[MassHistPres] Question about use of "Azak" or other synthetic polymer based products

[James Blauch Architect]

Ms. Neiswander:

 

PVC (and PVC based) products are specifically prohibited in our historic district when fronting on a street in the district.  We allow PVC siding to be used on walls that do not face or are not visible from the street.  Typically, the non-wood siding product used (and approved) for street fronting or street visible walls is cement board (like Hardie Plank).  We will approve cement board products for any exterior wall or application (and it is specifically stated as an approved product in our Rules & Regulations).  I think that a closer read on the NPS Regulations will show that PVC is not a product to be used.  Cement board is fine.  PVC is not.

 

Back to PVC products like Azek (noted as “Azak”).

As an Architect, I have found that the temperature expansion for any of the Azek products (siding & trim) may cause issues for the property owner; particularly along the roof eave or in large SF areas.  Try to get the Azek manufacturer to provide you with the coefficient of expansion for their product – no longer available.  A more staple solid PVC siding & trim product is manufactured in Pennsylvania by Wolf Home Products.  

I do not like to use and I hesitate to specify any PVC or PVC based products; including, windows & doors.

 

Sincerely:

 

James Blauch Architect, NCARB

Silas Felton Historic District Commissioner in Hudson, MA

Cell: 508-868-8095

Email: JamesBlauch_Architect at verizon.net

 

From: MassHistPres [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Judy Neiswander
Sent: Monday, June 4, 2018 7:22 PM
To: MHC Preservation listserv <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: [MassHistPres] Question about use of "Azak" or other synthetic polymer based products

 

Fellow Historic District Commissioners;

 

Our Commission is often asked to allow the use of "Azak" or other synthetic polymer based products in moist areas in lieu of lumber. Most often requested are applications at the base water table adjacent to the grade, and for fascias and soffit material backing up gutters at the roof eave. When painted this material is indistinguishable from wood of similar dimensions.

 

Neither the Park Service nor MHC prohibit use and we are interested how other Historic Commissions have handled these requests. We would like to set a policy for our 'Guidelines'.

 

Thank you for your advice.

 

Judy Neiswander,

Commissioner,

Town of Dedham Historic Districts Commission and Historical Commission.

 

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