EnviroBuild Hyperion Explorer Cladding: Installation & Maintenance Guide

Always Leave Expansion Gaps

Minimum gaps are crucial to prevent warping and maintain warranty validity:

• Min. 8 mm gap at board end butt joints (or min. 0.2% of the length for trimmed boards).
• Min. 20 mm gaps between board edges and solid abutting walls/objects/ground.
• A 20mm expansion gap for cladding runs exceeding 4m.

Use Counter Battens for Vertical Cladding

Counter battening is recommended for vertical cladding to ensure sufficient drainage and airflow.

Do Not Share Clips Between Board Ends

A double batten structure should be used to fully support both board ends.

Be Aware of Tannins and Natural 2-12 Month Colour Fading

Hyperion Composites contain natural wood oils (tannins) that are gradually washed out over 2-12 months by rain and moisture. This process may cause temporary water-like marks and a natural lightening of the boards, which will stabilize once complete. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Visual representation: Images show temporary tannin marks, 'Just installed', '1 month', and '6 months' showing colour progression.

Always Pre-drill Pilot Holes ?

Ensure correct sized pilot holes (7mm for fixing screws) are pre-drilled to avoid splitting composite products. Countersink holes for colour-matched screws. Do not overtighten screws.

Storage

• Material should always be covered until ready for installation to maintain a clean surface. Use a non-translucent material if stored outside.
• Store products flat and level, supported above the ground at 500mm intervals.
• Battens used for separation should be spaced no more than 500mm apart to prevent bowing.
• Stack units with aligned banding and bottom supports.
• Pallets of cladding boards should not be stacked more than 4 pallets high or 3m in height.

Handling

• Place Hyperion Cladding materials; do not dump when unloading.
• When removing boards, lift them and set them down; do not slide them against each other.
• Carry boards on their edge for better support.
• During construction, do not slide or drag equipment across the boards.
• Keep surfaces free of construction material and waste to prevent damage.
• Due to the length of the boards, two people are recommended for transportation.

Waterproof Membrane

A water-repellent coating or breathable membrane must be installed before battens to protect walls from water penetration. If a breathable membrane is used, it must be min. B Class fire rated to EN13501 to ensure the B Class fire rating. This is not essential if water-repellent insulation is used on a cavity wall.

Diagrams: Show wall construction with waterproof membrane/coating and battens, illustrating the ventilation cavity.

Batten Types & Fixing

Hyperion Cladding can be fixed on MESA Aluminium, Manticore Recycled Plastic, or treated timber battens. MESA Aluminium battens must be used to achieve the EN13501 B Class fire rating.

• Each batten must be fixed in a minimum of 3 places.
• A ventilation cavity of min. 38mm (using 38mm thick battens) is required behind the boards for air ventilation and rainwater drainage.
• Any timber used must be pre-treated industrially per BS8417 for BSEN335:1 (Class 3 application).
• Insect mesh should be used on cavity openings.

Option 1: Installing The First Board Using Starter Rails

If not using the Starter Rail, please move to Option 2.

1. Mark level lines on battens for the starter rail. The bottom of the starter rail should be min. 20mm above ground level.
2. Fix the starter rail using self-drilling or pre-drilled screws. Insect mesh can be fixed with clip rail screws. Ensure the starter rail is level.
3. Push the cladding board into the installed starter rail.
4. Secure the top of the board: Pre-drill 7mm screw holes in the centre of the fixing channel (allowing for expansion). Align holes with supporting battens. Fix with Hyperion Flanged head screws, being careful not to overtighten.

Diagrams: Show starter rail installation with insect mesh and drip tray, and securing the board with screws.

Option 2: Installing The First Cladding Board Without Rails

Explorer composite cladding boards are rigid enough for installation without a starter rail.

1. Mark level lines on battens for the first (lowest) board, ensuring it sits min. 20mm off the ground surface.
2. Pre-drill 7mm screw holes in the centre of the fixing channel, aligning with supporting battens.
3. Place the bottom cladding board in position.
4. Fix to the batten using Hyperion Flanged head screws through the pre-drilled holes, being careful not to overtighten.

Diagrams: Show marking level lines and fixing the first board without a starter rail.

Installing The Remaining Boards

1. Once the first board is secured, line up the next board and slide into place. Pre-drill 7mm holes in the fixing channel, align with battens, and fix with Hyperion Flanged head screws.
2. Repeat step 1 for all subsequent boards until the top of the wall is reached or a 4m run is completed. Check board level before fixing; slight adjustments may be needed.
3. For cladding runs exceeding 4m, leave a min. 20mm expansion gap and start a new run. This gap can be covered by fascia (p.15) or a drip tray (horizontal runs).
4. Around objects like doors and windows, shape boards to fit. It is suggested to use fascia boards where horizontal cladding meets a roofline, window ledge, or horizontal edge.

Diagrams: Show sliding and fixing subsequent boards, and shaping boards around openings.

Vertical Cladding Installation Steps

1. Always start your installation from a corner or edge of the design.
2. Mark level lines on the battens for the first board, ensuring it sits min. 20mm off the ground surface.
3. If using a starter rail, follow steps 1-2 on p.10.
4. Once secure, place the next cladding board and repeat the process until the end of the wall.

Diagram: Shows fixing vertical cladding boards.

Finishing Corners and Windows

Use Hyperion Corner Trim and Fascia Board to finish corners, doors, and window frames.

! Do not fix corner trim or fascia boards with adhesive of any kind. This is not a permanent fixing solution and will void your warranty.

Diagram: Shows corner trim installation around a window frame.

Covering Top Gaps

For horizontally installed cladding, install a Hyperion Fascia Board to cover the top cladding board fixing groove.

1. Cut down the Hyperion Fascia boards to size.
2. Place over the groove of the top cladding board.
3. Pre-drill through the board and countersink.
4. Screw into place with Hyperion countersunk colour-matched screws.

Diagram: Shows fascia board installation at the top of horizontal cladding.

Covering Corners

Install Hyperion Corner Nosing Trim to cover corners/edges.

2. Cut down the Hyperion Corner Trim to size.
3. Place over the corner to cover. Pre-drill and countersink screw holes. Holes should be placed where there is battening behind or where cladding boards overlap.
4. Screw into place with Hyperion countersunk colour-matched screws.

Diagram: Shows corner trim installation.

Fascia Covering (Expansion Gaps)

If required, use Hyperion Fascia Board to cover cladding board expansion gaps.

1. Cut down the Hyperion Fascia boards to size.
2. Place over the expansion gap to cover.
3. Pre-drill through the board and countersink.
4. Screw into place with Hyperion countersunk colour-matched screws.
5. For any openings to the ventilation cavity, insect mesh should be installed.

Diagrams: Show fascia board covering an expansion gap and insect mesh installation.

Drip Tray for Horizontal Expansion Gap Cover

The drip tray can cover horizontal expansion gaps for both vertically and horizontally running boards.

1. With the lower cladding run installed up to 4m, fix the drip tray level to the supporting wall to cover the cladding run's top edge.
2. Install the upper cladding run with the drip tray fixed in place.

Diagram: Shows drip tray installation for covering an expansion gap.

Before You Start

Additional battening is required around doors and windows, potentially more depending on your finishing option. Fascia boarding is suggested where horizontal cladding meets a roofline, window ledge, or horizontal edge/barrier.

Diagram: Shows additional battening around wall edges.

Option 1: Hyperion Fascia Boarding

Hyperion Fascia Board can cover cladding board edges and around window frames. It can also be paired with corner trim.

1. Measure the required amount of fascia boarding and cut to size.
2. Place over the desired area, ensuring the edge sits flush with the cladded surface.
3. Pre-drill and countersink the board.
4. Screw into place with Hyperion countersunk colour-matched screws.
5. If desired, corner trim can be placed over the fascia boards.

Diagrams: Show fascia board installation and placement of corner trim over fascia.

Option 2: Hyperion Corner Trim

Hyperion Corner Trim can be used alone or with Fascia Boards to cover cladding board edges and exposed substructure at corners, doors, and window frames.

1. Measure the required amount of Hyperion Corner Trim and cut to size.
2. Mitre ends at 45 degrees if placing next to each other at wall edges.
3. Place over the corner to cover, pre-drill and countersink through the trim.
4. Screw into place with Hyperion countersunk colour-matched screws.

Corner Trim can be combined with Fascia Boards to cover deeper window and door frames.

Diagrams: Show corner trim mitering and installation.

Q. Where can I use Hyperion Cladding?

A. In various residential and commercial locations. Consult local building control for fire classification requirements. Hyperion Explorer Cladding is classified B-s3, d0 Reaction to Fire (EN13501-1).

Q. What colours do your products come in?

A. Natural browns (Oak, Walnut) and modern greys (Granite, Stone, Silver Birch).

Q. Will the colour fade over time?

A. Products naturally lighten over the first 8-10 weeks and then stabilize.

Q. How do your products react when exposed to water?

A. They absorb very little water (c.1%), significantly reducing the risk of wet rot compared to timber.

Q. Does the cladding require painting/treating?

A. No. Products are pre-coloured and the plastic content prevents the need for further treatment. They are easy to clean.

Q. Do you have recommended installers I can use?

A. EnviroBuild has a network of recommended installers. We advise conducting your own due diligence before contracting.

Q. What size boards does Hyperion Cladding come in?

A. Standard lengths are 2.5m and 4.0m. Bespoke lengths are available subject to minimum order quantity and lead times.

Q. Does the cladding use a starter rack?

A. A starter rail is not required but can be used for extra security on the first board.

Q. Anything else?

A. For technical, installation, or care questions, visit www.envirobuild.com, call 0208 088 4888, or email info@envirobuild.com.

Q. Can I see Hyperion Cladding samples?

A. Order samples at www.envirobuild.com.

Washing

Use soapy water and a soft-bristled brush, or a power washer (max 1500psi). Spray in the direction of the grain with a fan tip nozzle (min. 6 inches from surface).

Dirt & Grime

Maintain a clean, dry surface. Periodic cleaning may be needed. Products inhibit mildew, but it can occur with moisture and dirt.

Spot Stains

Clean with soap or de-greaser and warm water. Scrub and soak affected areas, then rinse. For stubborn stains, use a composite-specific cleaner. For very set stains, lightly sand with coarse sandpaper (60-80 grit) in the direction of the grain.

Extractive Bleeding (Tea Staining)

A natural process due to wood content, causing temporary discoloration that fades over time. Cleaned or sanded areas may lighten initially, matching the product after 8-10 weeks of sun exposure.

Scrapes & Scratches

Surface scratches fade with weathering. They can be removed with a wire brush or coarse 60-80 grit sandpaper, always in the direction of the grain. The treated area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks.

Painting & Staining

EnviroBuild does not guarantee or recommend painting or staining. If attempted, wait until the product has completed its weathering process. Ensure a clean, dry surface and apply according to manufacturer instructions.