Installation Guidelines
Safety
  • OMC Archtrim PVC products trim products are a cellular PVC product. Cutting will create PVC dust and particles.
  • Cut OMC Archtrim PVC products in an open, well ventilated area.
  • Always use a dust mask and safety glasses when cutting OMC Archtrim PVC products.
Storage and Handling
  • Store PVC trim products on a flat and level surface. PVC trim products are more flexible than wood. They may conform to uneven surfaces, especially in hot conditions.
  • To avoid damage, treat PVC trim products the same way you would treat pine lumber.
  • If OMC Archtrim PVC products get dirty, clean with a soft bristle brush and soapy water.
Cutting
  • Use the same tools to cut OMC Archtrim PVC products that you would use to cut lumber.
  • Do not use fine tooth metal cutting blades. Carbide tipped blades for wood cutting work well.
  • If you get rough edges when cutting there may be several reasons; excessive friction, worn saw blades, poor board support or badly aligned tools.
Drilling
  • OMC Archtrim PVC products can be drilled with the same tools used to drill lumber.
  • Do not use bits made to drill rigid PVC.
  • Avoid heat build up from friction.
  • Periodically remove shavings from the drill hole.

Routing
  • Use a standard woodworking router and standard router bits.
  • It is recommended to use carbide tip router bits.
  • OMC Archtrim PVC products consistent density means routed edges will be crisp and clean.
Fastening
  • Use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners designed for wood trim and siding.
  • Do not use brads, staples, wire nails, ring shank nails or fine-threaded wood screws.
  • Air nailers work well, generally at a pressure between 70 psi and 100 psi.
  • Fasteners should penetrate a minimum of 1-1/2" into a flat, solid wood substrate or framing member.
  • Use two fasteners for every framing member for trim boards up to 10" wide. Use three fasteners for boards 12" wide.
  • Fasteners should be at least 2" from the end of the board.
Gluing
  • For best results, glue all OMC Archtrim PVC products joints such as window surrounds, long fascia runs with PVC adhesives to prevent joint separation.
  • OMC Archtrim PVC products surfaces should be clean and in complete contact with each other.
  • The glue joint should be secured with a fastener through the joint or fastened on both sides of the joint.
  • OMC Archtrim PVC products can be bonded to a variety of substrates using various adhesives. Check the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations to determine suitability.
Painting
  • It is recommended that OMC Archtrim PVC products be painted.
  • Surface should be clean and dry before painting.
  • Use a 100% acrylic latex paint with a Light Reflective Value (LVR) of 55 or higher.
  • For darker colors (an LVR of less than 54) paints specifically designed for such applications must be used, such as Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe™
  • Paints may take longer to dry when applied to OMC Archtrim PVC products and may take up to 30 days to fully cure.
Expansion and Contraction
  • OMC Archtrim PVC products expand and contract with changes in temperature.
  • Allow 1/8" per 18 feet of product for expansion and contraction. Allow this space at both ends of a long run.
  • Proper fastening along its entire length will minimize expansion and contraction.
  • Scarf joints work well to minimize seams and allow expansion and contraction.
Spanning Instructions
  • OMC Archtrim PVC products must not be used in load bearing applications, but may be used in spanned applications such as soffits and ceilings.
  • For soffit applications:
    • When fastening over 16" OC, use a 5/4 PVC product.
    • When using beadboard, fasten every 12" or less.
    • Install beadboard perpendicular to structure.
  • For ceiling installations:
    • When fastening over 16" OC, use a 5/4 PVC product.
    • When using beadboard or thinner product, fasten every 16" or less.
    • If temperature is less than 40° F or below, spans need to be decreased to 12".
  • Never span OMC Archtrim PVC products more than 24".
Window and Door Trim
  • Properly flash all openings to shed water to the exterior. Siding alone is not meant to be a watertight barrier.
    • Install flashing along the bottom of the window. The width of the flashing must extend beyond the width of the trim being installed.
    • Install side flashings by overlapping the bottom flashing; the width of the flashing must extend beyond the width of the trim being installed.
    • Install top flashing by overlapping the tops of the side flashing.
  • For miter joints at the corners, use a PVC adhesive to adhere the joints.
  • Fasten to the substrate on both sides of the miter as appropriate.
Contact us at: sales@omcarchtrim.com