Celect Horizontal Lap 7″ siding solves the face-nailing problem that plagues most lap siding installations. The patented gravity-lock system eliminates visible fasteners entirely while allowing thermal movement — a critical advantage in Montana’s extreme temperature swings. At 12’4” board length with 100 square feet coverage per carton, this cellular PVC composite siding delivers both installation efficiency and weather resistance that exceeds traditional materials.
Worth it for contractors handling high-end residential projects where wind resistance and finish longevity justify the premium. Wind testing shows performance exceeding 210 mph — well beyond Montana’s chinook wind requirements. The 25-year Kynar Aquatec finish warranty backs up what contractors need most: a siding that won’t require callbacks for fading or finish failure.
Gravity-Lock Installation and Weather Performance
The gravity-lock system changes everything about lap siding installation. No face nails means no moisture entry points through the siding face. Boards snap into the course below with interlocking joints that maintain integrity through expansion and contraction. No caulking required at seams — joints allow for thermal expansion while maintaining water-tight seal.
The weather resistance numbers tell the real story:
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Resistance | Exceeding 210 mph | Tested |
| Water Absorption | Near zero | Manufacturer |
| Thermal Resistance | ~2x wood/fiber cement | Manufacturer |
| Board Thickness | 11/16 inch | Manufacturer |
That near-zero water absorption prevents the freeze-thaw damage that destroys other siding materials in Montana. Moisture can’t penetrate, so it can’t freeze and expand inside the material. The cellular composite structure resists water absorption, dirt, and mildew, reducing the need for repainting or recaulking.
Installation Efficiency and Material Specs
Each carton contains 14 boards at 12’4” length, covering exactly 100 square feet at 108.79 pounds total weight. That’s manageable weight for a two-person crew while minimizing seams on long walls.
Installation requires a flat, rigid substrate with water-resistive barrier. The gravity-lock system eliminates face nailing on the visible board surface — boards snap into place. Use Celect-approved mounting blocks and vents for complete moisture management.
Physical specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Profile Width | 7 inches |
| Board Length | 12 feet 4 inches |
| Pieces per Carton | 14 |
| Coverage per Carton | 100 square feet |
| Weight per Carton | ~108.79 lbs |
Installation requires certified or experienced installers due to the unique interlocking system. Not a product for crews used to face-nailing everything.
Kynar Finish and Long-Term Performance
The Kynar Aquatec coating provides the UV protection that matters at Montana elevations. 25-year warranty against fading on the Kynar Aquatec finish — not a “limited” warranty full of exclusions.
Limited Lifetime Warranty covers the material itself against rot, split, crack, or peel. Warranty is typically transferable to subsequent homeowners — adds value for resale.
The prefinished palette includes standard colors like Frost, Shale, Coastline, Latte, River Rock, Pewter, and Wrought Iron. While Celect is factory-finished with Kynar Aquatec, the ‘Canvas’ (unpainted) version can be custom-painted using Benjamin Moore’s vinyl-safe color lines.
Compared to traditional wood siding, Celect eliminates the 3-5 year repainting cycle. Compared to vinyl, Celect is thicker, more rigid, has more realistic wood grain, and the Kynar finish significantly outlasts typical vinyl coatings.
FAQs
What makes Celect different from fiber cement lap siding?
Celect is lighter weight, requires no silica dust precautions during cutting, has interlocking joints that require no caulking at seams, and provides better insulation values than fiber cement. The gravity-lock installation system eliminates face nailing entirely.
How does the interlocking joint system handle thermal movement?
The patented interlocking joints maintain virtually invisible seams while allowing expansion and contraction through temperature changes. No caulking is required at seams because joints are designed to accommodate thermal movement while maintaining water-tight seal.
What certifications does this siding carry?
Wind resistance rated for winds exceeding 210 mph. Fire rating tested per ASTM E84, typically achieving Class A or B. ICC-ES Evaluated under ESR-0368 / CCRR-0303. The material is 100% recyclable.
Can Celect siding be painted after installation?
The standard Celect comes prefinished with Kynar Aquatec coating in colors like Frost, Shale, and River Rock. A separate ‘Canvas’ unpainted version is available specifically for custom painting using Benjamin Moore’s vinyl-safe paint formulations.
What’s included with purchase and what’s sold separately?
Each carton includes 14 boards. Compatible trim pieces, matching corners, and J-channels are sold separately. Celect trim and mouldings match the siding finish and texture. Mounting blocks and vents designed for the system are also available separately.
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