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Azek trimboards are made from cellular PVC (PolyVinyl
Chloride) and are uniquely designed for exterior and interior home trim
applications. Azek trimboard products include standard trimboards, cornerbead,
beadboard and even sheet boards for soffits. Azek PVC products also include
millwork products such as interior trimboards, fascia boards and detailed
mouldings. Key Features
Some of the key attributes that I find most
attractive about Azek exterior trimboards are:
- They come in standard milled lumber
dimensions
- They can be installed using standard
woodworking tools and nails
- They come in either natural or semi-matte white
colors and can accept paint or stain, thought painting/staining is not
required.
- Most importantly, they are extremely low
maintenance as they are immune to moisture
Quality and Consistency
Also since they are manufactured, versus harvested
from a forest, Azek trimboards’ quality is consistent and uniform throughout the
entire trimboard. Thus, there are no knots, voids, or twists in the material. In
addition, all the edges are perfectly square and smooth so excellent joinery is
ensured. Again, they come in standard lumber stock widths. Normally they are
sold in 18 to 20 foot lengths and come with a protective wrap.
Because Azek trimboards are manufactured with PVC
they will not absorb moisture. As a result, unlike wood trimboard products that
are moisture absorbent, Azek trimboards will not twist, warp, cup or rot. Azek
provides a 25 year warranty.
Easy Installation with Standard Tools
In addition, because PVC is flexible Azek
trimboards can be flexed and shaped around curves avoiding any cutting and
providing a cleaner finished look to archways.
As I indicated early Azek trimboards can be cut
using standards saws with carbide tips and be fastened using standard hammers or
nail guns, such as the
Senco #1G0003N Clipped Framing Nailer . As with all exterior trimboards they can be fastened using stainless
steel or hot dipped galvanized ring nails. They can also be glued together with
special PVC glues that are readily available.
Pre-drilling holes is not required, but can be
done using standard drill bits; however as with all power cutting tools the
blades should be sharp to avoid excessive frictional heat build up.
Azek trimboards can also be routed using standard
carbide routing bits. Routing edges are left clean and as crisp as the rest of
the material.
Azek trimboards have been designed to look and
feel like standard premium grade lumber and are available in either smooth or
rough finish.
Costs
Azek trimboards are expensive. They can be up to 2
times the cost of traditional woods. However the cost is justified by the fact
that maintenance is not required and that the entire product can be utilized.
Again, with wood trim boards; there are frequently knots, cracks or split ends
that prevent the full use of the lumber which result in effective higher linear
costs per foot.
How to Finance your Home Remodeling Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Additional Finish Carpentry Resources
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