Installation Guidelines and Instructions for EPEX TRIM 30
treated products, EPEX AllTrim III, EPEX TRIM 10 nontreated products.
Considerations & Precautions - Failure to install or maintain EPEX TRIM according
to these instructions as well as applicable building codes may affect the performance
and void the limited warranty. Installing and using EPEX TRIM for applications not
approved below may also void the limited warranty.
It is impossible to detail every case where moisture problems occur, but all wood
degrades when it is not allowed to dry properly. Therefore, correct building practices
must be implemented to insure long term performance. Installation of flashing and the
correct use of caulking and sealing systems are the responsibility of the installer /
contractor. Improper or incorrect installation cannot be blamed on EPEX TRIM nor is it
the responsibility of the manufacturer, their dealers, retailers or distributors.
CUTTING
Use a fine-tooth hand saw or power saw with a combination blade. The cutting action of
the blade should be into the face of the material. Carbide-tipped blades are
recommended.
CAUTION: Wood dust produced by sawing, sanding, or machining wood and wood
products can be hazardous.
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Wood dust is flammable and presents a possible explosion hazard.
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Wood dust may cause respiratory, eye, and skin irritation.
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Wood dust from some tree species may cause dermatitis or allergic response.
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The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies wood dust as a
nasal carcinogen in humans.
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The National Toxicology Program (NTP) classifies wood dust as a human
carcinogen.
Where to Install
EPEX TRIM is a non-structural trim product, designed to be applied as a decorative
enhancement to a wide variety of structures. Approved uses and applications are:
window and door casing; fascia, soffits, cornice, band and skirts boards (minimal ground
clearance required), porch ceiling, corner-boards, and columns. Trim applied to roof
dormers needs a 3” space from the end of the trim to the roof, to insure no wicking of
the lumber from water running down the roof. Each application has particular details
necessary to insure proper and long term performance, and installers are responsible
for adhering to industry standards and local building codes. Installations other than
those stated above are done so at the installer’s discretion and may void the limited
warranty.
Fastening- Correct nailing practices are essential for maximum performance of
EPEX TRIM products. EPEX TRIM products are a soft texture fiber. Though hand
nailing is recommended, the use of pneumatic nail guns is acceptable. Suitable
adjustments to the air pressure of the gun will be required to achieve proper results.
Nails must be long enough to go through the trim board at least 1-¼ inch of solid
wood and underlying materials, for a long term hold.
Nails should be driven snug with the surface. Overdriven nails must be remedied
immediately by filling overdriven nail holes with exterior grade wood putty.
*Note: For EPEX TRIM non treated products use quality exterior primer for all end
cuts. All other steps apply. Nails may be set 1/16" below surface and filled with
standard exterior grade wood putty.
Stainless steel and Galvanized nails are recommended. Use No. 304 for general
applications and No. 316 for seacoast exposures. Other types of fasteners are not
recommended; they can rust and disintegrate resulting in iron stains and streaks.
For best results use “split-less” ring shank stainless steel siding nails. These nails
have thin shanks and blunt points to reduce splitting when fastening. Near edges
and ends, nail holes may need to be pre-drilled to avoid splitting. Also pre drill holes
if using screw type fasteners to avoid splitting.
Protection – Flashing is an important part of proper installation, to avoid moisture
penetration, redirect water flow, and insures long term drainage paths from the trim.
Horizontal flashing over window and door openings is critical and should be installed to
redirect water away from walls. Caulking in lieu of flashing is not acceptable and will
void any claims.
Caulking – The use of a high quality exterior acrylic, silicone or urethane caulk should be
used to seal areas around doors, windows, corners and all other joints where water
could seep behind the trim, and allow water to collect, creating sever moisture
problems. Caulking should be done following the caulk manufacturers instructions.
Additional Prep – For all EPEX TRIM 30, all trim ends that are cut in the field, as
well as all bare or exposed wood, must be coated with a exterior grade primer. Failure
to properly apply a exterior grade primer to any bare wood or end cuts will void the
limited warranty. End cuts that will remain exposed must be coated with a exterior
grade primer prior to finish paint.
Note: For all EPEX TRIM 10, all trim ends and any raw or exposed wood must be
primed with a exterior grade primer prior to installation and top coat.
PAINT APPLICATION- For superior performance and product satisfaction all EPEX
TRIM should be painted as soon as possible after installation, preferably within 90 days
and no later than 120 days after the date of purchase (from manufacturer). EPEX TRIM
must be field finished according to the top coat manufacturer’s recommendation. It is
always suggested to use the best latex or oil base top coat possible with a 15 year or
better warranty offered by the finish paint manufacturer. All surfaces must be clean,
dry, and properly prepared prior to field painting. Follow all top coat paint
manufacturer’s recommendations prior to application of any paint. Failure to field finish
EPEX TRIM within the 120 day re-coat window will void the primer warranty.
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Do’s and Don’ts
Below, are several (but not all) building and construction standards that should be
considered when installing EPEX TRIM. Failure to comply with installation requirements
could void the EPEX TRIM 30 year limited substrate warranty or the EPEX TRIM 10 year
Non-Treated substrate warranty.
The DON'Ts of Installation
The DON'TS list:
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Do not install or paint over material if moisture content is over 14%. Do not
install with moisture content over 14%, or paint over wet EPEX TRIM
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Do not allow material to be in contact with the ground. Maintain 6” clearance.
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Do not install over treated lumber that has not dried completely. Allow treated
lumber to sufficiently dry to below 15% before installing trim over top.
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Do not use for EPEX TRIM for any structural application.
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Do not fail to fill all over driven and exposed nail holes with suitable exterior
wood filler.
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Do not allow trim to continuously be exposed to moist or wet conditions.
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Do not use EPEX TRIM for structural support purposes.
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Do not use EPEX TRIM for decking, railing, fences, planters or trellises.
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Do not allow EPEX TRIM to be in contact with the ground.
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Do not backfill or place sod, mulch, etc., closer than 8 inches to EPEX TRIM.
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Do not place in direct contact with concrete, masonry, patios, porches, and/or
roofs.
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Do not install where water sprinklers can regularly wet EPEX TRIM.
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Do not install in a manner to allow water to be entrapped behind EPEX TRIM.
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Do not use caulking sealant as a substitute for flashing.
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Do not assume your installation crews know what to do.
The DO’S of Installation
The DO list:
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Follow all local building codes for the region in which the material is being used.
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Follow the highest building industry construction standards possible.
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Re-prime all cut ends, and bare wood with an high quality exterior grade prime
before installing.
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Use flashing and caulk in all applications where moisture could develop.
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Top coat with a high quality exterior paint within 180 days of
installation/Purchase.
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Do adhere strictly to EPEX TRIM installation and maintenance instructions.
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Do be aware of potential sources of moisture penetration, including
condensation, around the building, and modify design to avoid exposure.
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Do re-paint in accordance with the paint manufactures written label instructions
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Do make sure your installation crews know how to install EPEX TRIM properly.
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Handling and Storage
Until installed, EPEX TRIM needs protection from water saturation, dirt, and other
elements. On the job site Store the EPEX TRIM flat and off the ground on stringers so
that moisture is not absorbed through the bottom of the stack. Protect with a
waterproof covering elevated in the center so that water does not pool on the cover. Do
not completely seal the bundle, as good air circulation is required. Ideally, EPEX TRIM
should be stored in an enclosed building such as a garage prior to use.
Keeping EPEX TRIM clean and dry during warehousing and job site storage is an
important requirement in insuring a quality and visually appealing finished product.
While in bulk storage, all EPEX TRIM should be stored and protected in the factory
packaging, under-roof and completely out of the weather. It is further recommended
that EPEX TRIM be stored flat, and off the ground, on runners, so that moisture is not
absorbed through the bottom boards.
A word about moisture content:
EPEX TRIM is shipped with a moisture content of between 8% and 12%. Before
installation, ensure that all trim is dry throughout. Do not install trim that has moisture
content above 14%. Storing material in high humid areas, near concrete, or in damp
areas will increase the moisture content in the lumber. Boards that show higher than
14% moisture content should be allowed to dry properly before attempting installation.
Proper conditioning at the job site is key to insuring a moisture content equilibrium
throughout the lumber.
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EPEX TRIM MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Inspection & Site Maintenance
Long term performance is a result of proper care and continued maintenance over time.
After installation, EPEX TRIM needs to be cared for like any other exterior component of
the structure. Regular cleaning, caulking and painting should be part of the maintenance
process. Annual inspections should be performed to maximize the performance and
service life of the trim. The limited warranty is in effect as long as the first owner
undertakes proper care and maintenance to include insuring that damaged trim be
properly repaired and repainted immediately. Failure to follow proper maintenance
procedures after installation may affect the long term performance and void the limited
warranty. Proper care and maintenance is critical to insure that no moisture penetration
may occur over time, through settling, wear and tear and adverse weather conditions.
All other maintenance of EPEX TRIM Products must follow the guidelines within the
warranty. Failure to comply with maintenance requirements within the warranty
could void the warranty of the EPEX TRIM products
Exterior Paint
Exterior paint is applied primarily to decorate and protect the wood substrate. Paint
coatings increase the durability of the trim and must be checked annually for wear
including cracking and peeling. Damage to the paint film must be corrected
immediately. Trim installed on the south and west sides are subject to the most
weathering, and dark or bright colors there fade more rapidly. Wood siding and trim
require re-coating whenever the surface begins to fade, discolor, or peel.
EPEX TRIM should be repainted in accordance with the paint manufactures written label
instructions, depending on the quality of the paint previously used, its initial coverage
and exposure to the elements. EPEX TRIM should be painted with the best available
exterior acrylic latex or oil based coating applied at the manufacturer’s recommended
spread rates.
Regular paint inspection and maintenance of EPEX TRIM will help insure the
performance and beauty of the product. All exterior paint on the trim should be
inspected and recoated as needed (usually every 5 years or sooner, depending on the
quality of the paint). The trim should be cleaned and the removal of mold and mildew
be performed annually.
Caulk and other sealants should be inspected annually and replaced as needed. The
serviceable life of caulk varies. Using the best caulk available will assist in prolonged life,
but cracked and dried caulk should be removed and replaced. Annual inspection of
flashing to insure continued serviceable quality should be performed. Nail filled holes
should be inspected to insure the nails have not popped, creating an opening for
moisture to penetrate the wood.
All components of the structure are interrelated to each other. Areas of moisture build
up in one area can be a precursor to problems potentially in other areas. Windows,
doors, roofs (and ventilations system), gutters and down spouts, among others, are all
areas of possible moisture problems. Care should be taken to insure that all areas are
inspected annually to prevent problems from developing in the future.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Paint performance is dependent upon the quality and quantity of paint applied, and the
conditions under which it is applied. Low quality paint and/or thinly applied paint tend
to last for a relatively short time, resulting in discoloration, premature fading,
inadequate substrate protection, and frequent repainting – sometimes as often as every
one or two years. Top quality paint, applied in sufficient quantity, will provide the best
performance with the minimum maintenance. Follow coating manufacturer
recommendations when selecting and applying paint.
For best results, use satin/semi-gloss or full-gloss exterior acrylic latex or a satin/semigloss. Semi-gloss or full-gloss finishes tend to perform better than flat finishes.
Most coatings can be applied with brush, roller, pad or spray. The brush application
method tends to apply the most paint per coat; spraying tends to apply the least per
coat.
EPEX TRIM is not responsible for the performance of field applied finishes. Finish
performance is dependent upon coating quality and application methods which are
factors controlled by the finish paint manufacturer and the applicator
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General Maintenance Information
Cleaning Suggestions
Remove dirt from the siding with a mild detergent, a gentle brush and a garden hose.
Never use a pressure washer to clean the siding. Excessive water pressure can cause
damage to the surface of the Siding and trim, force water into the pores of the wood
and the wall cavity behind.
Over time, mildew and moss can grow on a shaded surface on any type of siding. A mild
solution of bleach and water may remove this growth. Wall surfaces should be washed
from the bottom upwards; otherwise the lower portions of the wall will become
excessively stained as they absorb the contaminants washing down from above.
Flashing
Flashing redirects water away from the face of the building and allows water to drain
from behind the exterior wall finish. Flashing is normally installed at junctions of
dissimilar materials and above door and window openings. Flashing may also be
installed at each floor level to anticipate movement in the exterior finish as the building
settles. Flashing requires periodic washing to remove grime and re-painting when
corrosion of metal appears. Upon installation, flashing is sloped downwards to the outer
edge in order to drain water. If, with building settlement, flashings begin to slope
upward towards the building, repairs should be made to correct the slope which, ideally,
should be 15 degrees.
Nails
Rusty nails indicate that moisture is soaking into the wood siding. If rusty nails are
found, the moisture source must be eliminated and the siding checked for moisture
damage. If the trim was installed by counter sinking nails, the putty used to fill nail holes
should also be checked. If it has fallen out, the holes must be filled with an exterior
grade wood putty designed for filling exterior nail holes.
General Site Maintenance
The building envelope is comprised of components and materials which separate and
protect the interior of the building from adverse climate conditions such as moisture
penetration, or heat and air flow. Exterior wood trim is only one component of the
building envelope, but its optimal performance can depend on the entire building
having been properly maintained.
Exterior paint failures or decay in wood siding are usually caused by moisture
penetration, which may result from improper installation (see instructions above), or
negligent maintenance (e.g., failure to repaint or maintain as described in this section).
Windows
The flashing and caulking used to prevent moisture from entering behind the window
and trim should be checked annually. Most window designs incorporate a drainage track
at the bottom of the window to collect any condensation. These tracks have weep holes
to the outside to drain this moisture. These holes must be kept clean and can be
maintained with a short piece of wire or a cotton swab.
Doors
Exterior doors are exposed to detrimental weather conditions and extreme temperature
variations from inside to outside that can harm the door surface and its surrounding
components. The flashing and caulking used to prevent moisture from entering behind
door Trim should be checked annually.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters are installed at the roof perimeter to control the runoff of water. Gutters also
prevent water from collecting at the foundation wall where it could seep into the
basement or splash onto the wall surface. If gutters or down pipes are clogged with
debris or ice, water damage can occur. Twice a year, check gutters, roof drains and
downspouts for obstructions such as leaves and moss.
Corner Boards
Corner Boards should be checked to ensure that all joints are tight and waterproofed
and that there is no water damage on the ends where the trim and siding is in proximity
to decks, concrete or landscaping.
Roof
Trim used around and on the roof should be checked to ensure it is not absorbing
moisture due to inadequate clearances or snow loads. All penetrations through the roof
such as skylights, plumbing stacks, vents, etc., need to be checked annually and resealed as necessary.
Snow melting on the roof and then freezing in runoff at un-insulated roof eaves can lead
to ice damming which, in turn, causes water to back up under shingles and results in a
leak inside. When ice dams occur, the snow and ice should be removed from eaves and
valleys.
Ventilation, Condensation and Relative Humidity
The optimum year-round relative humidity level within residences is approximately 50%.
Due to seasonal variations, this level is difficult to maintain without specialized
equipment. Building Code standards require sealing the building against incidental
leakage of warm air to the outdoors.
Warm air holds moisture in suspension until contact with cold surfaces causes
condensation, which may then lead to mold or mildew and moisture penetration into
adjacent wood. Control of humidity and condensation requires proper heating and
ventilation to exchange warm moist air for dry cool air from the outdoors.
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