Trim is an important part of every siding installation. The right trim can help hide the edges of siding and cover gaps where two angles or materials meet. There are several different types of trim that you may encounter in a siding installation, with frieze board being one of the most important.
Frieze board may be simple or decorative, and it may be made of many different materials. Making sure that you’re using the right frieze board trim can help complete any project perfectly.
What Is Frieze Board?
Frieze board is a type of trim that is typically installed between the top of a home’s siding and the soffit. It’s normally installed flat against the home, but it may be installed at an angle if installed on a gable. Frieze board may also be used as a decorative, horizontal trim anywhere in or on the home. For example, if you are changing between siding styles or colors, a frieze board trim may be used as a break between the two.
Why Is Frieze Board Necessary?
Like any trim, frieze board is considered a necessary part of the exterior siding and finish work. It has two important jobs for the exterior. The first is helping to cover and protect the gap between the siding and the underside of the soffit. Just as the soffit is helping to keep moisture out of the rafters and the underside of your gables, the frieze board is necessary to help prevent moisture from rain and snow from seeping down beneath your siding, causing issues such as mold, mildew, and wood rot beneath your siding.
Frieze board’s other function is to help create a more finished appearance for your exterior. Frieze board helps cover gaps that would otherwise be noticeable where a course of siding ends, and it helps create a transition between two areas, such as the siding and the soffit or between two different types of siding.
Common Materials Used for Frieze Board
Frieze board can be made out of a few different materials. The most commonly used is wood, typically cedar, but it may be made out of the same wood the rest of the home’s siding may be made from. Cedar is not always the best material for trim, however, because it requires painting, is susceptible to moisture and insect activity, and may eventually rot causing additional expenses.
Frieze board can also be made of engineered trim, aluminum, and fiber cement. These materials are typically paired with siding of the same material, for example a home sided in fiber cement, will likely have a frieze board made of fiber cement as well. All tend to be more durable and lower maintenance than cedar, but both have their own issues to contend with as well.
Aluminum is easily dented, and can often fade in color over time, becoming chalky in consistency. Fiber cement is heavy, difficult to cut and install, and still requires painting periodically in order to look its best. Even then, it still has a very rough edge that can’t give you the look you’re after. Engineered woods absorb water at the edges, which can cause swelling.
To avoid these issues, a preservative treated wood can be the answer.
The Best Frieze Board Trim to Use
Frieze board trim plays an important role in any exterior application. To do its job properly, it needs to be able to hold up well to the elements, look good, and be fairly low in maintenance. One such material that meets all of these criteria is XT Trim from Belco.
This is a preservative treated material that is more durable and lower maintenance than cedar and other typical trims. It’s easy to paint and install, and can be used for a variety of different applications, including those that are more decorative in nature. For anyone that needs a trim that will match the style of their home, while also outlasting other materials, XT Trim can be the answer that you’re looking for.
Frieze Board installation basics
To install frieze boards, first measure and cut the boards to the required length, then prime and paint them if necessary. Mark a level line along the installation area to guide placement. Secure the board along the marked line using nails or screws, spacing them evenly.Continuously check for level and adjust as needed.
Once installed, seal the edges with caulk, fill any nail or screw holes, and touch up with paint for a seamless finish. Finally, clean up any debris to complete the installation.
Get a Better Frieze Board
Frieze board is important to every exterior no matter what it’s style, material, or finish. Make sure that you invest in a quality material that will give you long lasting results without the issues of other trims. Choose Belco’s XT Trim for your frieze board to get the best material for your next exterior project.
