Any experience with NELS-TEK synthetics?
Greetings, Anybody used NELS-TEK PVC trim from New England Lumber Services? One of the local lumberyards says their contractors like it as much or better than AZEK and it’s a bit cheaper.
I’m building a front porch and want to use it for the trim, as well as to replace old trim on a gambrel cape – most notably the A-dormers and the trim at the eaves where the 2 roof pitches meet (and join with the A-dormers). There is currently a fascia board at the junction, I plan to extend rafters to make them meet the A-dormer fascia and include soffit across the house.
Any other recommendations for PVC trim? Boards will be painted, live in MA, and rot-resistance and long-life of the paint are the objectives.
Any thoughts on paint? Oil( alkyd) or latex for PVC and fiberglass columns? Column manufacturer recommends oil, but local Benjamin Moore recommends a new latex primer – can’t think of the name of it, unfortunately, but it does say for use on fiberglass right on the label.
Thanks,
Scott
Replies
Nobody's used this? I'm thinking maybe my question disappeared if there were no replies. I'm new to the forum so I'm not sure what the options are for sorting/display of messages.
Thanks in advance for any info. Great forum, loads of good info.
Scott
I don't have any experiance with PVC trim, but I did think about using it for the same reasons you are. I've heard that painting it can be tough, I would go with what the manufacturer suggests over what the paint store says. There have been past discussions about the stuff, so maybe check the archives? Either way I'm interested in most whatever gets posted about it.
"I've heard that painting it can be tough,"Are you referring to Nels Tek specifically or cellular PVC in general. I've painted alot of Azek with SW Duration exterior gloss and it looks good and has held up well.
I've used Nels-Tek on a few projects. It's made by a different process than Azek (one of them is celuka process, or something like that). If you're using stock pieces and profiles, it works just fine. If you're going to be shaping peices, stick with Azek.
Thanks for the responses. It's useful to know Azek machines better. I think NELS-TEK has the moldings I need. I was thinking of adding a bead to the bottom edge of the carrying beams (boxed/trimmed), so if I do I'll go with AZEK. The NELS-TEK installation manual says not to leave sharp angles in any machining, e.g. grooves should have a rounded profile as opposed to square.
I was thinking this applied to all "PVC" trim. Knowing they're made with different processes tells me I have more research to do...
Thanks again,
Scott
Gary Katz had an excellent article on the different available trims. Check FHB 165 if you can get a hold of it.