Subscribe to our blog

Your email:

Contact Us

Versatex Blog

Current Articles | RSS Feed RSS Feed

Pergola Installation Tips

Span 10' to 16' with confidence by sandwiching aluminum tubing within a routed slot inside two 5/4 by 10" PVC boards.

Installing Column Base Dressing

Column Base Trim Options

 

See VERSATEX at IBS!

Stop by booth #N3019 at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas to get a free golf shirt and an entry to win an iPod touch®. To qualify go to versatex.com.

Porch Ceiling Application

When installing long end-to-end runs of beadboard or beaded sheets, work in a decorative expansion joint. Rout a 1/2"x1/2" pocket along both edges of a 5/8"x3" trim piece, creating an upside down 'T' and use it to cover the space between panel ends. 


beaded ceiling

Garage Door Applications

Garage Doors

There are plenty of companies that take PVC sheet and create super-low maintenance Carriage Style Door garage doors, which have the same incredible attributes as all PVC trim products – they won't split, warp, twist or rot. And, although they do not require painting, they will accept high quality paints, which can last 4-5 times longer than on wood.

Curved Garage Door Trim

Remember that the trim can go right to the concrete or the ground. Miter the edges and glue. Curved tops and deep inside trim can be heat bent or cut out of sheet goods. 

Factory Stealth Garage Door Jamb

Versatex has developed a garage door jamb for just about any opening, with a factory folded, one-piece corner. The width of the face is optional, and can be ordered with or without the stealth siding receiver pocket. The depth of the corner trim is optional as well. As with all Versatex products, this corner can come in direct contact with concrete floor, or even installed below grade level. 

Picture Framing PVC trim Material

If you plan to picture frame PVC trim material, miter cut the boards bonding the miter corner with a PVC adhesive such as Weld-On 705 white. Secure the corner with pocket screws from behind and fasteners to the frame of the structure, as you would any wood trim.

 

picture frame PVC trim

Hotshot painting tips

Painting PVC trim is a lot different than painting wood, except that PVC material will not absorb moisture and paints will adhere better and for a much longer time. High quality paint can last 4-5 times longer on PVC trim than wood, but paint takes much longer to cure on PVC than wood.

Keep in mind that since PVC trims can attract a static charge, the trim will attract dust and dirt. Follow all the instructions typical for any quality paint job – the surface should be free of dirt and any surface contaminants.

Use a 100% acrylic latex or acrylic latex with urethane additive for superior coating, durability and flexibility.

Only light to medium colored paints with a light reflective value (LRV) of 55 units or greater should be used over PVC trims. Dark paints, without Heat Reflective Paint Technology cause unwanted heat buildup and could distort the trim.

Drying Times
To the touch: 1 hour
To handle: 4 hours
To recoat: 24 hours
To the full cure: 30 days

PVC trim's bright white looks great right from the factory, so in situations where the trim is going to be white, consider not painting at all.

Paint PVC trim

Heat Reflective Paint Technology

There is a limit to how dark of an acrylic latex paint you can apply to any cellular PVC trim, due to the amount of heat absorbed relative to the heat distortion temperature of the product. Paint colors are limited to pastels with a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 55 units and greater. Most recently, some paint companies have introduced heat reflective paint technology for vinyl based products. Sherwin Williams, AquaSurTech Coating, and Blue River Coatings are two paint companies
that have taken the lead in providing heat reflective paint. Consult your local paint representative or pre-finisher for recommended heat reflective paint colors compatible with PVC trim. Be sure these colors have an equivalent LRV of 55 units or greater.

Corner butt joints and mitered edges


Click here to view other applications.

How to install Stealth Corners

  • Before installing your Stealth Corner, be sure the corner of the house is properly prepared to accept it. The corner of the building should be square, true and plumb and covered with some form of house wrap. Flash the corner with aluminum trim coil or asphalt felt. The flashing should have two 10” legs and be bent at a 90° angle. Cover the entire corner by lapping the top piece over the bottom piece. The flashing should extend 4” to 6” beyond the outside edges of the corner. 
  • Before installing the corner, run a bead of sealant down the back side of both edges just outside the pocket. The purpose of this sealant bead is to provide a positive seal, as well as a dam which will prevent water or wind driven moisture from getting behind the corner.
  • Fasten the corner the same way you would a standard corner, being sure not to nail through the overhang that conceals your siding. Although this overhang piece is ¼” thick, it may break if struck with a hammer. Place the top of the Stealth corner 1/8” from the underside of the eave. Use stainless steel fasteners designed for wood trim and siding. Fasteners with thin shanks, blunt points, and full round heads are preferred. The fastener must be long enough to penetrate the substrate a minimum of 1 1/2”.
  • Place nails a maximum of 16” on center.
  • Install siding in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.Click here to download a free version of the Stealth Corner installation guidelines.
All Posts