May 8, 2024
Builders and their customers want trim and siding that is virtually maintenance-free and competitively priced. PVC is a great solution because it is durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain — not to mention, it brings incredible aesthetics to any build.
In this article, we’ll look at PVC as a modern construction material that reduces material waste and returns, improves customer satisfaction and almost eliminates callbacks based on material defects.
Siding, Boards and Trim: What Are They?
Siding is the finish material on the exterior walls of a home. Siding is normally sold in widths from four inches to 12 inches, and it comes in many profiles, including:
- Bevel
- D-106
- Shiplap
- Channel rustic
- Tongue and groove
- Board and batten
- Beaded
Trim is the decorative casing around doors and windows, inside and outside corners and soffits, as well as custom applications on the exterior and interior of a house.
Boards are simple finish pieces used as fascia, which can perform the function of trim on log-style cabins and other rustic architecture.
Wood Was the Preferred Material
Until recently, these products were all made from wood. Wood is available almost anywhere and can be shaped into almost any profile, which made it the ideal choice for many builders. Wood trim, siding, and boards can all be installed with screws or nails and is easy to cut with standard carpentry tools.
However, wood has some major weaknesses:
- Wood pieces are inconsistent
- Susceptible to cracking, twisting, warping, and rotting
- Termites, bees, and other pests can damage it
- Regular maintenance is required to maintain its appeal and functionality
- Even when painted, wood can require replacing every few years
Some types of wood siding and trim have become difficult to source, and the quality of many offerings has seriously declined. This has prompted many contractors to seek alternative material options.
PVC as a Modern Building Material
What is PVC?
The term “PVC” refers to a plastic made of vinyl. It’s produced from carbon atoms obtained from natural gas or oil and chloride atoms obtained from salt. PVC flooring and roofing may last almost 20 years, and PVC water pipes in infrastructure projects can last for more than 50 years before they need replacement. Recycling PVC is possible because it is ground into tiny pieces and transformed into chemicals that are melted and reformed into new items.
The Most Common Uses for PVC in Construction
Trim, siding, and boards are the most common uses for PVC in construction. This product group requires consistent thickness and width, as well as zero defects, such as splits, cracks and twists. PVC is also a great solution for siding because it is durable, weather-resistant, and practically maintenance-free.
Royal PVC Offers a Complete Line of Cellular PVC Trim and Siding
Royal PVC carries various PVC profiles to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect boards, trim, and siding for your project.
Royal PVC siding includes the most popular profiles on the market. Cedar shakes, lap siding, board and batten and dutchlap are a few options, and they are available in eight colors to ensure homeowners get a design that is both functional and beautiful.
Their trim line is extensive and includes the moulding profiles that builders use every day, such as:
- Brickmold
- Crown Moulding
- Inside and Outside Corner Trim
- Drip Cap
- Colonial Casing and Base
Interior wainscoting is available as a 5 ½” beadboard in both a standard and high heat option. These come in either 16’ or 18’ lengths to reduce waste on the job site.
Royal also offers a trim sheet in 4’ x 8’ or 4’ x 20’ lengths. These panels are available in ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, 1” and 5/4” thickness. They can be cut into any shape, mitered and bent to meet various custom applications.
Royal’s PVC boards come in smooth and textured finishes in widths from 3” to 16” and are available in ⅝”, 1” and 5/4” thickness.
Easy to Install
Royal PVC products are not only durable and gorgeous but also easier to work with than wood. You won’t need to purchase specialty tools to work with these products, and you will spend less time completing your projects because every piece is ready to finish when you begin.
- Pneumatic air guns can be used, as well as stainless steel screws.
- Boards and siding can be nailed within ¾” of an edge without splitting.
- PVC can be painted with 100%-acrylic latex paint, but it is not necessary.
- If you need to glue any trim pieces together, PVC glue is recommended.
- Royal PVC cleans up best with a high-quality glass cleaner available at most stores.
U.S. LUMBER Works for You
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U.S. LUMBER works with some of the top manufacturers in the industry for both forest products and wood-alternative products, and we offer the most comprehensive selection of specialized construction materials in the markets we serve.
Our client base includes 15,000 local lumber yards, building supply companies and home renovation firms that serve professional contractors, home builders, general contractors and DIYers in their areas.
And you don’t have to worry when you work with us — we are never your competition because we do not sell directly to consumers or construction companies. Contact us today to see how we can help your business grow.