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"Many in the industry still rely on basic corner posts, J-channels and finishing acces- sories that are functional but detract from the home's overall style," Short continues. "It's important for remodelers to not lose sight of historical detailing, where trim plays a vital role. By going beyond product function to place additional emphasis on design, remod- elers can create more attractive and better performing exteriors for customers." Parrish says, "AZEK Trim is very versatile. It can be used to trim the entire exterior of the home even in areas where moisture might be a concern with wood and other materials. AZEK trim offers water management features incorporated into the trim piece itself such as elastomeric nailing flanges and drip edges that channel water away from the house exterior," he says. "It's also very easy to fabricate intricate and unique shapes with the AZEK ATM trim and sheet material. ere is a current trend toward these custom and unique ideas for using trim in new and exciting ways. Versatex is also seeing its trim products be used for more than window or door sur- rounds. "People are finding out cellular PVC can do a lot more than just be a fascia or a window surround. You can make louvers, shutters, garage doors, planter boxes, mail- box posts, pergolas, rail systems and fencing," Kapres says. "We're seeing more architects draw these things. ey're putting elements on the plans to be done out of cellular PVC, which gives us a whole new group of people to work with, including fabricators and CNC router operators. And being made out of PVC, it will stay looking the way you created it for years to come." In fact, due in part to the demand of varying PVC applications, Versatex created the Versatexural division. "If an architect or builder draws something, they can submit the drawing and within 48 hours we will quote it, they'll sign off on the drawings and we'll make it," Kapres explains. "It is becoming more of a design element for sure," Marsh says about LP's exterior trim. "e nice thing about our product is, because it works like wood, you have the option to use it for things like building out columns. Generally, framers will leave you with 2-by material and that's what is under the original wrapping. With SmartSide trim you can wrap the members and it emulates cedar. You take VARIETY If variety is the spice of life, then exterior trim is becoming a well-stocked spice cabi- net. PVC, in particular, has more uses than just trim. "Corbels, gables and flower boxes are built out of PVC and are becoming more popular to add to the outside feel of a house," Kleer's Michalski observes. Short sees homeowners requesting more in- teresting architectural styles and details, reflect- ing the historic charm of centuries-old homes. "For this reason, we created the Ply Gem Trim and Mouldings Design Guide, which offers design inspiration and instructions for creating popular features such as arched windows and tapered columns," he says. LP trim comes in 16-ft. lengths and in several widths for design flexibility for appli- cations such as wrapping, decks, porches and other finishing looks. "is length gives you more coverage so it's a quicker install and you have fewer seams," Marsh says. e product can be installed solo. "I've seen contractors put up 16-ft. pieces by themselves by tucking them into a lookout," he recalls. Soffit and fascia also fall into the exterior category. "We have our vented soffit with 10 in. of ventilation per linear foot that is pre- cut so a contractor putting the product up doesn't need to cut in vent holes and insert vent plugs," Marsh says. Like the trim, it is pre-primed and easy to paint. PLY GEM Trim and Mouldings is a lower maintenance alternative to wood. The company's collection of corners, fascia, frieze boards, corner boards and other decorative accent pieces can be cut, drilled, routed and installed just like wood to outfit classic American architectural styles. Circle 7 on inquiry card 50 October 2016 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com PRODUCT TRENDS: Exterior Trim