Home improvement: Vinyl, aluminum, wood window trims compared – Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Jerry Ludwig 8:02 a.m. ET April 8, 2017

Even vinyl and aluminum do not last forever and have needed to be replaced after a number of years.(Photo: Jamie Germano/@jgermano1/file photo)Buy Photo

Dear Jerry:I have read your column in the Democrat and Chronicle for years and was wondering if I could get your thoughts on vinyl versus aluminum versus wood replacement trim.

The house was built in 1978 and the trim boards are beginning to rot so will not hold stain. We will be getting vinyl soffits and fascia and the contractor will wrap window trim with aluminum.

One contractor wants to replace trim work on the face of house with Louisiana Pacific LP Smart Trim, which will need to be painted. Another contractor suggested wrapping trim in vinyl. I want to maintain the design of house and have a quality job done that will last a long time.

Thank you.

D.M., via email

Unfortunately, many homes built from the 1960s into the 1980s have suffered from deteriorating exterior siding and trim. Deterioration of hardboard siding, oriented strand board siding, fast growth wood trim coupled with improper priming and installation have made houses of this vintage prime targets for new exterior siding and trim. Even vinyl and aluminum do not last forever and have needed to be replaced after a number of years.

First, let me say that I do not recommend covering any material that has rot or decay with another material. Best to remove it and start over. You didnt say what the siding material on the house is, but it appears that will remain and the trim is the main issue.

LP Smart Trim is an engineered composite material made from wood byproducts and rosins. Reviews have been generally positive, and it is lighter than cement board. Yes, it does need to be painted (as does fiber cement board). Critically important with both of these materials is proper installation. Slight gaps between siding ends must be left when installing the siding and filled with proper caulking.

As with products in the past, failure of the product was largely due to improper installation and maintenance.

Wrapping trim in aluminum is OK, if the trim is sound. However, improper installation of aluminum can permit water to seep behind it, leading to decay of the wood underneath. And, as I mentioned earlier, covering decayed trim with aluminum is only asking for trouble.

Jerry Ludwig(Photo: File photo)

Again, not knowing what the siding currently is puts me at a disadvantage. You mentioned that the trim was stained. Is the siding wood and also stained, perhaps cedar? If so, I would replace the trim with cedar.

On the other hand, if the siding is painted wood, and if it was my house and the siding was in good repair, I think I would choose a fiber cement trim. A cellular PVC material such as AZEK is also an option. Fiber cement will need to be painted, but holds paint very well. AZEK is available in a variety of colors, but may need to be recoated at some point. If possible, I would replace any window trim with one of these materials rather than wrap it in aluminum. Again, your choice will somewhat depend upon what the current house siding is.

Whatever material you choose, make sure that your contractor states in writing that the material will be installed according to the manufacturers specifications. Also, check to see if the contractor is certified or otherwise qualified to install the product. If there is a warranty issue with the material, it is usually due to improper installation.

After the column on the loud laundry pump valve (March 25, 2017), several wrote me to ask where they could find a silent check valve. C.M. wrote to say: I went to Debbie Supply in East Rochester, and they have several sizes of spring loaded PVC check valves. With a couple of adaptors and two rubber couplings this made a unit that I installed in the drain line of our noisy sump pump. End result is that the problem has been SOLVED! No more water hammer! Finally, the cost of the check valve was $13.99 plus tax (not including the cost of couplings and PVC). Thanks, and congratulations!

Jerry Ludwig is a former contractor and home inspector. He is an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects. Email your house questions tojludwig@rochester.rr.comor write him at P.O. Box 25510, Rochester, NY 14625. Please include the year your house was built and the town where you live.

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Home improvement: Vinyl, aluminum, wood window trims compared - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle