When you examine the home building materials market over the past decade, alternative materials, particularly those that replace wood, have led the charge. Builders are seeking ease of installation and to stand above the competition with end-user offerings like attractive, low-maintenance exteriors. Products that have surfaced include alternatives to clapboard siding, decks and trim. Whereas man-made siding and deck options abounded in the late 90s, the current wave is in a new way of trimming and detailing home exteriors.
About five years ago, “cellular” PVC trim products emerged onto the market and are now readily available at most building material dealers for commercial and residential applications. These replacements for wood trim are suitable for soffits, fascia, window/door trim, cornerboards, millwork, beam and column wrap, and even beadboard for porch ceilings or wainscot accents. Some are even available in smooth or a rustic texture and comes in sheets from which any shape or size can be cut.
Although the formulation is PVC-based, a free-foam cellular PVC process contributes to a density with the reported look and feel of traditional lumber. There are no layers or laminates, but true board thickness, consistent throughout. Builders may choose to layer the boards on the jobsite for built-up moulding treatments.
Features and benefits of these newer trim products include no splintering, rotting, warping or splitting. The goal of such wood alternatives is to greatly reduce callbacks due to product deterioration. The cellular PVC trim may be a painted or left its white matte color. If a color is chosen, the paint is said to last longer because there is no moisture cycle.
When you’re working with a cellular PVC trim, you may ask “how will a PVC- based product cut?” With no voids or knots, manufacturers report that it cuts, miters and routs cleaner and more crisply than wood, with no splits or rough edges. And as a step beyond wood, the material can be heated and curved into arches and curved shapes, using propane heated duct-work tunnels or heat blankets. Make sure to select a cellular PVC product line that has a building code report, to eliminate any hassles during the building project.
These materials can be used with stucco, stone or brick veneer, vinyl and even fiber cement siding, another low-maintenance alternative designed for weather-proof exteriors. The intense Texas heat can dry out wood in no time, so builders are using products can that endure just about any climate. With the market getting a bit tougher these days, homeowners are more demanding and have much less time for maintenance. Builders can stay competitive by offering products that have longevity and long-term performance, to match today’s busy lifestyles.
This article was submitted by Carmen Busceme, Territory Sales Manager/ SouthTexas, AZEK® Trimboards, www.azek.com. |
