Keeping your home’s exterior looking its best can be a challenge. Rot, warping, and constant upkeep are common problems with traditional trim materials. Boral Trim offers a durable, low-maintenance solution. This guide covers everything you need to know about Boral, from material composition and installation to cost, maintenance, and comparisons with other options.
Understanding Boral Trim
Boral trim, particularly the TruExterior line, presents a compelling alternative to traditional wood. It’s composed of fly ash, a byproduct of coal power plants, and polymer resins. This combination results in a product that’s both durable and surprisingly eco-friendly.
What Makes Boral Trim Unique?
The key to Boral trim’s performance lies in its poly-ash technology. Fly ash provides strength and structure, while the polymers bind the material, enhancing flexibility and resistance to rot, insects, and weather. This innovative approach diverts waste from landfills and contributes to a more sustainable building practice. Find out more about Boral siding.
Boral Trim: Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any building material, Boral trim has its pros and cons. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision.
Advantages:
- Rot-Resistant: Unlike wood, Boral trim won’t rot, even in damp conditions.
- Insect-Resistant: Its inorganic nature makes it unappetizing to insects.
- Weather-Resistant: Boral trim stands up to harsh weather, resisting warping, swelling, and cracking.
- Easy Workability: It cuts and fastens much like wood, simplifying installation.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal upkeep, saving you time and money.
- Environmentally Friendly: Utilizes recycled fly ash.
- Paintability: Accepts and retains paint beautifully.
- Dimensionally Stable: Minimal expansion and contraction, reducing gaps and cracks.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: Higher upfront cost compared to wood or PVC.
- Weight: Denser and heavier than wood, potentially requiring extra assistance during installation.
- Availability: May not be readily available in all locations.
- Appearance: While it mimics wood, it might not perfectly replicate the natural grain and texture, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Potential Shrinkage: While rare, shrinkage can occur, especially in extreme temperature fluctuations. Properly spacing the boards typically accounts for this potential movement.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Boral Trim | Wood | PVC | Fiber Cement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent | Fair | Good | Good |
| Maintenance | Low | High | Low | Medium |
| Cost | Medium-High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Workability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Insect Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Good |
| Rot Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Good |
Installing Boral Trim
Installing Boral trim is similar to working with wood, but its weight and composition require some specific considerations.
- Acclimation: Allow the trim to acclimate to the job site for a few days before installation.
- Fasteners: Use manufacturer-recommended fasteners.
- Spacing: Proper spacing is crucial to accommodate expansion and contraction.
- Pre-Drilling: Pilot holes are recommended, especially when fastening near the ends.
- Safety: Cutting and shaping Boral trim produces fine dust; wear a dust mask and ensure adequate ventilation.
Maintaining Boral Trim
Boral trim is remarkably low-maintenance. Regular cleaning with soap and water is typically sufficient. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Boral Trim Costs & Availability
Boral’s pricing depends on the product type, retailer, location, and project specifics. For accurate pricing, contact local Boral dealers. The Boral website offers a dealer locator tool.
Estimating Costs
For a rough estimate:
- Siding: $8 to $14 per square foot (estimate only).
- Trim: $5 to $10 per linear foot (estimate only).
- Stone Veneer: Varies significantly based on style and finish.
Remember, these are estimates; actual costs will vary. Get multiple quotes from local dealers for accurate pricing tailored to your project. Explore box beam ceiling options to complement your exterior design.
Choosing the Right Trim
Boral trim offers a compelling blend of durability, low maintenance, and sustainability. Weigh the pros, cons, and cost against your project needs and budget. Comparing Boral with wood, PVC, and fiber cement helps determine the best choice. While Boral’s upfront cost may be higher, its longevity and minimal maintenance could offer long-term savings. Remember that ongoing research continually advances building materials, so staying informed about the latest developments is always beneficial.
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