General Product
Why would someone use vinyl as a trimboard?
Vinyl is the leading plastic material for the construction market, where it makes products like windows, siding, flooring and pipe more durable and cost-effective. Vinyl requires less maintenance, frequently outlasts competitive materials and often outperforms them, making quality housing more affordable. Vinyl is the leading plastic used in the medical market; vinyl medical goods and pharmaceutical packaging provide a higher, safer standard of health care while holding down costs.
What is Kleer made of?
The highest grade PVC resins plus processing additives. One advantage in our process is that we recycle the trimmed off edges of our boards by reintroducing it back into our closed-loop system.
Does Kleer do well in the coastal areas?
Extremely well, it is not affected by the moisture or salt air and will not deteriorate.
What kind of Warranty comes with Kleer?
Lifetime non-transferable warranty.
What manufacturing process is used to make Kleer - Free Foam or Celuka?
We use a Free Foam process. Free foam has become the preferred PVC board due to the workability factors. It is extruded as one continuous and consistent sheet unlike the co-extruded Celuka process.
Do you do custom millwork?
No, but local mill shops love working with our products, but unlike some of our competitors, we can do custom length/widths.
How long has your company been around?
Kleer was founded in 2003.
Is this a proven product?
Yes, similar 1st generation products have been around for almost 10 years. We have done extensive research on ways to improve upon what was already being sold in the market by asking dealers, builders, contractors, and consumers what they’d improve. As a result, we have developed an advanced product that has a the preferred properties that users are looking for.
Installation - Cutting, Routing, Glueing, and Painting
How do you cut Kleer?
Using typical woodworking tools, making sure that you have a carbide blade or bit. These must be sharp with a medium amount of teeth. Too few teeth will cause rough edges too many teeth will not allow the product to discharge its waste and may cause the product to melt back together. Jig saws need special attention while cutting, panel blades are recommended.
What kind of glue or adhesive should I use?
We recommend Bond&Fill® STRUCTURAL™, a structural adhesive specially formulated for PVC trimboards. We also recommend a medium set PVC cement (Oatey) or PVC Gorilla Glue.
Can I paint Kleer?
Yes, 100%acrylic latex paint must be used. Acrylic will expand and contract with the board. Paint will adhere for up to 25 years with no cracking or peeling, the paint will live its whole life and blow away in the wind. Be sure that the board is clean of dirt and dust, a household cleaner can be used for this, any material that will not come off with a household cleaner, a denatured alcohol can be used.
What do I use for filling the nail holes?
Kleer recommends Bond&Fill® STRCTURAL when filling nail holes, dents and digs in PVC trimboard. If painting trimboard, Bond&Fill FOR PAINTERS is our recommended filler. Any product that is acrylic or urethane based will adhere to Kleer, common fillers and caulks work great. Exterior grade spackle with titanium dioxide tend to work very well. Be sure to use a filler that is a good match to the white color of Kleer if your not painting.
Does it have to be painted?
No, but we do advise it as PVC is negatively charged and dirt will collect on it. Paint is positively charged and neutralizes the attraction of dirt.
How long will it hold paint?
Kleer has no moisture contained in the product (which is a major cause of paint failure). When properly prepared under the manufacturers specifications, it will hold paint as long as the paint manufacturer warranty states.
Can you paint it dark colors?
You can, but remember that color absorbs heat and will cause the expansion to increase. Be sure to account for this when you gap.
Can Kleer be bent?
Kleer can be bent using heat, either heat ovens, blankets or boxes can be used. Once PVC is bent it will retain its form, it has no memory.
Can Kleer be run through a moulder?
Kleer can be run through a moulder.A typical arbor speed is around 5800 rpm’s, the quality of the core dictates the final cut, Kleer is the superior brand for millwork.
What kind of fasteners?
A 6,7,8 penny stainless steel nail is recommended. Ring shank nails are not recommended, they can cause blow out in the back of the board. Screws can also be used and are preferred in some applications. When using nails, a general rule of thumb, is that if you can bend the nail in your bare hands then the PVC will be able to bend the nail also and cause excessive expansion and contraction. Also, the more aggressively your nailing pattern the less thermal movement will occur.
How do I join pieces?
A bevel joint works best to allow for thermal movement. Butt joints are not recommended.
Do I need to Pre-drill?
No, Pre-drilling is not necessary.
Properties
How much does Kleer PVC Expand and Contract?
Aggressively nailed there is a 1/8” over 18’ ratio. Unrestricted PVC can move up to ¾”. Inadequate nailing is the #1 reason for call backs. All PVCs on the market will expand/contract the same.
Will Kleer turn yellow over time?
No, we include Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in our formula that keeps the product white.
Will Kleer rot?
No, because it is made from PVC, it will not deteriorate like a wood product can over time.
Will it mold/mildew?
Like anything outside, mildew can grow on the product. However, Kleer is not a food source for mold or mildew. It can be easily washed off with bleach and water if it does occur.
What is the density of your product?
Density is similar to white pine, but it is the tightness of the cells structure that is more important. Kleer has a very tight cell structure that makes routing the product easy.
Safety
Is this product dangerous to cut – is breathing the dust going to harm me?
You would take the same precautions as you would with wood. The use of dust masks are recommended and one should avoid breathing in any dust particles.
Can this be incinerated safely?
In a landmark independent study conducted by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers involving 1,900 test results from 169 large-scale, commercial incinerator facilities throughout the world (including municipal, medical and hazardous waste units), researchers found no significant correlation between the chlorine content of waste and dioxin emissions. Instead, the study stated, incinerator design and operating conditions are the critical factors in dioxin generation and emissions.
