Installation Guide
STORAGE AND HANDLING
Store AZEK trim products on a at and level surface.•
Since AZEK trim products are more exible than wood, they may con-•
form to uneven surfaces. Ensure that storage areas, as well as all framing
and substructures, are at and level to minimize uneven surfaces.
AZEK trim products have a density comparable to pine and should be •
handled in a fashion as pine would be handled to avoid damage.
Units of AZEK products are shipped from the manufacturer in a protec-•
tive covering. If covering has been removed, take care to keep product
free of dirt and debris at jobsite. If product gets dirty, clean after instal-
lation.
CUTTING
AZEK products can be cut using the same tools used to cut lumber.•
Carbide tipped blades designed to cut wood work well. Avoid using ne •
tooth metal cutting blades.
Rough edges from cutting may be caused by excessive friction, poor •
board support, or worn or improper tooling.
DRILLING
AZEK products can be drilled using the same tools used to drill • lumber.
Drilling AZEK products is similar to drilling a hardwood. Care should be •
taken to avoid frictional heat build-up.
Periodic removal of AZEK shavings from the drill hole may be necessary.•
AZEK
®
Trim is the #1 brand of trim. AZEK products are the perfect
replacement for wood in all non-stress and non-load bearing applications.
ROUTING
AZEK products can be routed using standard router bits and the • same
tools used to rout lumber.
Carbide tipped router bits are recommended.•
Routing AZEK products provides a crisp, clean edge.•
AZEK Trim and AZEK Moulding Installation Guidelines
FASTENING
For best results, use fasteners designed for wood trim and wood • siding.
These fasteners have a thinner shank, blunt point, and full round head.
If desired, a #8 trim screw may be used and works well with AZEK Trim •
products.
To take advantage of the performance of AZEK products, use a highly •
durable fastener such as stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized.
Staples, small brads, and wire nails must not be used. •
The fasteners should be long enough to penetrate the solid wood sub-•
strate a minimum of 1 1/4”.
Standard nail guns work well with AZEK Trim products. If using pneu-•
matic tools, the air pressure should be regulated so fasteners slightly
penetrate the surface.
Like wood, use 2 fasteners per framing member for trimboard applica-•
tions. Trimboards 12” or wider, as well as sheets, will require additional
fasteners, not to exceed 8” on center. See illustration below.
Fasteners must be installed within 2” of the end of each board. •
See illustration below.
AZEK products should be fastened into a at, solid substrate. Fastening •
AZEK material into hollow or uneven areas must be avoided.
Pre-drilling is typically not required unless a large fastener is used or •
product is installed in low temperatures.
3/8” and 1/2” sheet product is not intended to be ripped into trim •
pieces. These proles must be glued to a substrate and mechanically
fastened.
AZEK BEADBOARD FASTENING CONSIDERATIONS: (Use one of the •
following):
#7 trim screw•
16 gauge T-nail•
15 gauge round head (for 1/2” Beadboard only)•
Fasteners should be a minimum of 1 1/2” in length•
PAINTING
AZEK Trim does not require paint for protection, but accepts • and holds
paint very well.
If you choose to paint, use a 100% acrylic latex paint with colors having •
a Light Reective Value (LRV) of 55 or higher.
For darker colors (LRV of 54 or lower), use paints specically designed •
for use on vinyl/pvc products. These paints/coatings are designed to
reduce excessive heat gain.
Follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for use and compat-•
ibility with AZEK Trim and Mouldings.
AZEK surfaces must be clean, dry, and void of any foreign material •
such as dirt, oil, grease or other contaminates that may come from
normal handling, storage and/or installation prior to painting.
Moisture cycling is a main reason for paint failure on wood. Since AZEK •
material absorbs no moisture, paints last longer on AZEK products
than it does on wood.
Since AZEK products have almost no moisture absorption, paints may •
take longer to cure on AZEK material than on wood. Generally paints
on AZEK products will be dry to the touch quickly, but may take up to
30 days to fully cure depending on the humidity and temperature.
GLUING
For best results, glue all AZEK to AZEK joints such as • window sur-
rounds, long fascia runs, etc., with AZEK Adhesive to prevent joint
separation.
The glue joint should be secured with a fastener and/or fastened on each •
side of the joint to allow adequate bonding time.
AZEK Adhesive has a working time of 10 minutes and will be fully •
cured in 24 hours.
If standard pvc cements are used, these products typically cure quickly •
which will result in limited working time and may reduce adhesive
strength.
For best results, surfaces to be glued should be smooth, clean and in •
complete contact with each other.
To bond AZEK material to other substrates, various adhesives may be •
used. Consult adhesive manufacturer to determine suitability.
SPANNING
AZEK products must not be used in load bearing applications, • but may
be used in spanned applications such as fascias, softs and ceilings.
AZEK material should be installed over a solid backing.
For soft installations:•
When fastening over 16” OC, use a 5/4 AZEK product.•
When using AZEK Beadboard, see considerations below.•
For ceiling installations:•
When fastening over 16” OC, use a 5/4 AZEK product.•
If temperature at time of installation is 40˚ F or below, spans need to •
be decreased to 12”.
When using AZEK Beadboard, see considerations below.•
AZEK BEADBOARD SPANNING CONSIDERATIONS•
For both 1/2” and 5/8” AZEK Beadboard, run boards perpendicu-•
lar to structure when possible to create the shortest possible run of
material.
When using 1/2” AZEK Beadboard, use 12” OC framing as well as use •
a high quality construction grade polyurethane adhesive on joists.
For spans greater than 12” OC, use 5/8” AZEK Beadboard or use •
a minimum 1/2” backer such as plywood or OSB with construction
grade adhesive and mechanical fastening a minimum of every 8”.
Fasteners should hit joist or framing when possible.
When using 5/8” AZEK Beadboard, use 16” OC framing as well as use •
a high quality construction grade polyurethane adhesive on joists.
For spans greater than 16” OC, use a minimum 1/2” backer such as •
plywood or OSB with construction grade adhesive and mechanical
fastening a minimum of every 16”. Fasteners should hit joist or fram-
ing when possible.
Never span AZEK products more than 16” without utilizing instructions •
above. Proper fastening will help reduce the possibility of excessive
movement from expansion and contraction.
With all Beadboard or Trim ceiling and soft installations, follow good •
building practices and ensure adequate ventilation is provided.
For additional information, visit
www.azek.com or call (877)ASK-AZEK.
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EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION & CONTRACTION
AZEK products expand and contract with changes in • temperature.
Properly fastening AZEK material along its entire length will minimize •
expansion and contraction.
When properly fastened, allow 1/8” per 18 foot of AZEK product for •
expansion and contraction. Joints between pieces of AZEK material
should be glued to eliminate joint separation. See “Gluing” above.
When gaps are glued on a long run of AZEK material, allow expan-•
sion and contraction space at ends of the run.