Technical Resources
Get the most out of our products.
It can be easy to get bogged down in the thousands of details that any project entails. Below are a few need-to-know points about our products that will help you get the most out of them and keep your project on track.
Painting PVC Products
PVC products will not warp, crack, rot, or split. All PVC products should be painted with only 100% acrylic latex paint with a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 55 or greater.
26-Gauge Metal
All products are made with 26-gauge metal unless specified. For most projects, 26-gauge is thick enough to do the job. 26-gauge material tends to be more readily available. It’s easier to source and lead times are lower, offering a quicker solution.
Aluminum Flashing
.032 Aluminum Flashing, being thicker than 26-gauge galvanized steel, is lighter in weight. Aluminum flashing is pre-coated, so it does not require painting and is available in a variety of colors.
Bonderized Steel
“Bonderized” steel is often referred to as “paint grip,” because its matte finish makes it better equipped to accept and hold paint.
Bonderized steel is galvanized G90 steel that has gone through a phosphate bath. The phosphate serves as insulation between the drying action of the galvanized coating and the paint, promoting longer paint adhesion. Then, a layer of chromate is applied and dried, which prepares it to accept paint. Bonderized steel MUST be painted. If not painted it will corrode causing a “White Rust” on the steel.
Note that G90 steel and bonderized steel are not the same. G90 steel has a galvanized coating of zinc only and does not require painting. Bonderized steel takes G90 and applies the process explained above.
Embossed Composite
Made from locally sourced rice hulls, embossed composite products are stamped with a woodgrain pattern to give you the look of genuine wood with much more durability.
Can be stained or painted without primer
Won’t rot or
splinter
Resistant to water, weather, and pests
Suitable for ground contact without sealing
Will not generally gray like natural woods in exterior applications
These products do not absorb paints, stains, or clear coats like typical wood products do. Choosing the right color and finish type is critical to avoid the effects of excessive expansion and contraction.
Paint or stain must be water-based.
Paint/stain color must have a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 55 or greater.
Embossed composite products come with a limited lifetime guarantee to be free from material defects that are a result of the manufacturing process.
Work with us
If you’re an architect, builder, or distributor seeking a high-quality manufacturer who keeps their word, look no further. Get in touch and tell us more about you and your project.
