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Low Maintenance Exterior Trim

By Caryn Colgan

• Cellular PVC trim looks like wood and can be used to add curb appeal to any home. VERSATEX products are made using cellular PVC that can be painted to match existing trim. Versatex's standard profile is 5 1/2" wide. Their Stealth beadboard features an extended 1/2" tongue for easy-to-reach surfaces for nailing. It can be cut using standard wood-working tools and can be installed using the same sealants, caulks, nails, and screws that are used for wood. Additionally, cellular PVC is weather-resistant, won't crack, rot, or splinter and won't attract insects. While the product doesn't need to be painted, it can be painted to match existing trim. Photo credit/available at: Versatex.com

• The PrimeMoulding ® exterior line from LP Moulding is a wood replacement product for most exterior molding applications. Pre-primed to eliminate preparation time, it is fast and easy to install. The PrimeMoulding product line is made from durable extruded polystyrene, so it is strong, lightweight and moisture resistant. It also cuts, nails and installs just like wood. This low-maintenance trim will not rot or attract insects. Photo credit/available at: LP Building Products.
  
  

• Used for interior and exterior applications, urethane millwork such as Fypon Moulded Millworkis constructed of urethane foam created by mixing isocyanate and resin. The high-density, thermoset material is resistant to mildew, warping, splintering and unattractive to insects. It is designed to replace wood for exterior trim and molding accents. Photo credit/available at: Fypon.com.

• Treated exterior composites such as MiraTec Trim Productsare made to look like cedar but will not delaminate and is moisture, rot, and termite resistant. Treated composites are more cost-effective over time than redwood, cedar, fir or poplar. MiraTEC trim, for example, lasts longer and holds paint better than wood. It is factory-primed on four sides with a low VOC primer with a mildewicide. Photo credit/available at: Miractectrim.com.

• Vinyl exterior molding but companies such as Accent Building Products add crisp architectural details to a building's exterior. Engineered to be maintenance-free, vinyl trim is designed for custom applications and does not require face nailing, caulking or painting. Inside and outside corners and end caps make miter cuts unnecessary. Photo credit/available at: Accentbuildingproducts.com.