Does Composite Cladding Need Corner Trim? What Happens If You Skip It?

When composite cladding is used on an ordinary exterior wall, it can create a clean, modern surface that looks like real wood and has much less maintenance. But the boards of the cladding are only a part of the right completed outside. Corners, edges and transitions also require consideration, where composite corner trim is important.

For exterior cladding, we provide composite exterior cladding along with matching exterior trims to create unbroken transitions and protected edges at NewGen Depot. If you have a new façade, a wall, porch or exterior renovation project on your mind, it is important to know why corner trim is important so you have a more cohesive and finished appearance.

What Is Composite Cladding Corner Trim?

Cladding trim is a finishing piece that is fixed at corners and ends of exposed edges of cladding boards. The ends of the cut board can be trimmed away and the outside edge of the board follows a crisp line.

NewGen Depot has a variety of product options available such as Premium Composite Cladding Wide Corner Trim, Composite Outside Corner Trim 90° External Corner, Composite Cladding Outside Corner Edge Trim and All Purpose L Trim.

Why Does Composite Cladding Need Corner Trim?

Learns how to produce a Professional Finish

Exposed board ends can make any installation look unfinished, even if it was done well. These transition points are cleaned and the project has a smoother, more continuous line by using composite corner trim.

This is particularly the case with feature walls and façades where corners are very prominent.

Helps Protect Exposed Edges

Exterior corners receive more exposure to weather and normal wear and tear than flat exterior walls. NewGen Depot says its broad corner trim is a breeze to install and protects against the elements and finishes out the cladding system.

The right cut will also help to prevent exposing the raw edges needlessly.

Supports Better Exterior Detailing

There is more to corner trim than meets the eye. It aids in determining the start and end of cladding planes. This is a very handy element for composite siding to use around a 90 degree external corner and other transitional areas of the architecture.

Creates a Coordinated Appearance

Matching trim can help the cladding look as if it were a single system instead of two boards that are next to each other. NewGen Depot's extensive range of corner trims is available in a number of finishes such as Light Gray, Gray, Brown, Dark Brown, Ancient Wood, and Black so the trim can match other exterior finishes.

What Happens If You Skip Corner Trim?

If the trim is not installed, a sharp edge or joint at the corners, or around the edges of the cladding may show, to make the installation look as if it were unfinished. Unsealed joints can also be poorly protected from the elements.

More significantly, the end result may lack the clean lines and architectural flair that are attractive of modern composite cladding.

If installation is to be done by a professional, the following should also be adhered to: appropriate flashing, expansion gaps, weather barriers, fasteners and manufacturer's requirements for installation. The Cladding Guidance from NewGen Depot makes a specific recommendation to use appropriate edging or clamping to complete the edges.

Conclusion

So, is composite cladding one that requires corner trim? Corner trim is a critical element of the exterior cladding system for a clean, protected and professionally finished exterior. It is used to decorate irregular edges, enhance transitions and make the overall finished look coordinated.

Composite cladding boards are also available at NewGen Depot along with various finishes of composite corner trim, L trim, outside corner trim and edge trim. In both residential or commercial building projects, selecting compatible cladding and finishing materials from the beginning can help to ensure that the exterior is covered in a finished look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do composite claddings require corner trim?

It is strongly recommended that boards be trimmed in corners where they come together or where exposed edges must be finished which helps to protect the edges and makes the transition cleaner.

What trim is used on a 90-degree exterior corner?

A 90° external composite corner trim is created just for this sort of outside corner. At present, this trim style is still available at NewGen Depot.

Will the composite trim match my cladding colour?

Yes. Check out the range of trims that are available at NewGen Depot, in a variety of colours that are all coordinated.

What is an L trim used for?

The L trim can be applied to make the finishing details on exposed siding or cladding edges and transitions clean.

Where do I find corner trim made from composite cladding?

In addition to composite cladding products, NewGen Depot also provides exterior composite trims that can be installed with their width and corner options such as wide corner, outside corner, edge, and L-trim.