The Climate-Shield™ Rain Screen Wood Siding Clip is made in the USA and complies with the Buy America Act. This sturdy rainscreen clip is made of 
rugged marine grade aluminum and uses two stainless steel screws for fasteners. The design and engineering of the Climate-Shield™ Rainscreen Clip ensure a secure fastening into structural sheathing as light as 7/16" OSB or 1/2" plywood. The fastening power of the Climate-Shield Rainscreen Clip is so strong, it is engineered to withstand the harshest winds and hurricane conditions in the US.
All that hidden strength and power is behind the scenes- the Climate-Shield™ Rain Screen Clip is designed to be a very reliable hidden fastener. The rainscreen clip creates an air space 
between the exterior building envelope and the siding. This wall cavity space allows any moisture trapped from within the structure to escape easily and any bulk moisture that may penetrate from the outside to flow out. All that you see from the outside is your beautiful rainscreen wood siding.
The Climate-Shield Rain Screen Clip does not need any furring strips. The rain screen clip is designed to create spacing without using furring strips. The rainscreen clips can be screwed directly into the structural sheathing - anywhere on the exterior walls. That means:
- Time savings and Labor savings for no furring strip installation
- Cost savings for no furring strip materials
- Less siding material waste - siding boards can be run all the way to their ends, they don't have to be trimmed to land on a furring strip.
- Less time to trim and fit rainscreen siding boards.
- Minimal thermal bridging- less than 2% of the surface area of your building envelope come in contact with a rainscreen clip. A furring strip typically covers 15% or more of the building envelope.
Many wood siding materials can be successfully used with the Climate-Shield Rain 
Screen Clip. We have had very good success using Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Santa Maria and Machiche hardwood siding materials. These hardwood species work exceptionally well in a wood rainscreen system due to their stability. Other stable wood species, such as KD Red Cedar and other wood siding materials that have minimal movement may also be used with the Climate-Shield Rain Screen Wood Siding Clip.
The Climate-Shield Rain Screen Clip provides the utmost design flexibility. The rainscreen clip is engineered to allow you to design your rainscreen siding system horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Whether you plan to install your siding vertically, diagonally or horizontally, not only is designing your rainscreen system simpler, installation of the Climate-Shield Rainscreen System is fast, relaible and economical.
Please follow any of the links below for additional information about rain screen siding, rain screen clips, Climate-Shield Rain Screen Wood Siding System and more:
Rain Screen Products
Understanding Rain Screen Wood Siding systems
Climate-Shield Rain Screen System
Rainscreen Wood Siding Options
Rainscreen Photo Gallery
Rainscreen FAQ's
Architectural Rainscreen Specifications
Climate-Shield Rainscreen Accessories
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Santa Maria hardwood is a gorgeous exterior wood option for decking, siding, porch 
flooring and outdoor furniture. Santa Maria is a 100% pure FSC Certified hardwood material, so you can be absolutely certain that it has been harvested by sustainable yield forestry practices. FSC Santa Maria hardwood qualifies for LEED points in green building projects. The great looks and sustainable nature are just two points that make Santa Maria hardwood a sought after exterior wood species.
Santa Maria wood is a medium-high density hardwood that is rated as durable to moderately durable against decay. This strength and durability makes Santa Maria wood an excellent choice for exterior siding, decking and porch flooring. Mataverde® Santa Maria hardwood is quartersawn and kiln dried. Quartersawn Santa Maria shows beautiful graining and figuring very similar to genuine Mahogany. The kiln drying adds to the stability and minimizes movement of Santa Maria wood. The strength, durability and great looks of Santa Maria all add up to an excellent green building material that lasts well outdoors.
Santa Maria porch flooring makes an elegant statement on front porches and three season rooms alike.
Covered porches are a great place to enjoy the outdoors and yet remain partially protected from rain and the elements. Santa Maria hardwood is an excellent choice for porch flooring. Santa Maria porch flooring can be stained and finished in a number of different colors to meet your design scheme.
Santa Maria siding is a great material to use for wood rainscreen systems. Santa Maria is beautiful enough to be used indoors, yet rugged enough to be used outdoors. With a nearly limitless number of staining options, Santa Maria siding can improve the look and color scheme of any home or building. The rich graining and coloration of Santa Maria siding are sure to enhance the curb appeal of any structure. Santa Maria siding is an outstanding material to use with the Climate-Shield Rain Screen Wood Siding System.
Santa Maria is an eco-friendly decking material. While Santa Maria 
decking may not be as hard as Ipe decking, Santa Maria decking is still harder than oak and lasts a whole lot better outdoors. Santa Maria decking makes good sense to use in areas of low to moderate traffic. Santa Maria decking can be stained or oiled or left to weather naturally to a silvery grey patina.
For additional information about Santa Maria hardwood decking and wood siding, please follow any of the links below:
Santa Maria Decking
Santa Maria Picture Gallery
Rainscreen Wood Siding Options
Climate-Shield Rain Screen Wood Siding System
For an authoritative white paper about decking material options, please download, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material". This FREE Decking Guide is packed with factual information about decking materials to help you make the decision that is just right for you and your deck:
For a wealth of information about Rain Screen Wood Siding Systems, please download, "The Ultimate Guide to Building Green With Rain Screen Wood Siding". This FREE Rainscreen Guide will help you learn more about this sustainable green building practice:
Hardwood decking is often the natural choice for many informed buyers when selecting their decking materials. Hardwood decking materials look great, are sustainably harvested and last longer than other wood decking options. There are lots of natural hardwood decking species to choose from, the trick is to find the decking material that works best for you on your project. Hardwood decking material options range from low density to high density species. Typically, the higher the density of the hardwood decking, the longer your decking will last.
In the lower density range of hardwood decking, you will find species such as thermally modified ash and poplar. Thermally modifying hardwood decking "bakes" the sugars out of the wood and changes the cellular structure. In theory, this makes these species less susceptible to termite and insect attack. Ofentimes this processing can also tend to make the wood decking more brittle.
In the medium density range of hardwood decking material options, you will find species such as Phillippine 'mahogany'. These so called 'mahoganies' are typically Shorea spp. and they range from low to medium density with a wide variance in strength, rot resistance and decay resistance. Many of these species are being wiped out throughout the Pacific Rim by uncontrolled harvesting and clear cutting.
High density hardwood decking materials are sustainably harvested and perform better than other hardwood decking materials. High density hardwood decking materials include well regarded species such as Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa and FSC Machiche decking. These valued high density hardwood decking species are harvested by sustainable yield forestry methods to ensure that there will be as many mature trees at the end of a harvesting cycle as there were at the beginning.
High density hardwood decking has beautiful exotic graining and rich colors
Ipe decking Garapa Cumaru Machiche
From a performance standpoint, high density hardwood decking materials have no equals. High density hardwood decking is up to five times harder than cedar decking and can span great distances while remaining very strong and stable. Ipe decking is considered the best decking material available on earth. Cumaru decking actually has a higher density as Ipe decking and is almost as hard. Garapa decking has golden tones and a look similar to maple yet lasts far longer and has very good resistance to insects. Machiche decking is a beautiful chocolate brown color is available FSC Certified.
For additional information about high density hardwood decking opens like Ipe decking, Cumaru decking, Garapa decking and FSC Machiche decking, please follow any of the links below:
Ipe Decking
Cumaru Decking
Garapa Decking
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If you want to learn as much as you can about decking material options, the FREE whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material", is a great source of valuable information. This free decking guide provides factual information about all the decking material options from composite decking and pressure treated decking to high density hardwood decking materials. Download your free decking guide by clicking the button below:
When the steps at the Ram Island Yacht Club in Noank, CT outlived their useful lifetime, Ipe decking was selected to replace the splitting and rotting wood before it could become a safety concern. The membership at the yacht club are no strangers to Ipe decking. Many years ago, when the stairs to the second floor started to wear out, Ipe decking was chosen to get the job done right, the first time. The strength and long term durability, combined with its natural beauty, made Ipe the best choice for a decking material. Ipe decking is a high density hardwood that is naturally resistant to decay and insects.
The outdoor deck, steps and patio at the yacht club recieve lots of foot traffic. Like the rest of the rugged New England coastline, Connecticut winters and summers call for durable materials that can withstand the test of time and exposure to the elements. Ipe decking was the ideal selection for this experienced group of sailors. Ipe decking has been a proven performer in harsh conditions and environments throughout the world in a wide variety of applications for many years.
Whether your project is a deck, dock, stairs, steps, walkway, boardwalk or other rugged exterior structure, Ipe decking is a great material to consider for your outdoor project. Ipe decking is well known for its natural slip resistant characteristics, so it works particularly well in wet environments. Mataverde® Premium Ipe Hardwood Decking is backed by a 25 year limited warranty against decay and insect damage.
To learn more about Ipe decking, Ipe wood or other decking material options, please follow any of the links below:
Ipe Decking
Ipe Project Ideas
Ipe compared to other Wood Decking Materials
Compare Ipe Decking to Synthetic Composite Decking
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Ipe Wood
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For a wealth of knowledge about Ipe decking and other decking material options, please download the informative booklet, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material". This instructive FREE Decking Guide explores all the popular decking material options including a few you may not be aware of, to help you make the decking material selection that is just right for you. Download your FREE Decking Guide today:
FSC Machiche siding was recently installed using the Climate-Shield Rain Screen Siding System for a small outdoor entrance area in Minnesota. III AD Architectural Design & Build is a small design/build firm in Minneapolis that specializes in careful construction and a unique approach to each project. Their goal is to create a great project that meets or exceeds their client's expectations and this beautiful little rainscreen project is no exception. III AD uses a collaborative approach and a thoughtful design and construction process for each client and their project. As a fellow U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) member, III AD has incorporated green building practices and sustainable design into the heart of many of their projects.
Machiche FSC Certified Wood Siding was selected for this rainscreen cladding project due to it's beautiful chocolate brown color and sustainable design characteristics. Machiche is a high density hardwood with some tropical graining and exotic striping. As you can see from the photos, Machiche hardwood siding complements the exterior design of this project and improves its curb appeal as well.
Even using small amounts of wood rain screen siding can change the look and feel of an entire structure. The warmth of the natural rainscreen wood siding works well to soften the effect of the ultra-modern appearance of the other cladding material on this structure to create an inviting entryway. The Climate-Shield Rain Screen System eliminated the need for furring strips and minimized the thermal bridging of this design to create a healthy, sustainable design.
For additional information about FSC Machiche hardwood siding, other wood rainscreen options or the Climate-Shield Rain Screen Wood Siding System, please follow any of the links below:
Understanding Wood Rain Screen Siding Systems
Climate-Shield Rain Screen Wood Siding System
Wood Siding Options for rainscreen systems
Installing Rain Screen Wood Siding
Architectural Details for Rain Screen Wood Siding Design
Rainscreen Photo Gallery
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Ipe hardwood has been used successfully for so many years, it has earned its well 
deserved reputation as the best outdoor wood species for a wide variety of outdoor projects. From backyard decking to famous boardwalks to rain screen siding, Ipe is often the material of choice for beautiful outdoor projects. Ipe wood is hard, strong, long lasting and beautiful. Ipe is responsibly harvested in an environmentally friendly manner.
What Makes Ipe Hardwood So Special?
- Durability- whether you are using Ipe decking, Ipe timbers or Ipe siding, high density Ipe hardwood is known to be an incredibly long lasting exterior wood species that lasts for many decades with little or no maintenance other than an occasional cleaning.
- Hardness- with a hardness nearly three times greater than oak, Ipe wood can withstand all kinds of abuse. Ipe has been used successfully on boardwalks, walkways and other areas that receive tremendous amounts of foot traffic and more.
- High density- the natural high density of Ipe wood makes it an extremely decay and insect resistant wood species.
- Strength- Ipe is a nearly unparalleled wood when comparing strengths of wood species. Ipe outspans and outperforms of all other commonly used decking materials, particularly synthetic composite and plastic decking materials.
- Beauty- Ipe is an all natural wood species that ranges in color from light tan and olive browns to dark brown tones. Ipe also has exotic grain variations and tropical character and striping.
- Economical- While Ipe is priced in the medium to higher range of decking materials when it is first purchased, the long term cost savings using Ipe hardwood are significant. In a recent life cycle cost analysis, ipe was found to be the lowest cost decking material in the study.
Ipe is a fabulous decking material because it holds up so well and remains beautiful and functional throughout its long lifetime. For purists, who like the look of naturally weathered material, Ipe decking is a great choice of decking materials. For others who would like to see the original, natural wood tones, an occasional coat of decking oil can make your deck look brand new. Either way, Ipe decking lasts...and lasts beautifully.
Ipe hardwood siding is reaching new heights in popularity. With all the emphasis on healthy, natural and long lasting homes and structures, rain screen wood siding systems using Ipe are on the rise. Rain screen siding systems add to the overall longevity of a building, so Ipe cladding becomes a natural wood siding material of choice.
Ipe lumber and Ipe timbers are used in building a wide variety of exterior structures
from decks, docks and piers to pergolas, bridges, outdoor furniture and playgrounds. Here again, the strength, natural beauty, hardness and durability are big factors for selecting Ipe wood for these outdoor projects.
To learn more about Ipe lumber, Ipe decking and Ipe hardwood, please follow any of the links below:
Ipe Decking and Ipe Lumber
Ipe Project Ideas
Compare Ipe to Synthetic Composite Decking
Compare Ipe to other Wood Decking Materials
Ipe Wood- Environment and Economy
If you are interested in learning all about decking materials, including Ipe decking, please download the comprehensive whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material". You will find a wealth of information about all the commonly used decking material options and more. Please click the button below to download your FREE Decking Guide today.
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Ipe hardwood is a responsibly harvested material that grows to a 
full height of about 120-150 feet in about thirty years. The best growing region in the world for Ipe hardwood is located in Northern Brazil. Over the past ten to fifteen years, the Brazilian government has created special agencies and has severely cracked down on illegal harvesting and cutting of Ipe and has imposed harsh fines and legislation. The results have been astounding; Ipe and other high density hardwood species are now harvested in an eco-friendly using sustainable yield forestry practices. Any supplier who does not fully comply with the rigorous harvesting standards can be shut down or face severe penalties.
All areas in Brazil where Ipe is harvested (called Projects) are controlled, monitored 
and protected. Only two to three trees per hectare (about 1 tree per acre) may be harvested over the fifteen year harvesting period within a project. This responsible harvesting method of Ipe and other woods allows a little more light into the forest canopy and helps the flora and fauna of the forest to flourish. Every tree in each parcel within a forest project is marked and numbered. Only the selected trees (Ipe or other hardwood species) may be harvested. This environmentally friendly method of Ipe harvesting ensures that there as many trees at the end of a project harvesting cycle as there were at the beginning.
I
BAMA, SEMA and EMBRAPA are three environmentally responsible government agencies in Brazil who monitor the logging activities for Ipe and other hardwood species. Their primary job is to protect the natural resources and environment of Brazil and its ecological effects beyond Brazil. These responsible 
agencies are firm believers (as am I) in sustainable yield forestry practices. It makes no sense to harvest recklessly or irresponsibly. It is just as easy to do it right. It makes good environmental policy and also has a short term and long term economic benefit to Brazil and the rest of the world. In Brazil, any wood that is harvested by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) suppliers, must meet all of these stringent IBAMA/SEMA criteria as well.
Ipe is such an amazing, all natural hardwood species that works great for long lasting exterior projects. It is important that the truth about this useful and important hardwood decking species be known. Occasionally, when you hear some people who may or may not have good intentions, make uninformed and false claims about the harvesting practices of Ipe and other tropical decking species, it makes me all the more determined to make sure the truth gets out. I believe everyone benefits when we know all of us to learn the facts before forming any of our opinions or making assumptions.
All Mataverde Premium hardwood decking species are harvested by sustainable yield forestry practices, including IBAMA/SEMA and/or FSC Chain of Custody Certification. To learn more about Ipe hardwood and environmentally friendly harvesting solutions, please follow any of the links below:
Ipe, FSC and the Environment
Ipe Wood - Economics and the Environment
Sustainable Ipe Decking
Ipe Project Ideas
Ipe Decking Compared to Synthetic Decking
Other Sustainably Harvested Hardwood Decking Species
To download the information-packed FREE whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Building Green with Sustainable Decking", please click the button below. This authoritative Free Decking Guide provides lots of factual information about Ipe decking, Synthetic decking and other decking material options.
One of the coolest Ipe decking projects I have ever seen was built about ten years ago in Gales
Ferry, CT. This multi-level Ipe deck features built-in Ipe benches, Ipe stairs, Ipe railings and an Ipe walkway that leads to an Ipe dock. The workmanship was a labor of love for Garth Dolphin and his young family. This Ipe deck allows Garth and his family to relax in a natural setting on the water and to get away from the cares of the world.
Ten years after it was built, this ipe deck still looks spectacular. Ipe decking lasts so long that, despite the rugged coastal application and harsh 
New England weather, this deck is still in its early years. Garth used stainless steel screws to install his ipe decking. Ipe decking screws provide an incredibly strong fastening system that provides lots of lateral bracing which makes the ipe deck even stronger.
This multi-level Ipe deck takes full advantage of the sloped topography of the deck site. With two full sets of Ipe stairs, this deck is accessible all the way to the water. In the center of this multi-leveled Ipe deck, Garth built a beautiful and very functional Ipe bench system complete with Ipe planters.
The custom Ipe railing system combines Ipe and other materials with a lot of craftsmanship. Ipe 5/4x6 boards and 4x4 Ipe posts were used with painted aluminum balusters to create a beautiful custom Ipe railing system. Check out the artful detailing of the 4x4 Ipe posts and the careful cuts of the Ipe top rail and Ipe sub rail.
For additional information about Ipe decking and Ipe projects, please follow any of the links below:
Ipe Decking
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Compare Ipe to other wood decking species
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Ipe Wood and the Environment
The comprehensive FREE whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material", is loaded with great information that will help you select the decking material that is just right for you and your project. Download your Free Decking Guide today:
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Ipe siding can be used to create a beautiful architectural rainscreen cladding material. While Ipe siding is often selected for rainscreen siding because of its beauty, the fact that Ipe is such a long lasting and durable wood species makes it a wise decision as well. After all, one of the key benefits of a rainscreen system is to improve the life cycle of the structure and there aren't many other wood species that will last as long as Ipe siding.
Some of the key benefits of using Ipe siding in a rainscreen system are:
- Ipe siding has natural character and color variations that add interest
and beauty to the structure, whether it is a residence, commercial building, school, municipal building or a church
- Ipe cladding will last as long as the rainscreen system and can extend the lifetime of a building. Many of the stave churches throughout Norway that were built in the Middle Ages are still standing. These early uses of wood rain screens are a living testimonial to the longevity of a well designed rain screen system.
- The life cycle costs of a rainscreen system using Ipe siding are far lower than many other architectural cladding options.
- Ipe siding is an all natural, sustainably harvested material. Ipe is a renewable natural resource that can be replaced
within a single lifetime when harvested using eco-friendly guidelines such as FSC and IBAMA/SEMA.
- Ipe rainscreen cladding can add warmth and richness to the appearance of a home or other structure.
- Ipe is a very stable high density hardwood siding material that exhibits very little movement over time. This makes Ipe siding an ideal material for a rain screen siding application.
For additional information about ipe siding and rain screen siding systems, please follow any of the links below:
Ipe Siding and Other Rainscreen Wood Siding Options
Understanding Wood Rainscreen Systems
Climate-Shield Rainscreen Wood Siding System
Architectural Details for Rainscreen System
Rainscreen Wood Siding Installation Made Easy
Rainscreen Wood Siding Accessories
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE FOR RAINSCREEN SIDING
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For a wealth of information about rain screen wood siding systems and rainscreen applications please download your FREE whitepaper titled, "The Ultimate Guide to Building Green With Rain Screen Wood Siding":