LP® Moulding Exterior Installation
Weather Matters for Exterior Installation
LP® brickmould is a thermoplastic material. Because of this, it has different properties than wood products. Most significantly, the brickmould expands/contracts with temperature changes much more than wood.
For best results, the expansion/contraction properties must be considered during installation of this product. The length of an eight-foot piece of brickmould will change by 1/4” when a 75°F temperature change occurs. Thus, eight-foot brickmould installed at 75°F will be 1/4” shorter at 0°F. Eight-foot brickmould installed at 45°F, will be 3/16” longer at 100°F.
Choose the Right Fasteners
Use the smallest nails/brads capable of doing the job. Use a single nailing pattern (do not drive nails side-by-side). Do not use screws as the flights of the screw will bore a relatively large hole in the moulding, which creates a weak area that is susceptible to failure. Do not staple the moulding.
Primed and Ready to Paint
LP brickmould products are factory primed with an acrylic latex paint. The brickmould should be finished with light colored high-quality exterior latex paint. Dark colors should not be used as they cause increased expansion of the moulding during periods of high temperatures. Latex exterior caulks are recommended for sealing the edges of the brickmould. Caulk is also recommended for sealing all joints created during the installation of the brickmould. Nail holes may be filled with caulk or spackling.
Tips for Regions with:
Cold Temperatures
Zones 1-5 have low temperatures less than -10°F. To avoid problems due to contraction, brickmould should not be installed during periods of high temperatures. Installation during cool or moderate (less than 75°F) temperatures is recommended. Contraction of the brickmould during periods of cold temperatures will cause gaps in the joints. It is highly recommended that a latex caulk be used in miters, splices, butts, and ends of all joints. Also, follow the fastener recommendations above.
Warm Temperature
Zones 8-10 have low temperatures greater than 20°F. To avoid problems due to expansion, brickmould should not be installed during periods of low temperatures. Do not install the brickmould to a tight fit. Allow a small gap in the miter or at the end of the brickmould to allow for expansion. These gaps should be caulked to make them “invisible.” Use only light colored paints for finishing. Dark colors should not be used.