A product of Fundermax’s decades of expertise and fully-engineered approach, Modulo is a concealed fastener, closed joint modern façade plank system with interior and exterior applications.
One of the greatest benefits of the Modulo system is ease of installation. But, properly following guidelines is crucial in ensuring design longevity, desired aesthetic appeal, and structural integrity.
As a globally trusted phenolic panel manufacturer for over 130 years, we have a number of steps, tips, and best practices when installing a Modulo system.
Modulo is a hidden fastener system that provides maximum design freedom with versatile aesthetic options.
The unique system design, paired with attractive décor possibilities, lends new accents and visual interest to exterior facades and interior wall cladding.
Employing a concealed clip system with routed edges, the panels can be installed in a stacked bond, running bond, or a combination of both, with plank heights ranging from 6 to 24 inches, providing versatile applications for interiors and exteriors.
When properly installed, Modulo fastening systems offer many benefits, including:
No open joints horizontally
High design décor offerings
Compatibility with treated lumber or aluminum substructures
Abrasion and impact resistance
Ease of field cutting and installation
Additionally, choosing a Modulo system means you’ll receive pre-cut panels and clips at once and from a single source. This not only supplements a project’s budget, but also provides a straightforward installation process with streamlined materials
Modulo fastening systems can be installed on wooden or aluminum substructures. The wall substrate must be inspected by the installing contractor to ensure that it is in good condition and precisely aligned for perfect installation of a Modulo system.
The vertical battens should be at least 2¾″ wide to accommodate Modulo clips. Wooden substrates require 0.05″-thick EPDM tape over each batten before panel attachment when used in exterior applications. This protects the wood from moisture and prolongs the life of the façade.
Material optimization cuts down on costs and reduces negative environmental impacts. Developing an exact plan based on field measurements can minimize material waste. Remember to consider particular fittings like windows, doors, and corners at either end. Once the substructure is prepared and planning is accounted for, the system is ready to be installed.
Start installation at the lower left and work upward. Fasten the first row of Modulo clips horizontally and precisely. Since subsequent rows hang from these clips, square and level installation here is critical.
Screw the second Modulo element to the first one at a distance of 0.08 inches (2mm) using the supplied modulo clip installation tool.
Drill through the Modulo element at the upper left fastener in the hole provided and secure the panel to the substructure using the included locking pin. Install one locking pin per panel.
Repeat this process throughout the assembly, cutting to fit as needed.
Maintaining consistent joint spacing is crucial in producing the most cohesive, visually appealing design. Fundermax provides an assembly aid spacer tool with the Modulo fastening system that can ensure consistent gaps throughout installation. Joint spacing is crucial for the material to perform correctly, as it gives the allowance for the panel to expand and contract.
When cutting to latitude, be sure to allow a minimum 5/16” clearance between the panel edge and other fixed elements, such as window frames, corners, and gutters.
We recommend pre-drilling the substructure according to the directions of the screw manufacturer. Attach each Modulo clip with #12 screws into the batten. When setting the first panel, hook its bottom groove onto the lower edge of the clips. After screwing down the upper bracket, install the locking pin in the hole at the top left clip to hold the panel firmly and prevent it from shifting laterally.
Watch our example of Modulo installation at our North American showroom to visualize this process:
Fundermax panels have a non-porous, double-hardened surface, making them very easy to clean. While fungus, dirt, and dust can typically be removed with just water, the panels can also withstand harsh solvents, like acetone, for more permanent stains.
Whether naturally accumulated stains in exterior applications, or marks and graffiti from high-traffic applications in interiors, Fundermax panels are designed to preserve not only the integrity of a design but also the investment as a whole.
Properly installed Modulo systems are extremely robust. Phenolic wall cladding is weather-, UV-, and chemical-resistant, resulting in color and structure that hold up over decades. Periodic inspections of the hidden clips and screws help ensure your façade stays as plumb and tight as the day it was installed, preserving the design’s performance and precision for years to come.
The Modulo system offers a clean, modern aesthetic while maintaining the longevity and durability of Fundermax phenolic panels. When recommended layout and installation practices are followed, the result is a sleek application that will maintain its beauty and function for many years.
Download our Technical and Installation Guide for more information and details.