What is Jenkin A-lign?

A-lign is a superior, precision-cut cladding solution which enables builders to quickly and easily install solid timber weatherboard cladding to the highest traditional craft standards. It is BRANZ Appraised, code-compliant with E2AS1, and meets all relevant current building standards.

The A-lign system moulds include pre-primed and undercoated bevelback or rusticated weatherboards, baseboards, pre-cut internal and external scribers, pre-fabricated box corners, facings, weatherheads and sills. All of the components are manufactured from plantation-grown radiata pine, finger-jointed for defect-free strength, and treated to withstand termites, borers and rot.

The system was developed by Jenkin, drawing on our 80 years of experience in the New Zealand building industry, and taking advantage of the latest European timber manufacturing technology.

What sizes of weatherboard are available?

Weatherboards are available in two sizes, 142mm x 18mm or 187mm x 18mm. The standard board lengths are 6.1 m and 7.2 m lengths by special order. All accessories come in lengths of 5.4m. The rusticated and bevelback weatherboard profiles are available in the 6" (150mm) and 8" (200mm) widths that have been used throughout New Zealand for over 80 years.

Is A-lign easy to use and will it save time and money on site?

Jenkin A-lign is very easy to use. Feedback from builders is that they can save up to 25% on installation costs.

Is Jenkin A-lign suitable for reclad homes?

The Jenkin A-lign system is used for re-clads. It offers the peace of mind of traditional weatherboard cladding delivered efficiently in a BRANZ Appraised system.

Is A-lign easy to specify?

All details of the A-lign solution are available in the CAD formats most commonly used in architectural practices. The detailed specifications and BRANZ Appraisal help ensure councils can approve plans more quickly.

Can the A-lign system be used in conjunction with existing weatherboard cladding?

Yes, but only with Tru-Pine or similar weatherboard of the same size. Jenkin A-lign is 142mm and 187mm wide and with the set-out scribe achieves the required lap of 32mm for bevelback and 25mm for rusticated. The weather grooves automatically align. Components are designed to fit the wider double-coated Jenkin A-lign boards.

Can I buy the components separately?

No. BRANZ Appraisal is subject to use of the complete Jenkin A-lign system of weatherboards and accessories. Components are not warranted or available outside of Jenkin A-lign. Internal and external corner scribes are specifically manufactured by Jenkin Timber to match the wider profiled and double coated (primed and undercoated) Jenkin A-lign weatherboards.

How do I set-out with the scriber as a template around window heights, etc?

At www.jenkin.co.nz we have a set-out guide for pre-cut frame manufacturers to show these details with effective covers IE 110mm and 155mm for bevelback and IE 117mm and 162mm for rusticated. This can be calculated prior to the trim sizes for windows etc; the baseboard also plays a part here as can be adjusted up and down.

Can I use the tilt fillets on the bottom row of boards instead of using the baseboards?

Yes, no problem.

Can a nail gun be used or does Jenkin A-lign have to be nailed by hand?

A hammer is preferred but a Paslode type gun is okay as long as the pressure is set lower and the nail head does not penetrate more than 2mm into the board.

What is the nailing pattern?

One nail, ten millimeters above the lap on each stud line. That is 42mm from the bottom of the board for bevelback and 39mm from the bottom of the board for rusticated.

Why do A-lign weatherboards have weather-grooves?

Weather-grooves are now a BRANZ requirement for solid timber weatherboards from all manufacturers. The grooves are a 'peace of mind' safety feature that allows effective management of any moisture that penetrates the cladding face. Weather-grooves are a requirement of E2AS2 as per NZS 3617 and BRANZ bulletin.

How is A-lign primed and undercoated?

A-lign is delivered pre-primed, and undercoated on all four sides. Both primer and undercoat are oil based. Oil has proven performance as a primer and undercoat providing good resistance to moisture uptake.

What paint is recommended for A-lign?

Once A-lign is in place, two coats of 100% premium acrylic house paint is recommended. The painting and maintenance specification has been developed to extend the coating period.

How long can Jenkin A-lign cladding be on the wall before it must be painted?

Finishing coats should be applied as soon as possible after installation of exterior sheathing, joinery and trim. All painting should be carried out in accordance with AS/NZS2311 Guide to the painting of buildings. Timber should be painted when the surface is dry and when the board is near the equilibrium moisture content (EMC < 16%). Priming or painting when the weatherboard is above or below the EMC can result in the weatherboards shrinking or swelling after installation or painting. If in doubt check with a moisture meter.

What colours can be used?

Colours with a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 45% or greater are recommended. Dark colours should be avoided as they can cause distortion of framing, and resin bleed. Your paint supplier can advise on suitable colours.

Where can I buy the Jenkin A-lign weatherboard system?

A-lign is available from approved timber merchants and regular building supply companies.

Does Jenkin A-lign come with a warranty?

Yes. When A-lign cladding is installed as specified in the Jenkin A-lign Technical Manual, we provide a warranty of 15 years. See www.jenkin.co.nz for full terms and conditions.

How is the system packaged for site delivery?

Our domestic dispatch people ensure product is wrapped, packaged and protected to a high standard. Our selected freight company has an excellent record for damage-free transportation. Jenkin A-lign can be delivered direct to site in the Auckland area saving on double handling.