Here in Southern California, though we don’t get much rain, we still can have problems with rotted wood. For Los Angeles homes near the ocean, the additional moisture can be the culprit. In most cases, however, the sun is the cause of our wood troubles. In the long hot months, exterior wood tends to dry out, crack, split, and twist. One great solution to this issue is to use PVC trim, commonly referred to by the popular manufacturer's name, Azek.
Azek trim has a number of innate characteristics that can make it a great choice for replacing natural wood. Most importantly, it will not split, rot, or crack. Very long pieces of PVC trim have been known to warp in prolonged sun exposure, but so does wood, and correct installation can minimize this risk.
Another advantage to PVC trim is that it is impervious to water and insect penetration, and is naturally resistant to mold and mildew growth. Of course, Azek comes in dozens of common dimensions and can be shaped with normal tools just like wood. This means that no matter the wood features of your home exterior, PVC trim can probably be formed to take its place.
Some homeowners elect to replace all of their exterior trim with PVC at one time, including window trim, fascia, and door edge. For others, however, this can be an expensive proposition. A good middle-ground is to replace just a few pieces at a time, as needed. This allows you to restore the appearance and protection of your home gradually.
For those who enjoy the natural beauty in the grain and knot patterns in natural wood, PVC trim lacks a certain charm. The goal of trim, however, should not be to draw the eye to an individual piece of wood, but rather for that piece of wood to contribute to the outlines and design of the home. For this, Azek works just as good as, or possibly better than, natural wood.
Does your home exterior have places that are suffering from dry rot, splitting or twisting? Trim, decks, rails, and all kinds of wood are succeptible. ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING Painting is committed to the health and beauty of your home, and we can replace your damaged woodwork with PVC or natural wood, according to your desire. Our craftsmen are true professionals, dedicated to doing each job with precision. Call us for a free project estimate, or schedule an appointment online.