If you're thinking about tackling an exterior renovation project for your building, you should consider the material type of the trim. Traditionally, many buildings have used concrete or other synthetic materials, which suffer from issues such as cracks and mold growth. Our innovative exterior foam molding, BAUTRIM, provides many more benefits than traditional materials.
Compared to traditional materials, exterior foam trim and molding have benefits like superior weather resistance, more flexibility, UV protection, insulation properties, and better prevention of fungus and algae growth.
We'll explain this in more depth, so read on for the ultimate comparison of exterior foam mold and trim vs other materials.
What Is BAUTRIM Mold and Trim?
Our BAUTRIM products are unique exterior foam molding materials used for renovation or building projects. BAUTRIM exterior foam molding is made from eco-friendly material and covered with a hard special coating (BAUCOAT). The coating material reinforces the foam molding without adding too much extra weight or bulk, as it is about one-eighth inch thick.
This lightweight exterior foam molding has a lot of benefits, including weather resistance, crack resistance, paintability, flexibility, and breathability. Additionally, if you use this product instead of traditional materials, you may find that the labor and transportation costs are much lower due to the product's low weight.
What Are the Materials Traditionally Used by Builders and Architects?
There are a few different types of materials used in exterior projects by builders and architects, including wood, engineered wood, stucco, vinyl, and concrete. These materials were traditionally favored by builders, but recently a push for more durable and long-lasting materials has developed new innovative materials, like BAUTRIM.
How Does Exterior Foam Compare to Other Traditional Types of Materials When Used for Mold and Trim?
Choosing the right exterior building materials is an essential part of any new building or renovation project. Exterior foam trim is one of the best material options available due to its easy application and long-term durability. However, there are a lot of other material options. We'll compare some of the most traditional and common trim and molding materials you may encounter.
Stucco
Stucco is a common type of exterior molding, as it is sturdy, pest-resistant, and fire-resistant. It is a durable exterior material made from cement, sand, and water mixed together. However, stucco doesn't have good longevity and requires a moderate amount of maintenance and upkeep. It is prone to developing cracks over time. These cracks can lead to major structural damage, so you'll need to keep on top of repairs. Additionally, stucco is porous, meaning that your home can develop dark spots and mold.
If you're trying to choose between foam versus stucco, you'll need to consider the environmental factors. If you live in a wet, humid climate, you'll find that maintaining stucco on the exterior of your building is challenging. You'll also need to think about longevity and repairs. The binders used in the foam molding's outer coating are flexible, which means that the trim is less likely to crack over time. Overall, if you're trying to decide between foam versus stucco, the superior option is foam.
Vinyl
Vinyl trim is a durable, inexpensive, and long-lasting option compared to other types of materials. However, there are a lot of cons to this option. For example, vinyl trim is prone to thermal expansion, which can cause damage and demand costly replacements. Additionally, vinyl trims do not have breathability. Other types of trim materials allow for water vapor to pass through, but vinyl's construction can trap moisture underneath it, leading to problems.
When comparing foam vs. vinyl, you'll appreciate how foam mold and trims have much better breathability, so vapors will be able to pass through the material. When it comes to flexibility, foam also outperforms vinyl. Although vinyl is an inexpensive material, ultimately you may end up paying more over time due to repairs and maintenance.
Wood
Wood is a natural and traditional material used for exterior mold and trim. However, due to its high cost, susceptibility to moisture damage and mildew, UV susceptibility, and flammability, there are a lot of reasons why you might prefer foam vs. wood trim.
The BAUCOAT outer coating of the exterior foam trim sheds water, getting rid of any dirt or moisture in which mildew, fungus, or mold can grow. Also, the BAUCOAT has high standards of fire resistance and is comparable with that of UL723. Overall, if you're trying to decide between foam vs. wood trim, you'll find that the cheaper, more durable, and long-lasting option is BAUTRIM.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood has a few positive qualities, especially when compared to regular wood, including being more lightweight and low-maintenance. However, if you're comparing foam vs. engineered wood, you will find a few drawbacks to the latter. Though it does have notable improvements in durability and weather resistance from regular wood, it does have a chance of developing moisture issues if installed incorrectly or the finish becomes damaged. Overall, if you're trying to decide whether foam vs. engineered wood is the right choice, the foam will ultimately be more durable.
Concrete
Concrete trim is a durable and pest-resistant option. However, there are some cons to this type of trim and molding. If you're trying to decide between foam vs. concrete, you should consider a few factors. Concrete absorbs moisture, which can lead to damage, dark spots, and mold problems. Additionally, concrete is a difficult material to install. If you're looking for the best option when it comes to installation, you'll prefer foam vs. concrete. Foam is a lightweight and easy-to-install material, so you'll have lower costs.
Choosing the right exterior foam trim is essential for the renovation process. The wrong choice can cost you time, money, and issues down the road. Our innovative foam molding material is perfect for many different projects and environments. You'll find that BAUTRIM outperforms traditional materials as the most durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance option. If you're looking for more information on our mold and trim material, we have a comparative analysis available for you to view.
Ready to elevate your space with innovative foam designs? Contact Baker Studios, the award-winning themed environment designers, today and let's bring your creative vision to life!