True Radius Casing
Half circle, quarter circle, full circle and arch casing must be pre-curved in most cases (see "How flexible is it?"). Order true radius casing by specifying the radius, specie and the length of material required.
Elliptical / Oval Casing
Casing for elliptical and oval openings must be pre-curved to a template of the opening. Shop drawings may also be used, but often produce less than desirable results. Trace the opening on a large piece of paper (tyvec house wrap also works well), indicate any reveal and on which side of the line the molding will be applied. Specify the molding pattern, specie and length required.
When installed, base is typically bent on the its back rather than it's edge and therefore requires no pre-curving unless the radius is extremely tight (less than 9"). To order specify the molding pattern, specie and length required.
As Jamb / Extension
Jamb stock usually requires no pre-curving unless the radius is very small (less than 9"). To order specify the molding pattern, specie and length required.
As Casing
Refer to "Ordering Casing"
As Base
Refer to "Ordering Base"
Crown molding is the trickiest molding to order because of the way Crown is applied. Almost all Crown applications require pre-curving at the factory (see "How flexible is it?"). The orientation of the Crown and whether the application is an inside or outside curve must be specified as well as the radius of the wall and/or ceiling. Compound radii and elliptical dormer applications may require a template. Be sure to indicate DORMER when ordering Crown for a dormer application. Include the molding pattern, specie and length required when ordering.
Plant On
Plant On patterns are typically small and therefore bend easily without any need for pre-curving. Large patterns however may require pre-curving at the factory if they are to be bent on edge. See "How flexible is it?" for more information regarding pre-curving requirements.
If the pattern does require pre-curving, you will need to specify which side of the pattern faces which side of the curve. Compound radius curves may require a template. Include the molding pattern, specie and length required when ordering.
Panel Mold
Ordering Panel Mold is similar to Plant On patterns. Orders for Panel Mold that require pre-curving must indicate which side of the curve the rabbet faces.
Stucco Mold
Ordering Stucco Mold is similar to Plant On patterns. Orders for Stucco Mold that requires pre-curving must indicate which side of the curve the stucco key faces.
Corner Mold
Corner Mold patterns are typically small and bend easily without need for pre-curving. Larger patterns may require pre-curving at the factory (see "How flexible is it?"). When ordering pre-curved patterns, indicate in which direction the Corner Mold will need to be bent. Include the molding pattern, specie and length required when ordering.
Cove Mold
Ordering Cove Mold is similar to ordering Corner Mold. When ordering pre-curved material indicate which side of the curve the Cove will face.
The flexibility of the molding pattern depends upon several factors. Pattern size, shape, material type and application all determine the flexibility limits of a given pattern. The smaller the molding the more flexible it will be. A " X " Cove mold will be very flexible and will accommodate most any curvature while a 2-" X 2-" Brick Mold will be very stiff and will usually require pre-forming at the factory.
Moldings that are thinner in one dimension than the other, like a " X 3-" Base Molding, will bend easily in the direction of the lesser dimension. This is why Base Moldings usually require no pre-curving while the same size Casing, bent on edge, must be pre-curved to fit the opening.
Material type is also a factor. Flex Trim (and all similar flexible molding) may fracture if over stressed. ZzzzFLEX will not fracture regardless of the amount of stress placed on it.
Some applications consisting of a single large radius may be accommodated using a straight flexible length without pre-curving. Smaller curves, irregular shapes and compound radius applications will usually require pre-curving at the factory.
Because Crown and Cornice moldings are installed at an angle, they must bend on both the edge and back of the profile (which constitutes a compound radius). Because of the compound radius the profiles must be pre-curved.
For information regarding a specific application call us toll free at (800) 356-9060 or E-Mail us at ftinfo@flextrim.com
Staining Flex Trim products is similar to staining wood. Most stains work well however, use of thicker heavily pigmented stains is recommended. Thinner stains may require multiple coats. Staining flexible moldings prior to installation is not recommended as the stain may crack when the molding is flexed.
Painting Flex Trim and ZzzzFLEX is easier than painting wood. Flex Trim and ZzzzFLEX molding require no priming or sanding prior to painting. Painting flexible moldings prior to installation is not recommended as the paint may crack when the molding is flexed.
Pre-determine placement and layout prior to fastening molding into place. Use of construction adhesive in addition to nails or screws is recommended due to the flexible nature of the material. Failure to adequately adhere flexible molding may result in sags between fastening points. All standard methods of fastening work well with Flex Trim and ZzzzFLEX flexible moldings.
Flex Trim and ZzzzFLEX may be cut using the same tools and equipment and in the same manner as wood. Before cutting to length, make sure the material is held firmly against the saw table or fence. Place a backing (such as a piece of wood) directly behind the cutting area. Always cut the material a little long and shave to exact length.
When ripping Flex Trim or ZzzzFLEX on a table saw make sure the material will stay firmly against the fence during the cut and that it can be fed easily and continuously.
It is possible to machine shape both Flex Trim and ZzzzFLEX flexible moldings. When machining flexible molding the material must be securely held to the fence, guide or holder especially at the beginning of the cut, when the material first enters the machine cutter. Always make several small incremental cuts rather than one large one.
Machining of stain grade material will remove the grain texture from the cut surface.
Flex Trim and ZzzzFLEX are not affected by salt, moisture, heat or extreme cold. Many builders and homeowners have selected to replace even straight exterior moldings with Flex Trim and ZzzzFLEX because of their durability in the harshest environments.
Flex Trim is a unique polymer blend developed by Flex Trim Industries specifically for the manufacture of flexible moldings for the construction trade. It is unlike any other product in composition and should not be confused with other less expensive "knock offs". Our most recent improvements to Flex Trim make it stronger, more durable and greatly improve its stain ability.
ZzzzFLEX is the state of the art in flexible molding technology. No other flexible molding is stronger, more durable or stains up better than ZzzzFLEX. ZzzzFLEX is an elastomer composite developed for the most demanding applications. Use ZzzzFLEX for small intricate patterns and tight curvatures or when only the best will do.
When compared to straight wood molding, flexible molding is far more expensive. Flexible molding is not intended to be used in place of straight wood molding but rather in conjunction with wood molding. Flexible moldings should only be used in areas where the molding must be curved to fit.
When compared to custom curved millwork, flexible molding is much less. The real savings however are in labor. Flexible molding will expand and contract to fit every application perfectly. Flexible molding also costs less to ship and usually takes far less time to get than custom millwork.
For current pricing and information contact us at (800) 356-9060 or E-Mail us at FTSales@flextrim.com
I thought you'd never ask! For a list of distributors near you contact us at (800) 356-9060 or E-Mail us at FTSales@flextrim.com