Replies

1. 
   fingers | Feb 10, 2010 01:21pm | #1

   You don't mention what color
   You don't mention what color the rake boards are/will be. If it's white or anything close I'd use Azek or one of its cousins.

   Yes, it's a bit pricey but not when you consider the cost of maintaining it over the next 20-30 years. FWIW, I think it looks best painted, especially the edges (I use SW Duration brilliant white). Some would say what's the point of using a maintanence-free product if you need to paint it, but if we are to believe what they are telling us, the paint should last much longer than it does on wood.

   The real unknown here is how will it look and function in twenty or thirty years. I've put up tons and tons of the stuff so if it should go bad, there will be lots of us in the same boat.

1. 
   JoeJoyce | Feb 10, 2010 09:22pm | #2

   Thanks for your input. I was going to paint it purple, like the other rake boards I have. Water based paint. I've been thinking about vinyl sided houses and what they look like over time - I notice that the vinyl doesn't look as good over time - but that is the case with everything I guess.

2. 
   hanbycontracting | Feb 10, 2010 09:27pm | #3

   Yes Azek is the way to go. It will never go bad. and looks way better and holds paint. The only thing i always wonder when using it is that the corners should be alittle rounded really sharp and would think the paint would stick better without the sharp edge so I would sand it down alittle if I was you just take the edge off.

3. 
   Mark | Feb 11, 2010 07:32pm | #4

   Another vote for Azek. But what's just as important... USE GOOD PAINT!

   Spending the extra $ now on high quality paint (like Benjamin Moore) Will more than pay for itself in repainting costs and effort given the fact that the Azek will last many times longer than any wood product.

4. 
   MarkH | Feb 11, 2010 07:37pm | #5

   You could go with aluminum wrapped, it's pretty durable and paintable too.

5. 
   wane | Feb 12, 2010 08:26am | #6

   don't do it .. plastic wood
   don't do it .. plastic wood expands and contracts up to 1 inch per 12 ft length, it's going to be a nightmare, best to wrap them in alum flashing.

6. 
   fingers | Feb 12, 2010 01:16pm | #7

   The guys mentioning aluminum may have a point especially if you are going to paint Azek a dark color like purple. It does expand in width, length, and thickness in response to temperature fluctuations not humidity variations as wood does. You can compensate for the expansion with how you join the boards but a dark color may cause way too much heat expansion.

   I know there are different paint formulations which have more "reflectance" (if that's the right term) to minimize the thermal effect from a dark color.

   I think I might run this question past the technical service people at Azek or Koma one of the other makers of cellular PVC.

   Let us know how you make out.

1. 
   gusfhb | Feb 12, 2010 09:59pm | #8

   10 second search says azek expands 1/8 inch over uhhh buncha feet anyway, the 1 inch is not happening

1. 
   JoeJoyce | Feb 13, 2010 06:50pm | #9

   Thanks to everyone for their reply. Interesting that no one mentioned replace with wood. Tough decision - I really don't like plastic; the rake boards I stripped and sanded 13 years ago look totally fine - original boards and no need to repaint yet AND they get a lot of sun and weather. Doesn't wood expand at least 1/8"?? My wife wants to wrap it in aluminum or replace with PVC....hmmmmm.

7. 
   WINSTALL | Feb 15, 2010 08:49am | #10

   With Azek... the product requires a paint with a L.R.V. (Light reflective value) of 55 or higher. If you are using a darker color.... A paint with a lrv of 54 or lower, paints that are specifically designed for this application are Sherwin - Williams

   "VinylSafe". Good Luck!

8. 
   jwinko | Feb 15, 2010 03:34pm | #11

   In Houston we use Hardie or my choice is what they sell as #1 treated sou yellow pine. This is #1 common yellow pine that has been treated and kiln dried to framing lumber specs. It holds paint well and doesn't rot out.

   Or you could use Harditrim or some other cement board material.

   Good luck

   j

9. 
   RobWes | Feb 16, 2010 05:43pm | #12

   You will be very sorry using Azek for long runs. the stuff is great for corner boards and window trim. It moves too much IMO for your application. My corners are all split and broken, joints open and close daily. I'm waiting for the screws to snap it's so bad.

   Mine was left white. Painted dark could only make it worse. I wonnder how any paint could stay on something that moves as much as this crap.