PVC Lumber – Trim Expansion and Contraction Issues 
Sunday, February 21, 2010, 03:10 PM - PVC & Composite Trim
Posted by Administrator
We moved away from Cellular and Solid PVC Lumber a couple of years ago with the exception of having to use it where we are down on the ground or in wet areas. The problems with the thermal movement without an adequate resolution from the manufacturers caused much angst for our installers and customers alike. We followed up on many complaints. We have even lost gutters because of the movement of these trim boards beneath them.

The only answers from the manufacturers’ representatives was to nail it more or glue it. No warranty was available because the manufacturer always claims that there is some flaw in the installation of the product. The problem with these products is that they are unstable. The PVC Lumber expands in the summer and contracts in the winter.

The thinner the product installed, the more the thermal movement. A job done with perfect cuts and miters in the summer can have 3/8” gaps in the winter. A job done in the winter will “hoop” between nails in the summer. Our company has a 100% callback on PVC trim. Without support from the manufacturers and no answer to curing this problem, we don’t use these trim materials on home exterior jobs.

There is also a question as to the chalking of these products, even when painted. A couple of years after installation, the PVC Lumber often will chalk. This is just another reason we have moved away from the PVC’s.

Installers, experts and the general public are welcome to chime in here to comment.


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