Installation & APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Always adhere to highest industry standards and best practices when installing Bodyguard® product.
- Do not install Bodyguard® sidings, trimboards or mouldings that have a moisture content of over 14%.
- We do not warrant any product which has not been kept dry or which has not been painted in accordance with the specifications below.
1. END-SEALING
Use a brush-on or spray-on wood preservative containing zinc naphthenate on all saw cuts and into drill holes during construction of wood projects. This is also recommended for any areas where moisture can collect. Using an end cut preservative is required under the Bodyguard® warranty.
We recommend Bodyguard® End Seal (available in spray cans & quarts).
2. NAILING & FIXING *See detail section for more information
Bodyguard® products should always be installed in accordance with the highest industry standards. The proper application and nailing practices are essential for maximizing the performance and appearance of Bodyguard® products.
Building construction features that maximize performance of exterior wood products include: wide roof overhang, wide flashing at roof edges, correctly installed flashings around doors, windows and other openings, effective vapor barriers, adequate eave troughs and downspouts, exhaust fans to remove excessive moisture, and adequate attic insulation and ventilation.
In order to allow for the normal seasonal movement, nailing should be such that it does not restrict movement so do not nail through overlapping pieces.
Selection of proper nails is important. Siding nails with annular-ringed shanks provide the best holding power. Hot-dipped galvanized, high tensile aluminium or stainless fasteners are also recommended. The active ingredients in the Bodyguard® treatment are non-corrosive to nails and fastening but these systems are recommended for general use in exterior applications.
Hand nailing is recommended so that the factory applied coating system will not be broken. If a nail gun is used, precise adjustment of air pressure is necessary to achieve a flush finish. Alternatively, nails can be countersunk 1⁄16", sealed with an End Sealer then filled with an exterior grade putty to obtain a smooth surface. Pre-drilling near the ends is always recommended as a precaution to avoid any possibility of end splitting.
- For best results we recommend the use of miter/scarf joints. However standard butt joints can be used without an expansion gap, but it is recommended these joints be flashed. Joints should be staggered up the wall (not lined up vertically). Miter joints to be facing away from prevailing winds.
- Do not install directly on top of foam sheathing. In warm humid climates this has been shown to retain moisture between the sheathing and siding.
- All nailing should be over studs and total effective penetration into a solid wood base should be at least
1 1⁄2". Nailing patterns should comply with best industry practices.
3. GLUING
Sidings, trimboards and exterior mouldings are not normally glued onsite but, if the occasion should arise, then any standard wood glue, with the exception of casein containing glues, may be used with Bodyguard® products. Bodyguard® is not intended for structural uses, and where impact adhesives are to be used or highly stressed glue joints are to be made (e.g. glue laminated beams) specific advice should be sought from Bodyguard®.
4. PUTTIES, MASTICS, SEALANTS
Sealants are used to assist with weathering at joints – sealants must not be relied upon for primary weather protection. Exterior formulation putties, mastics and sealers should be compatible with alkyd (oil-based) paints to be suitable for use with Bodyguard®. Always seek advice from a reputable manufacturer, or contact Bodyguard® for clarification.
5. PAINTING
The use of colors with a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 45 or more is recommended, as these lighter colors reflect significantly more heat. Testing has shown that dark colors can generate temperatures in excess of 185 degrees F in direct sunlight, while light colors under the same conditions can be as much as 95 degrees F cooler. (LRV of white is 95-100, LRV of black is 0-5).
Bodyguard® is supplied pre-primed (double coated) and the following is recommended.
Recommended specification for painting pre-primed Bodyguard® products.
- Bodyguard® products must be painted as soon as practicable after installation.
- Bodyguard® products must be dry before commencing painting (a moisture content of 14% or less).
- Apply top coat in warm, dry weather not below 50° F.
- Painting with solid acrylic stains is not recommended as UV light will penetrate the transparent stain and damage the primer paint.
- We recommend application of the first top coat prior to installation.
- Nail holes: if nails are countersunk, seal exposed wood with Bodyguard® End Seal then fill nail holes with an exterior grade wood filler, then spot prime. In temperatures less than 40°F use cold weather caulking sealants.
- Remove all soft and chalky paint, dirt etc, and sand to a smooth even finish.
- Apply two full coats of premium quality exterior acrylic house paint as per manufacturer’s instructions. For best results allow 24hrs between coats.
Moisture uptake before installation
Kiln-dried Radiata Pine timber is hydroscopic. It will absorb moisture in a damp environment and release it in a dry environment.
If timber absorbs moisture, some dimensional swelling may occur. This will disappear when the timber returns to its original moisture content.
Primers provide limited protection against moisture uptake so it is essential that Bodyguard® products are kept dry and stored in a dry environment away from damp ground, until installed.
During the installation process all exposed unprimed surfaces resulting from cut ends, miters, notching, boring, punched nail holes or similar, should be sealed with Bodyguard® End Seal, then painted with a suitable oil-based or acrylic premium exterior timber primer.
If paint coatings are applied to primed timber in which moisture-related dimensional swelling has occurred, then the process of moisture release is slowed considerably.
Shrinkage lines will occur as the timber returns to its equilibrium moisture content and original machined dimensions. To prevent this, ensure the timber is dry and at original machined dimensions before applying paint coatings. This applies to all products expressly sidings.
An alternative is to apply the first top coat prior to installation. This coat must be applied in the timber’s dried state.
Moisture uptake after installation
Application of the recommended painting specification will provide protection against moisture uptake and therefore minimize dimensional change.
The primer will not protect against moisture uptake when exposed to continued rain or extreme weather. Under these conditions temporary dimensional swelling may occur.
It is essential that if swelling is evident, the product should be given time to dry out and return to its equilibrium moisture content and manufactured dimensions before application of any final coating system.
6. RESIN BLEED
Timber is a natural product and resin is a natural constituent of the pine species. Resin bleed is rare, but most likely to occur in hot sheltered conditions, or where the product has been painted a dark color.
Adherence to the above painting specification will assist in minimizing the potential for resin bleed. It is also recommended that the product is not painted in dark colors or high gloss finishes. (see 5. Painting)
Should resin bleed occur, please contact Bodyguard® or your supplier for a remedial information sheet.
*NAILING DETAIL
Refer to siding drawings for nailing positions. To achieve the best holding power use annular-ringed, shanked nails manufactured from hot dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Do not use plain or electroplated steel nails or staples.
If flathead nails are used ensure these are driven flush. However, if nails are countersunk or punched ensure they are 1⁄16" below the siding surface to allow for filling and end sealing prior to painting. A punched nail damages the primer surface and will allow moisture penetration. Sealing and filling is required immediately after nailing to prevent this prior to painting.
Ensure nails penetrate solid wood sheathing and studs or blocking 1 1⁄2".
Refer to your local building regulations.
TONGUE & GROOVE – INSTALLATION
When fixing, ensure the groove is positioned at the bottom of the siding.
For horizontal fixing, nail through siding into each stud line.
Nailing should not exceed 24" centers in the horizontal plane.
For vertical fixing, nail through siding into each blocking line. Alternatively vertical siding can be nailed to 1" x 3" furring strips and solid wood sheathing. Nailing in both vertical applications should not exceed 24" centers in the vertical plane.

Face nail with one 2 1/2" nail.

Face nail with one 2 1/2" nail.
SHIPLAP – INSTALLATION
For V-Rustic, Cove, Bevel Channel, Lap and Bevel. Note the requirement for 1⁄8" expansion clearance at each lap.
For vertical channel shiplap, nail through siding into each blocking line. Alternatively vertical siding can be nailed to 1"x 3" furring strips and solid wood sheathing.
In both these vertical siding applications, nailing should not exceed 24" centers in the vertical plain.
For horizontal vertical shiplap, nail through each siding into each stud line. Nailing should not exceed 24" centers in the horizontal plain.

Face nail with one nail 1 1⁄2” from bottom overlap.

Facenail with two nails. Bottom nail 1 1⁄2” from overlap, top nail 2” from underlap.
Nailing information for Channel Shiplap patterns is available in the Bodyguard Technical Manual.
BOARD & BATTEN – INSTALLATION
This form of siding should only be applied vertically.
Battens must lap the underboard at a minimum of 1⁄2" both sides.
Nail board or batten into each blocking line. Alternatively the board and batten can be nailed to 1" x 3" furring strip and solid wood sheathing.
In both these vertical siding applications, nailing should not exceed 24" centers in the vertical plain.

Face nail through centre of batten and siding.

Face nail through centre of batten and double nail siding.
Bodyguard® END SEAL
Bodyguard® End Seal is an easy-to-use wood sealer, for use with Bodyguard® exterior siding, trim and moulding products. For the re-sealing of treated timber where cuts, notches, nail and drill holes have exposed fresh timber surfaces. Bodyguard® treated timber is for above ground non-structural use only.
WHY USE Bodyguard® END SEAL?
- Warranty: using a zinc naphthenate end cut treatment is a requirement of the Bodyguard® 30 year limited warranty.
- Convenience: available in spray cans (13 fl oz) or quarts, providing a choice of application method.
- Tint: the white tint confirms the product has been applied to all areas where it is required.
- Peace of Mind: know that the finished product is fully protected against rot and termite attack.
VOC COMPLIANCE
Bodyguard® End Seal meets the VOC requirements set out by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).






