint by decades.
Higher R-value (2x), lighter weight, and features interlocking seams that eliminate gaps/caulking compared to fiber cement. The white substrate reduces heat absorption, keeping expansion minimal even during July scorchers.
Zero-Maintenance Reality
Near-zero (no painting, caulking, or scrubbing required) maintenance sounds like marketing fluff until you understand the engineering. No Caulking: Interlocking joints eliminate the need for unsightly caulking gaps. Those joints stay tight through temperature extremes because the gravity-lock design physically prevents separation.
Some professional installers note the expansion/contraction management of the interlocking system as a key advantage over standard PVC. Standard vinyl buckles and warps. This cellular composite maintains its shape.
The material resists everything Montana throws at buildings. Provides the look/feel of wood without the rot, insect damage, or need for repainting. No woodpecker holes. No porcupine damage. No annual staining.
Installation Without Drama
Snap-and-nail using patented interlocking joints and gravity-lock system. Concealed fasteners within the locking system. The concealed fasteners mean no face-nailing, no exposed nail heads to pop or rust.
Requires specific alignment of panels to engage the gravity lock; no caulking required at seams. Refer to the ‘Celect Installation Handbook’ by Royal Building Products. Get the alignment right and the system locks itself together. No special tools beyond standard siding equipment.
Compatible with Celect trim, corners, window surrounds, and mounting blocks (standard, recessed, electrical). Compatible with Celect-matched gable vents and utility mounts. All accessories are available in the same prefinished Kynar Aquatec color palette. Complete system means consistent color across all components.
Who Should Buy This
Worth it for contractors building in wind-exposed locations — mountain ridges, open valleys, anywhere chinooks hit hard. The >210 mph rating exceeds anything Montana weather produces.
Energy-conscious builders benefit from the R-value boost. R-2.0 to R-3.0 (claimed to be almost 2x traditional materials) adds real insulation value compared to thin vinyl or fiber cement.
Homeowners tired of maintenance get what they pay for. The Limited Lifetime Warranty on the cellular composite material backs up the zero-maintenance claims. Warranty details and registration available at RBPWarranty.com.
Skip it if you’re competing on lowest bid. This isn’t budget siding. The performance costs more upfront but eliminates callbacks and warranty work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Celect handle Montana’s temperature extremes?
The cellular PVC structure with white substrate minimizes thermal expansion. Unlike dark-colored siding that heats up and moves dramatically, the white base reflects heat. The gravity-lock joints accommodate what little movement occurs without gaps opening up.
Q: Can this siding be painted if the homeowner wants a different color?
The ‘Celect Canvas’ (unpainted) version is specifically designed to be finished with Benjamin Moore ‘Vinyl-Safe’ paints (LRV > 50). Benjamin Moore paint colors can be matched exactly for the Celect Canvas shake profiles. The prefinished version already has the Kynar Aquatec coating that doesn’t need painting.
Q: Does the 7” shake profile look realistic compared to wood shakes?
Replicates natural wood texture and 3D depth without wood’s flaws. Provides the look/feel of wood without the rot, insect damage, or need for repainting. The texture mimics wood grain closely enough to satisfy most homeowners who want the cedar look without cedar maintenance.
Q: How many square feet does a typical order cover?
21 panels per carton (covers 50 sq ft). Calculate your wall area and divide by 50 to get carton count. Add 10% for waste and cuts.
Q: Is special equipment needed for installation?
Standard siding tools work fine. Snap-and-nail using patented interlocking joints and gravity-lock system doesn’t require specialty equipment. The main requirement is careful alignment to engage the locks properly.
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