Generally, millwork shops or extrusion manufacturers create specialty profiles, and it is not recommended that installers attempt to create architectural profiles on site.įor more information please visit CertainTeed’s trim products page. And the added bonus is the protection from moisture rot is inherent with cedar's natural oils. The unique characteristics of cellular PVC trim allow it to be heated and shaped into a variety of shapes, allowing profiles that can be used to trim virtually any window shape or create custom designs for any exterior application.Ĭonvection air circulating ovens, heating blankets and radiant heaters have all been used successfully to heat bend cellular PVC trim. Waterproofing the window sills I have always found that beveled cedar siding cut to sill size, caulked and covered with a butyl rubber tape has been very effective for the base or sill of a window installation. And, in addition to PVC lineals, PVC profiles-crown molding, sills, and rosettes-can be added to customize the exterior of the home.Īrchitectural windows are another application for cellular PVC exterior window trim. Unlike wood trim, which can absorb water or become infested with termites, PVC trim is durable and stands up to the weather extremely well. Homeowners who want low-maintenance, durable building products accelerated the trend to PVC exterior window trim. Prompted by the low maintenance of vinyl windows, homeowners began to inquire about the virtues of using PVC instead of wood or aluminum exterior window trim. Additionally, vinyl windows can be cleaned with a mild soap and sponge-they never need paining and they will not pit or stain. Vinyl (PVC) windows are constructed with spacers that act as insulators so the frames conduct neither heat nor cold. The shortcomings of these two materials helped propel the success of vinyl exterior windows and trim. A good conductor, aluminum window frames are cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Over time, exterior windows made of aluminum pits and stains, and expands and contracts with change in temperature. Wood, while a good insulator, requires regular scraping and painting to maintain a pristine appearance. Traditionally, windows were constructed of wood or aluminum.

Exterior window trim is the finishing touch on windows.

Replace j channel trim built in window