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I have a 20-year old, cedar sided home in Raleigh North Carolina that is in decent shape – except for a few of the trim pieces.
The horizontal and vertical trim pieces were mostly (I think) pine but didn’t seem to be primed (front, back or end). Now some boards that were exposed to standing water are rotted at either the ends (ground end of vertical pieces) or fronts (facia boards behind unmaintained gutters).
I need to replace these and was thinking cedar (front, back and end primed of course) but what about an exterior MDF? I haven’t use this material much but if it offers good rot resistance and is pretty inexpensive, I’d like to use it.
Suggestions for board material? i.e. cedar, MDF, etc.
Suggestions for primer? – i.e. brand and type.
Suggestions for ways to keep gutters clear of pine needles? – i.e. brand or type of covers.
Thanks,
Neil
Replies
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Neil -
Search the archives for Prime Trim or PrimeTrim. That is you exteerior grade MDF.
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I had to replace almost all horizontal trim and the bottom three feet of all vertical trim within five years of moving into my new house because the builder did not back prime the pine boards. I used either cedar or redwood, not wishing to repeat the experience, and primed all surfaces with Kilz. In addition, I slathered on silicone caulk onto all end grain before nailing up the pieces. (The end grain soaks up moisture via capillary action.) That was ten years ago. I haven't had a problem since.
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.. we've used a lot of the GP Prime-Trim nick was referring to...has great rot resistance..
we still end prime and edge and back prime.. we also install using details that keep our trim off the lower surfaces so the ends do not sit in water..
two ways to keep the pine needles out of the gutters.. cut the trees back from the house...
and get rid of your gutters...
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I have a 20-year old, cedar sided home in Raleigh North Carolina that is in decent shape - except for a few of the trim pieces.
The horizontal and vertical trim pieces were mostly (I think) pine but didn't seem to be primed (front, back or end). Now some boards that were exposed to standing water are rotted at either the ends (ground end of vertical pieces) or fronts (facia boards behind unmaintained gutters).
I need to replace these and was thinking cedar (front, back and end primed of course) but what about an exterior MDF? I haven't use this material much but if it offers good rot resistance and is pretty inexpensive, I'd like to use it.
Suggestions for board material? i.e. cedar, MDF, etc.
Suggestions for primer? - i.e. brand and type.
Suggestions for ways to keep gutters clear of pine needles? - i.e. brand or type of covers.
Thanks,
Neil