HCI System Cladding Support
True Continuous Insulation for Vertical-Oriented Cladding
The HCI System is engineered specifically for vertical-oriented cladding applications, delivering true continuous insulation while simplifying façade attachment. Its horizontal HCI-GIRT features wide legs that help distribute cladding loads evenly across the insulation layer, improving load transfer and supporting long-term system performance.
Designed for performance and installation efficiency, the HCI System features pre-punched wall anchor holes and drainage openings that promote ventilation, drainage and drying within the rainscreen cavity. Thermally isolated ANKIT® fasteners help maintain the integrity of the weather-resistive barrier. Optional PANELRAIL® provides additional flexibility for specialized attachment points or complex façade designs. The HCI System meets or exceeds 2024 IECC code requirements and supports energy-efficient, long-lasting building envelopes.
Key Features & Benefits
- True continuous insulation for superior thermal performance
- Accommodates virtually any façade or cladding system
- Easy installation reduces labor costs
- Meets North American energy code requirements
- Broad design flexibility for architectural creativity
- Cost-effective solution for high-performance envelopes
Technical Specifications
ORIENTATION
Installs horizontally
DEPTH
¾-inch or 1.5-inch cavity
THERMAL PERFORMANCE
Project value pending technical confirmation
LOAD CAPACITY
Cladding weights up to 25 PSF*
FASTENER TYPE
Thermally isolated ANKIT® fasteners
INSULATION COMPATIBILITY
Rigid insulation or high-density mineral wool
ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY
PANELRAIL®, REVEALRAIL and MOVEKLIP™
Product Video
Available Downloads
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HCI System Summary Sheet
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HCI System Data Sheet
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ANKIT® Fastener Data Sheet
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HCI System Thermal Performance Summary
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HCI System Guide Specification with Rigid Foam Insulation – 07 05 43
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HCI System Guide Specification with Rigid Foam Insulation – 07 05 43
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HCI System Guide Details (Universal)
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HCI System Guide Details (with ACM Panels)
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HCI System Guide Details (with Face Fastened Panels)
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HCI System (RVT Zip File)
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Horizontal only HCI-Girt assembly details and horizontal HCI-Girt + vertical rail assembly details
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Horizontal only HCI-Girt assembly details and horizontal HCI-Girt + vertical rail assembly details
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Knight HCI System Rainscreen Attachment with Face Fastened Panels – (2 layer system; typically preferred by most panel manufacturers)
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Knight HCI System Rainscreen Attachment with Face Fastened Panels – (2 layer system; typically preferred by most panel manufacturers)
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Knight HCI System Rainscreen Attachment with Face Fastened Panels – (single layer system; limited usage depending upon panel type/manufacturer used)
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Knight HCI System Rainscreen Attachment with Face Fastened Panels – (single layer system; limited usage depending upon panel type/manufacturer used)
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Knight HCI System Rainscreen Attachment with ACM Panels
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Knight HCI System Rainscreen Attachment with ACM Panels
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HCI System Design & Installation Recommendations (PDF)
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HCI System EPD
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HCI System Declare Label
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions About HCI System?
Technical and installation guidance based on the supplied product content.
How does the HCI-GIRT manage anchor holes?
HCI-GIRT includes pre-punched wall-anchor holes and wide legs designed to properly disperse façade loads over exterior insulation.
Which anchors are used for the HCI System?
The HCI System should be installed using thermally isolated ANKIT® fasteners with a wedge tip that helps the weather-resistive barrier resist water at penetrations.
What insulation types are compatible with the HCI System?
The HCI System is compatible with rigid insulation and high-density mineral wool.
How much weight can the HCI System support?
The HCI System supports cladding weights up to 25 PSF.*
What materials can the HCI System be installed over?
The HCI System can be installed over steel studs, wood studs, CMU and concrete.
What gauges is the HCI System available in?
The HCI System is available in 18 GA or 16 GA American-made steel.
What finishes are available for the HCI System?
The HCI System is available in ZM40 Zn-Al-Mg coated steel or 304 stainless steel, with a standard mill finish or Black PVDF finish.
Is the HCI System available with various cavity depths?
Yes. The HCI System is available with a 0.75-inch or 1.50-inch ventilated rainscreen cavity to promote drainage and drying.
Is the HCI System third-party verified, EPD documented and Red List Free?
Yes. EPDs and Declare labels are available in the Documents & Downloads gallery.
What warranty is included with the HCI System?
The HCI System is backed by a 10-year limited warranty when paired with Knight Wall Systems Project-Specific Engineering.
*Spacing of components varies by project based on project specific conditions. Maximum allowable spacing and dead load (weight of cladding) is based on the total load (dead + live) acting on the assembly and connections. Depending on the system, insulation thickness will influence the systems capacities.
Wall anchors must be specified and supplied by KWS for an extended written limited warranty. KWS will specify the exact anchor type, embedment depth and spacing for anchors in project specific engineering packages. ThermaStop thermal isolation washers must be used on all types of wall anchors with the HCI or CI System, regardless of the substrate.
NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN EXCEPT FOR ANY APPLICABLE WRITTEN WARRANTIES SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED BY KNIGHT WALL SYSTEMS®. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED. No freedom from any patent owned by Knight Wall Systems® or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information on this website are appropriate for Customer’s use. They are not guaranteed in any way by the Knight Wall Systems, Inc. since building design, engineering, and construction, including workmanship and materials are beyond the control of the manufacturer. The information provided here is subject to change without notice. All content included on this website is and shall continue to be the property of Knight Wall Systems, Inc. or its content suppliers, and is protected under applicable copyright, trademark, and other proprietary rights. KNIGHT WALL SYSTEMS, the Knight Wall Systems design mark, KWS, ANKIT, CI, CI-Girt, FORMED TO PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST, INSULKEY, MFI, MOVEKLIP, PANELRAIL, TERMGIRT, THERMABRACKET, THERMASTOP, ADJUSTAKLIP, and THERMAZEE are registered trademarks controlled by Knight Wall Systems, Inc. Patent information: knightwallsystems.com/patents. This list is not exhaustive and Knight Wall Systems does not waive its rights in regard to other patents or trademarks that are not listed.
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