01 / REVIEW
Survey the adjoining surface
Record whether the cladding meets paving, planting, a roof or another finish. Photograph existing slopes, irrigation and debris accumulation when applicable. Proposed landscape levels should be coordinated with the building elevations rather than assumed from a rendering.
02 / REVIEW
Request the complete base detail
Ask the designer to identify the drainage outlet, edge treatment, closure and substrate relationship. Product-specific clearances and fire or pest provisions must come from the governing design and product requirements; this guide supplies no universal clearance.
03 / REVIEW
Plan access and replacement
Consider how the lowest board and base components could be inspected or replaced. Record the intended sequence and whether adjacent paving or planting would prevent access. Resolve conflicts before finalizing the visual reveal.
Show where the cavity and finish end
A cladding base brings several decisions together: the visible board termination, the space behind it, nearby paving or planting, and access for observation or maintenance. Draw the layers separately before deciding how the edge should look.
Identify where water is intended to leave the assembly and which components could obstruct that route. Screens, trims and later landscaping belong in the review. Do not copy a clearance from an unrelated photograph or treat a rendered gap as a specified dimension.
Check the base in section and in use
Scroll sideways to read all columns. Keyboard: focus the table and use the arrow keys.
| View | What to resolve |
|---|---|
| Section | Relationship between cladding, cavity and water-control layers |
| Elevation | Continuity at corners and changes in level |
| Site context | Adjacent paving, soil, planting and expected maintenance |
| Service access | How the edge can be inspected and repaired |
A fictional base detail is clear on the wall drawing, but a planter added later conceals its outlet and inspection area. The problem is a coordination change, not simply a board choice. Bring the landscape and wall details into the same review.
Retain the accepted base condition with photographs taken before concealment where available. Record field changes and the responsible review, especially where adjacent work changes the original drainage or access intent.
A junction coordination study
Concept example: a landscape revision raises a planter beside the first cladding course. The interface record is reopened because exposure and access changed, even though the wood profile did not.
Use the result
Keep the completed review with the relevant project record. Assign unresolved items before relying on a conclusion. If the material, condition or document changes, revisit the affected questions.
Assembly explorerTechnical references
General background for the subject. Project worksheets and fictional situations are original review aids, not official agency forms.