Panel and channel cladding is an exterior siding system in which fiber-cement, PVC, or other panels are held in place by a network of trim channels. A level base Z-channel runs along the bottom of the wall, J-channel goes in at steps, and H-channels accept a panel on each side. The system is installed over a watertight wall, here a self-adhered weather membrane under a rainscreen, and each panel sits 1/4 inch above the Z-channel below it. This animated ProTradeCraft walkthrough shows the full installation sequence, which is covered in depth on the Building Resilience Show.

Animation Transcript

Start with a watertight wall (0:04)

Panel and channel cladding is a system of panels encased in channels of different shapes and sizes.

The system begins with a watertight wall, like this one with a self-adhered weather membrane under a rainscreen.

Base, J-, and H-channels (0:20)

The first piece of channel is the base channel, sometimes called a Z-channel. It runs the length of the wall and is perfectly level.

For places with a step, install a short section of J-channel trimmed to fit around the Z.

Above the J is an H-channel, which can accept a panel on both sides.

Stacking the panels (0:41)

Next in this assembly is another Z-channel atop that first panel, again trimmed back from the H-channel.

Panels sit 1/4 inch above the Z-channel. The Z-channel is held back from the end of the panel to make room for the next H-channel.

The next panel slips into the H and is capped by a Z, which is capped by another small panel.

Plan the layout first (1:04)

Designs can be randomized or geometric, as long as they're thought through beforehand. You'll often end up needing to balance a small strip at one end with something at the other end.