Evolution of decorative exterior moldings
- Sal Figueroa
- Sep 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Decorative moldings are a type of cladding used on the exterior and interior of homes and buildings. There are several types of moldings depending on their construction:
Wood Moldings: these moldings are usually only used indoors because the wood bends when exposed to moisture. They can be found ready-made, or made by a carpenter. These moldings require maintenance and are susceptible to moisture because they tend to warp and create mold. For outdoor installation, sealants are required to prevent moisture from entering the wood.
Metal Moldings: although more expensive and inflexible, metal trims provide a great way to combine elegant design with protection from moisture and the elements. It is most commonly used in commercial buildings, not so much in residential. Typically, metal trim is used to seal joints and direct water away from the building, protecting the structure from moisture damage.
Cement or Stucco Moldings: whether made of cement, stucco or plaster, they are made by hand directly on the building or residence, passing a sheet with the desired profile over the fresh material until it takes shape, then it is sanded with a sponge before drying so that it is smooth to the touch. Among the advantages is the fact that it blends with the material with which the building is covered, it is hard and resistant to weathering. On the other hand, it is heavy for the walls and takes time to install.
Then polymers came along and started making life easier for builders, designers and homeowners. They gradually moved away from the molds and mouldings that added weight and time to construction and a new era in the evolution of mouldings began. Not only was it affordable, but the sky was the limit for all the new variety of designs that could be achieved.
Polyurethene Plastic Moldings: these hardened moldings are very popular in the U.S. because their benefits include durability, low weight and resistance to humidity. Their fine finish gives a very clean and aesthetic appearance to the building or residence, in addition to being suitable for indoor and outdoor use. However, their disadvantages are the price and the fact that sanding it changes its texture and appearance.
One of the main drawbacks is the fact that the mouldings are sold in catalogues in specific sizes and they must be adapted to the construction being carried out, although the columns and bands can be cut. These cannot be covered with material, though they can be painted to match the decoration of the place.
Styrofoam Moldings (Expanded Polystyrene): on the other hand, there is styrofoam or expanded polystyrene (also known as EPS), which is expanded through a process of heat, humidity and compression so that the beads swell and a block of what we know as styrofoam is produced. Expanded polystyrene is a product that is 98% air and has thermal insulation properties, which is why it was quickly incorporated into the construction industry, being used as the preferred material to reduce heat in roofs and walls either in buildings and residential houses.
With the introduction of CAD-CAM computer programs, the industry took a good turn, because as computer-controlled cutting machines for expanded polystyrene that could produce cuts with more complex designs began to emerge, the resulting product, which was produce promptly and with high quality, quickly became popular with builders that also were looking to produce moldings with different styles and construction designs.
Hundreds of mouldings can be produced in a few hours with high quality, and when covered with cement, stucco or plaster, they give the appearance of being made out of these materials. This is a high-quality, low-cost solution for interiors and exteriors for this industry, which also benefits from the properties of this material:
-Low weight.
-Lighten the load of the wall.
-It is an inert material where fungi and microorganisms cannot reproduce..
-It can be reused and recycled to create new products.
-The thermal insulation capacity does not deteriorate over time.
-It absorbs little or almost no water.
-It is self-extinguishing.
-It is manufactured in different thicknesses and sizes depending on the requirement.
-Easy to cut and handle.
-Speed in the design and manufacture of mouldings.
-Excellent adhesion of materials such as cement, stucco and plaster.
-Easy to install.
Not only can Styrofoam (Expanded Polystyrene) mouldings be installed when a house or building is under construction, it is also easy to incorporate them into a house, office or building that is already built and give it a touch of elegance and charm, or a change of look to the façade. Whatever the reason, you will surely find the design that fits your taste and budget.
SF 9/16/2024
Comments