Frame in a foamie with Azek?

[mikeschn]

So what if I were to use Azek to frame in my foamie. You know, for the door frame, the window frame, the spars, etc...

It doesn't seem to be that heavy. And it certainly won't rot. So what are the downsides?



Mike...

[SteveW]

Not familiar with this product. Will be following this thread.

[KCStudly]

Azek decking product weights

Azek deck tech data

Above and more here


The impression I get from scanning through some of these links and from handling (but not using) similar (if not same) products is that it is a bit more flexible than wood.

To read their spec on decks and stair treads, they are very particular about screwing thru to other supporting wood, leading me to believe that it does not have good holding power for fasteners (although that could just be a condition of the intended application and building code qualification). Also, they show it having to be backed up by wood when used as a tread spanning more than 9 inches (if I understood it correctly).

Does glue stick to it? Does it stick well?

[mezmo]

I wouldn't think it's a good idea. My general impression of it is that it's
an expensive unnecessary product. It's not very stiff/rigid - reminded me
of a licorice stick - it must be supported every 16inches at the most.
Spars made of it would sag under their own weight. It also holds heat
if warmed by the sun, so that may be a problem in hot weather.

[Opinion formed when researching materials for a deck project 3-4 years
ago.]

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[GPW]

Mike , I’m sure as with many materials ... you could make it work , maybe different configuration and fastening methods ? But on a properly built foamie , any wood would would be “encapsulated” and protected anyway , and even easily replaced if needed down the road... Not like you have to remove plywood , aluminum,or fiberglass ... Just a few well placed cuts with a utility knife , remove the offending member, replace, glue in , cover & paint ... Bada Bing!!! Done ... You could do that at a campground too ... if the fish weren’t biting ..

[Fung]

I have worked with azek only as trim, no way I would frame with it. Just not rigid, imo when I use wood for my own stuff I use a real good exterior primer and also paint all the cut ends, it may be over kill, but I don't like rot, and I want it to last.

[SteveW]

Just got some first-hand interaction with this stuff earlier this week, and as was already mentioned, it sags under its own weight.