Custom Panels, LLC.

DuraBoard® trim products are cellular PVC with the unequalled combination of Quality, Durability, Workability and Beauty. Available in trimboard, cornerboard, and sheet dimensions, DuraBoard products have the look, feel, and sound of clear, premium lumber. DuraBoard products are a perfect replacement for wood in all non-structural applications.

Storage and Handling

• Store DuraBoard® products on a flat and level surface.
• Since DuraBoard® trim products are more flexible than wood, they may conform to uneven surfaces.
• DuraBoard® trim products have a density comparable to a soft lumber product and should be handled in a fashion as pine would be handled to avoid damage.
• Units of DuraBoard® are shipped from the manufacturer in a protective covering. If covering has been removed, take care to keep product free of dirt and debris at jobsite. If product gets dirty, clean after installation.

Cutting, Drilling and Screwing

• DuraBoard® products can be cut using the same tools used to cut lumber.
• Carbide tipped blades designed to cut wood are recommended and work well. Avoid using fine tooth metal cutting blades.
• Rough edges from cutting may be caused by excessive friction, poor board support, or worn or improper tooling.
• DuraBoard® products can be drilled using the same tools used to drill lumber.
• Drilling DuraBoard® products is similar to drilling a hardwood. Care should be taken to avoid frictional heat build-up.
• Use standard woodworking drills. Do not use drills made for normal rigid PVC.
• Periodic removal of DuraBoard® shavings from the drill hole may be necessary.
• Pre-drilling is recommended when nailing in temperatures below 32ºF.

Routing/Milling

• DuraBoard® products can be routed using standard router bits and the same tools used to rout lumber.
• Care should be used to avoid frictional heat build-up.
• Periodic removal of shaving from the drill hole may be necessary.
• Carbide tipped router bits are recommended.
• Routing DuraBoard® products provide a crisp, clean edge.
• DuraBoard® products can be molded/milled using standard wood-working equipment.

Fastening

• Fasteners that work well with wood work as well or better with DuraBoard® products.
• For best results, use a high quality fastener such as stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized.
• Standard nail guns work well with DuraBoard® trim products.
• Avoid fine threaded wood screws and ring shank fasteners.
• Thinner shanked nails, such as a box nail, work best.

Gluing

• Standard PVC cements, or PVC glue provide a strong bond.
• For best results, glue all DuraBoard® joints such as window surrounds, long fascia runs, etc., to prevent joint separation.
• The glue joint should be secured long enough to allow adequate bonding time.
• To bond DuraBoard® to other substrates, various adhesives may be used. Consult adhesive labeling to determine suitability.

 

 

 

 

 

Painting

• Clean any excess dirt or debris prior to painting.
• Latex paints are desirable for painting DuraBoard® products.   Follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations.
• No special surface preparations are required prior to painting.
• Avoid painting DuraBoard® surfaces dark colors in areas of direct sunlight.
• Please see the DuraBoard® Painting Specifications for more information.

General Guidelines

Moisture

• DuraBoard® products do not absorb moisture; therefore, DuraBoard® products can be installed at or below grade.
• DuraBoard products are perfect for use in moisture prone applications such as garage doorjambs, ground contact, masonry contact, hot tub surrounds, freezeboards and rooflines.

Expansion & Contraction

• DuraBoard® products expand and contract with changes in temperature.
• Properly fastening the DuraBoard® material along its entire length will minimize expansion and contraction.
• When properly fastened, allow 1/8" space per 18 foot of DuraBoard® product for expansion and contraction. Joints between pieces of DuraBoard® should be glued to eliminate joint separation.
• When gaps are glued on a long run of DuraBoard®, allow expansion and contraction space at ends of the run.

Spanning

• DuraBoard® products MUST NOT be used in load bearing applications, but may be used in spanned applications such as soffits and ceilings.
• For soffit installations: For spans of 16" - 24", use a 1x DuraBoard® product.
• For ceiling installations: For spans of 16" - 24", use a 1x DuraBoard® product. When using a DuraBoard® product of 1/2" or 3/8", fasten every 16" or less.
• Never span DuraBoard® products more than 24".
• Use a mitred joint on spans of 16' or longer to minimize expansion gap on boards. See "Expansion and Contraction" section above.

Touch Up

• Non-solvent base fillers are recommended.
• DuraBoard® works well with All Purpose Painter's Putty and High Performance Wood Filler.
• DuraBoard® also works well with Fill-N-Finish Light Wood Filler and Shrink Free Spackling. 
• Clean DuraBoard® with soap and water using a damp cloth.