Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is becoming a more widely-used material on residential home improvement projects than ever before. Wood is still the clear leader that a general contractor in Chicopee, MA will use for exterior home improvement projects, but PVC offers plenty of benefits homeowners should look into pursuing. You have to balance many different factors with every project you do, such as pricing, appearance, maintenance concerns, durability, longevity, and much more. PVC has some unique characteristics that have revolutionized the way homeowners look at their exterior trim options.
How PVC Differs From Wood
Wood has a natural appearance that’s very attractive to many homeowners. It’s easy to paint and the paint or stain typically holds to wood for a long time when applied correctly. However, one of the downfalls of wood is it’s porous so it absorbs air moisture more easily. When this happens, the wood can expand when it’s wet and then contract when it dries out again. It can also lead to rot over time, especially in humid environments or areas where rainfall is plentiful and common throughout the year.
PVC is much different than wood and is a preferred option for many exterior home improvement projects. The material can be cut into many different shapes and sizes to fit virtually any trim around your home. PVC has a natural white color and is paintable most of the time. And one of the best parts about PVC is it’s not porous, so it won’t retain moisture like wood does.
PVC Is Simple For Professionals To Install
Every general contractor in Chicopee, MA likes working with PVC because it’s easy to work with and install. It’s not nearly as heavy as wood, making it simple to maneuver during the exterior home improvement project. Construction professionals also don’t need to invest in special tools or equipment to work with PVC. They can use all of the tools they would typically use with wood so there’s no additional cost associated with working with PVC. The fact that a general contractor in Chicopee, MA likes using PVC can benefit homeowners. Some contractors might offer lower labor costs on your exterior home improvement project since they can get the job done quicker.
Appreciate The Low-Maintenance PVC Offers
With any residential home improvement project, you have to look at all aspects of the final product. While the appearance may be exactly what you want, is the long-term maintenance to keep your exterior looking great worth it? The good news with PVC is it’s much more low-maintenance than wood. Exterior wood trim will splinter and crack over time, especially if it’s exposed to direct sunlight for a large portion of the day. And then there’s the issue of moisture as it relates to wood, which could create the need to replace trim more often than you would like to.
Since PVC does not absorb moisture, you won’t have to worry about it rotting and replacing it every couple of years. It is also durable enough to handle harsh environments and still look great. The color on PVC won’t fade as quickly as wood, so you don’t have to worry about putting a fresh coat of paint on it regularly as well.
PVC Offers Unique Value To Homeowners
Every exterior home improvement project requires tight budgeting so you know exactly what you can achieve. Residential home improvement projects aren’t cheap, but it’s important not to just opt for the cheapest materials and labor. PVC has a higher upfront cost than wood, but that initial cost doesn’t tell the whole story. With wood, you’ll have to incorporate the cost of paint or other finishing materials, as well as think about the cost of replacing the exterior wood trim. Plus, sometimes wood can retain moisture to the point where mold and mildew development becomes an issue. Having to replace more than just the trim can get costly and is a direct result of using wood. This is an extreme example, but it’s something to consider when deciding between using wood or PVC for your exterior home improvement project.
When you install PVC, it will look just as good as wood on the first day it’s installed, but the main benefits will be experienced over time. You can feel confident that the price you pay for PVC is all you’ll have to pay for several years. Unlike wood, you won’t have to worry about repainting it or replacing it often, which can add up to significant savings over time. So when considering PVC or wood for your residential home improvement project, think about the long-term value instead of just the upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About PVC Exterior Trim
What is PVC trim and why is it becoming popular for exterior projects?
We’ve seen PVC become a widely used material in exterior home improvement projects because it offers unique benefits compared to traditional materials. While wood is still commonly used, PVC has characteristics that make it a strong alternative for homeowners to consider.
How does PVC trim differ from traditional wood trim?
We explain that wood has a natural look and is easy to paint, but it is porous and absorbs moisture, which can lead to expansion, contraction, and even rot over time. PVC, on the other hand, is not porous, so it doesn’t retain moisture and holds up much better in outdoor environments.
Is PVC trim easier to install than wood?
Yes, we find that PVC is much easier to work with during installation. It’s lighter than wood and can be cut and shaped easily using standard tools, which helps speed up the installation process and can even reduce labor costs for homeowners.
Does PVC trim require a lot of maintenance?
One of the biggest advantages we highlight is that PVC is low maintenance. Unlike wood, it won’t splinter, crack, or absorb moisture, so you don’t have to worry about rot or frequent repainting. It also holds its color well over time.
Is PVC trim more cost-effective than wood in the long run?
While PVC may have a higher upfront cost, we always remind homeowners that it can save money over time. Wood requires ongoing maintenance, painting, and potential replacement, whereas PVC’s durability and low maintenance needs make it a more cost-effective long-term investment.
Beaulieu & Sons can handle any residential home improvement project you desire. We are experienced in exterior home improvement projects like siding, roofing, gutters, porches, decks, trim, and anything else you can think of. We want our customers to know exactly what options are available to them and we will explain the pros and cons of each option. Settling for the cheapest general contractor in Chicopee, MA for your exterior home improvement project could end up costing you more money in the future on repairs. Instead, contact us to receive a free quote on your project and you can trust us to get the job done correctly the first time.
