Why should I use Cortex for Trim?
Once installed can I see the plugs?
What trim can I use Cortex for Trim on?
What keeps the plugs from coming out?
How is Cortex for Trim installed?
Do I have to use an impact driver to install Cortex for Trim?
Cortex is FastenMaster’s trademarked name for our concealing fastening systems. We make two specific product lines of Cortex. One is Cortex for Trim and the other is Cortex for Decking.
Fastening PVC trim the old way of driving in numerous nails, filling the nail holes, waiting for the filler to cure, sanding the filler and then painting the trim is labor intensive to say the least. Faster, Easier and Stronger is FastenMaster’s mantra and Cortex for Trim exemplifies the idea. Drive two Cortex for Trim into each framing member 16” apart, tap the plug into the hole and you are done.
If installed per the instructions these plugs are difficult, if not impossible to find. Many people report once the plug is tapped into place they blend in and disappear. As they weather they typically blend in better.
Cortex for Trim is used to fasten 5/8” to 5/4” thick PVC Trim from AZEK, Kleer, Koma and Versatex.
No, we do not recommend this be done. As you will read about later one of the design features is having the trim and the plug made out of the exactly the same material.
Extensive market research, product engineering and physical testing goes into adding another make of trim. You may call to see if plans are underway to add it or express your desire to see it added.
The system comes with the screws, plugs and special driver bits. The screw cuts the precise cylinder into the trim board which the plug goes into. The special driver bit controls the depth of the installed screw and the cylinder depth. By using the Cortex for Trim screw and driver bit you are assured of the proper fit.
There are several design features that assure the plug stays put.
1) the plug is sized with a slight interference fit between the cylinder and the installed plug.
2) the plug is made from the exact trim board you are using so thermal expansion and contraction doesn’t result in a plug being squeezed or being loose in the cylinder. The plug grows and shrinks at the exactly the same rate as the board does so the slight interference fit is maintained at all times.
3) as the screw is being driven in it is cutting the cylinder below the trim’s surface the screw imparts a texture on the inside wall of the cylinder. This texture gives the plug a friction fit in addition to an interference fit.
4) after the screw is driven to depth with the setting tool the plug is firmly driven into the cavity with a hammer. This compression drives air out from beneath the plug and seals screw’s head off from the elements.
When doing any work of this nature it is highly recommended proper personal protection equipment is used. Reading, understanding and closely following the trim manufacturer’s installation instruction is highly recommended and required for coverage by our Guarantee of Performance. You may download a copy of our installation instructions here.
No, a standard ½” chuck drill may be used. We suggest an impact driver because they are easier to use when driving screws horizontally. Impact drivers are usually much lighter than standard drills.
It is packaged in two convenient sizes, 250 lineal ft and 750 lineal ft. The packaging is based on using two fasteners per 16”measured lineally. The lineal foot designations are based on use in trim widths of less than 12". The 250 lineal foot package contains 375 screws, 400 plugs and 3 bits. The 750 lineal foot package contains 1125 screws, 1200 plugs and 6 bits.