VERSATEX Trimboard

Tips on how to install Versatex beadboard

2009-08-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Cutting
VERSATEX can be cut using standard woodworking tools. Conventional carbide tipped blades designed for cutting wood are recommended. Avoid using fine tooth metal-cutting blades.

Fastening

VERSATEX beadboard can be hand or power nailed the same as wood. In cold temperatures below 40°F, pre drilling may be required to prevent splitting or cracking of the tongue. Blind nailing is acceptable for single pieces up to eighteen (18) feet in length. For runs in excess of eighteen (18) feet face nailing or separating each run of beadboard with a “T” or “H” mullion is preferred. A “T” or “H” mullion creates an excellent break between the runs of beadboard while providing a pocket that allows for any expansion or contraction. A simple method of creating a “T” to separate long runs of beadboard is to take a piece of trimboard at least 5/8” thick at a minimum width of 2” and cut a 1/2” deep by 1/2” wide groove down both sides of the board. When nailing, nails should be at least 11/2” long so that each fastener penetrates the substrate a minimum of one (1”) inch. The stronger the shank of the nail, the more it will resist movement due to thermal expansion and contraction. VERSATEX beadboard should be nailed a maximum of 12” on center along its length with fasteners at least 2” or less from the end of each board.

Installation

Since VERSATEX Cellular PVC beadboard is a thermoplastic materialit will expand and contract along its length by as much as 3/16” in 18’. In an effort to mechanically control this movement the following guidelines should be followed:

To prevent buckling or binding, leave a minimum of ¼” to ½” gap between the edge of the beadboard and any solid substrate. Use a piece of trim or moulding to cover this gap.

For runs longer than 18’, cut a bevel or shiplap joint into the end of the board, leave a 1/8” gap when installing on a day where temperatures range from 35°F to 45°F.

For runs in excess of eighteen (18) feet face nailing is recommended. Face nailing allows you to reduce the nail spacing across the width of the beadboard, thus restricting expansion and contraction.

Where possible orient the beadboard in the direction that uses the shortest board length possible. Expansion and contraction of cellular PVC is a function of the products length. The shorter the board length the less expansion and contraction it will display.

Like all VERSATEX cellular PVC products our nominal 4” and 6” beadboards can be painted but do not require painting for protection. A 100% acrylic latex or 100% acrylic latex with a urethane additive should be used to achieve superior coating durability and flexibility. Only light to medium colored paints with a light reflective value of 55 units or greater should be used over VERSATEX. Consult your local paint representative or prefinisher for available heat reflective paints. Be sure these paints have an equivalent LRV of 55 units or greater. Darker acrylic latex colors absorb heat and not only increases expansion and contraction but can cause the temperature to reach or exceed the heat distortion temperature of cellular PVC permanently distorting the product.

Finished results and paint longevity depends upon the amount of paint applied, proper application and the weather/climatic conditions during application. Always follow the paint
manufacturer’s application instructions. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions and warnings on the label.

To check out more information on how to install beadboard click here.

The Vinyl Safe Video

2009-06-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of speculation about whether or not vinyl is a safe material to be exposed to. In this video The Vinyl Institute talks about how vinyl is safe for the consumer and the environment. Click here to learn more.

ProSales Magazine

2009-06-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the back of ProSales Magazine? VERSATEX will be on the back cover of the June issue. One of four times we are going to be featured this year.

New Skirtboard Installation Guidelines

2009-06-17T11:47:00.002-07:00

VERSATEX now offers Stealth Skirtboard guidelines click here to view. These instructions can guide a builder or contractor on how to install VERSATEX Skirtboard into a stealth corner, also at a grade or a roofline of fiber cement or composite siding.

VERSATEX lands another large commercial project!

2009-06-17T11:47:00.001-07:00

VERSATEX continues to make huge inroads into the commercial market through efforts with architects and general contractors. The latest victory for VERSATEX came in Plymouth, MN as VERSATEX secured the trim on the Bass Lake Town Homes project.

Early last year, the vinyl siding and trim on the Bass Lake Town Homes were heavily damaged by hail and high winds. The property management group began to research what needed to be done to replace or repair the siding on the 15 year-old buildings. They settled on James Hardie fiber cement for the siding, but trim was still in question. The management group was not thrilled with the look or workability of the Hardie trim and was seeking a better option. Through the efforts of Chris Hedlund, VERSATEX Western Regional Sales Manager, they found one in VERSATEX.

Chris met with the Bass Lake team and demonstrated the value of VERSATEX, in particular, the innovative Stealth Skirt Board. When Chris showed them how neatly and aesthetically pleasing the Stealth Skirtboard allowed the Hardie siding to achieve their mandate of being six inches off ground, the group was sold that VERSATEX was the way to go for all the trim. As the project is now underway, the owners of the town homes are also ecstatic about how the Versatex Timber Ridge finish so nicely blends with the Hardie and provides a natural cedar look that fits with the architectural style of the buildings.

Are you working on a town home, condo, hospital, dorm, assisted living center or any other light commercial project? If so, contact one of our local representatives or our engineers directly to see how VERSATEX can help.

You talk, our plant listens

2009-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Recently, Jeff McQuery, Sales Manager for NILCO in Louisville, KY, a valued VERSATEX distributor, made an observation that packing our Stealth beadboard with the bead down would eliminate any dust settling on the bead when the unit is opened in his warehouse. The next day after this was communicated Shawn Petras, our plant superintendant, made the change! Thanks Jeff! See something we could do better, let us know.

Builder Magazine

2009-06-17T10:24:00.004-07:00

VERSATEX will have a two page advertorial in the June issue of Builder Magazine.This will give us tremendous exposure in the nation's #1 builder publication. In its premier season issue - the Buyers Guide.

Fine Homebuilding

2009-06-17T10:24:00.003-07:00

For the first time VERSATEX will have a placement in this esteemed builder and consumer magazine, and on the back cover, no less! This magazine is found in all major big box outlets across the country.

Fill n’ Fasten Now Available in a Laminating Grade

2009-06-17T10:24:00.001-07:00

Fill n’ Fasten, the color matched nail-hole filler/adhesive from VERSATEX is now available in a laminating grade that features a slower cure time. This product is available in 400ml tubes and is perfect for fabrication shops that are laminating VERSATEX to create large decorative pieces.

New VERSATEX Video

2009-06-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

VERSATEX now has a video of a millwork demonstration online. To view the video click here.

VERSATEX hosts our top new dealer!

2009-06-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

On June 1st, VERSATEX was honored to host eight team members from National Lumber of New England, our top new dealer for 2009. The National group was in Pittsburgh along with three members of Russin Lumber, the VERSATEX wholesaler who services them, for a tour of our new state-of-the-art 10-acre facility in Aliquippa, PA. Along with the tour, the National members were also given a presentation to improve their knowledge of VERSATEX and then treated to a ballgame at PNC Park.

National made the switch to VERSATEX at the beginning of this year and have enjoyed a great transition despite a tough economy. The entire VERSATEX team is extremely grateful for their support!

For stocking dealers, a plant tour is part of the VERSATEX program and serves as a great educational and relationship building tool. Contact your VERSATEX rep to set one up!

VERSATEX maintains tight ship environmentally, even in a tough economic environment.

2009-06-09T13:28:00.001-07:00

PVC trimboard manufacturer reclaims, reuses and recycles in every corner of its Pittsburgh, PA operation to further establish ‘green’ nature of their PVC products and plant.

Though not everyone agrees on exactly what makes a manufactured product ‘green’, the folks at VERSATEX have carefully crafted every one of their manufacturing processes to take a strong stance at protecting the environment.

Recycling
Over 98% of all processed waste at VERSATEX is recycled. They recycle all of their PVC scrap (edge trim, dust, purge, die tear-offs, floor sweeps, etc.)--either back through the process, or into secondary products. As a result, each year they recycle roughly 2 million pounds of PVC scrap and over 500,000 gallons of process water.

In addition, all of their office paper, cardboard, waste oils, water, wood scrap and 4 x 4 wood skids are recycled.
VERSATEX trim in the field is recyclable, either back to the manufacturer or through brokers.

Energy Savings
The 60,000 SF plant uses no gas or electric for heating. All heat is generated during the extrusion process and used to heat the entire manufacturing plant. They estimate natural gas savings of approximately 25,000 CCF on an annual basis.

VERSATEX cellular PVC is lighter to transport than most other building products, reducing the amount of fuel and other resources used for such transportation.

VERSATEX cellular PVC has a 60% greater R-value than wood, making it is more energy efficient than wood.

Durability and the Environment
VERSATEX cellular PVC qualifies as a “Durable” product, which conserves materials and eliminates pollution associated with the manufacturing of shorter life alternative products. It is also insect resistant, mold and mildew resistant and fire resistant.
VERSATEX requires less maintenance than many other exterior trim products. It does not require the use of paint, stain or harsh cleaners in order to maintain the physical performance characteristics of the product.

Since VERSATEX Cellular PVC is a replacement for wood trim, it helps reduce deforestation. VERSATEX has a long life cycle allowing the manufacturer to warrant the product for 30 years, transferrable to the second homeowner.

Lastly, all literature that VERSATEX has printed is specified on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified recycled paper, helping contribute to conservation, responsible management, and community- level benefits for people near the forests that provide the paper. It is manufactured from bleach-free sheet pulp, 100% recyclable and under ECF conditions.

VERSATEX is manufactured by Wolfpac Technologies in Pittsburgh, Pa. The company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which produces cellular PVC extrusion products, such as VERSATEX trimboards, sheet, mouldings and prefabricated corners.

New SmartSize Skidz PVC Trim Program for Frugal Dealers and Contractors

2009-06-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

Dealers earn discounts on smaller orders, with a skid of just the widths and lengths their contractors use, instead of larger quantities with skids of one width, as most PVC trim manufacturers require.

Until recently, dealers had to inventory a lot of product to be considered stocking dealers and qualify for discounts. Contractors were faced with special order delivery and pricing woes if they wanted something that wasn’t in stock.

With the new SmartSize Skidz program from VERSATEX, dealers can order smaller quantities of a variety of popular sizes in one skid, keep a minimal inventory, and still receive a bulk discount. Contractors get an assortment of the widths and lengths they use, and get a reasonable price on in-stock PVC trim. This program mixes and matches any sizes of quality VERSATEX PVC Trimboard into full units packaged and shipped directly from the factory, at no upcharge. SmartSize units generally come in three thicknesses—5/8”, ¾” and 1”, and in standard 18’ lengths, but can be customized both in terms of product mix and length to ensure the retailer gets exactly what they need to be successful in this new economy.

There’s no need to buy huge quantities of unnecessary SKUs to qualify for bulk rates. “It allows a retailer to purchase small piece quantities at full unit prices, while getting the packaging benefits of a factory-clean load,” says John Pace, VERSATEX president.

“One of the only ways for retailers to survive is to expand their product lines, says Rick Kapres, VP sales and marketing.” What would have taken a five unit purchase to achieve a desired price position can now be done for one unit.”

There’s even a NoScrap Skidz option, where contractors can order custom widths and lengths through their VERSATEX dealer. That way, if 24” wide by 14’ 4” is a perfect fit, that’s how the skid will be packaged, allowing for no waste at all.

VERSATEX is manufactured by Wolfpac Technologies in Pittsburgh, Pa. The company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which produces cellular PVC extrusion products, such as VERSATEX trimboards, sheet, mouldings and prefabricated corners.