Before the 1990’s, materials such as wood were the norm for exterior trim because it was the most widely available material, with the greatest amount of people and machinery to craft it. Materials began making their way onto the scene which were inorganic, which were less susceptible to mold and rot. Like any new product to the market though, they were initially treated with skepticism.
Rotting Wood Window Frame
Which is odd, because any material able to replace degradable wood on the exterior of the home would make everyone’s lives easier and gain widespread acceptance. Anybody who has ever had to deal with replacing or repairing wood trim will know how time consuming the process is, and how dreadful that thought is that it may have to be done again at some point. Even the best exterior-grade, pressure-treated, sealed-in-woods will at some point fall victim to the environment.
Among the products that emerged was cement-coated styrofoam trim, sometimes known as EIFS-trim or stucco trim. The cement coating provided plenty of impact resistance and a high-end appearance, while the styrofoam core made the product light weight and simple to install for both home owners and contractors alike. Architects were the first to fall in love with the product that would ensure their projects lasted as long as physically possible, making the architect look good for selecting solid materials in the process. Recently, even contractors began to catch on and recommend their use as an attractive, affordable, durable alternative to exterior wood trim.
Stucco Window Trim
The final component is now making the public aware that these low-maintenance products are available on the market, to them.