How do metal inserts enhance the panels?
Not only do the metal inserts make the panels stronger, they also enhance the looks of the grooves. Metal inserts are available in: mill aluminum, gold anodized, black anodized, and painted colors. The metal inserts are an extruded 6061 or 3003 wrought aluminum. Metal inserts need to be installed at the factory. The grooves are cut slightly larger to accept metal inserts. To gain the maximum strength the panels should be glued and screwed to the stud-wall. The screws should be driven through the metal insert into the back of the groove and stud-wall to achieve maximum strength. Screws should be driven every 9 inches vertically and on each stud, or furring strip horizontally (recommended 16″ centers).
