Description
The James Hardie HardiePlank VL Window Head & Vertical Starter Trim is a purpose-made, colour-matched profile for the HardiePlank VL Click / interlocking fibre cement cladding system.
This clever dual-purpose 3m trim performs two different functions depending on how the HardiePlank VL boards are being installed:
- As a window head trim when HardiePlank VL is installed horizontally
- As a bottom starter trim when HardiePlank VL is installed vertically
It provides a neat finished edge while working with the ventilation requirements of the HardiePlank VL rainscreen system.
Use 1 – Window Head Trim for Horizontal HardiePlank VL
When HardiePlank VL boards are installed horizontally, this profile is used directly above windows and similar openings.
The cladding below and alongside the window has to stop at the opening, while a new run of boards begins above the window. The Window Head Trim creates a clean, colour-matched finishing detail across the top of the opening.
James Hardie's VL window detail shows the profile used together with a separate ventilation profile, allowing air to enter the cavity above the window while providing a neat finished edge to the cladding system.
This is important because HardiePlank VL is installed as a ventilated rainscreen system – ventilation must be maintained around interruptions such as windows rather than simply sealing the cavity closed.
Where does it sit around a window?
For a typical horizontally clad window:
Left and right sides: HardiePlank VL Window Reveal Trim
Across the top of the window: HardiePlank VL Window Head & Vertical Starter Trim
Below the window sill: HardiePlank VL J Profile, while maintaining the required ventilation gap
This means each part of the window opening has a purpose-made Hardie VL finishing detail.
Use 2 – Starter Trim for Vertical HardiePlank VL
The same profile is also used when the HardiePlank VL boards are installed vertically.
In this application, the trim runs horizontally along the bottom of the cladding installation and forms the starting point for the vertical boards.
The lower edge of each HardiePlank VL board slots into the starter trim. This helps hold the boards in position, creates a straight and consistent bottom edge and conceals the cut ends of the vertical planks.
James Hardie's installation detail also uses a ventilation profile at the base so that the required airflow behind the vertical cladding can be maintained.
Why is the Vertical Starter Trim important?
When VL boards are installed vertically, their cut ends would otherwise be visible at the bottom of the façade.
The starter profile provides a purpose-made channel for these board ends to sit within, giving the installation:
- A straight and consistent starting line
- Support for the lower ends of the vertical boards
- A neat colour-matched finish
- Concealment of cut board ends
- Compatibility with the required base ventilation detail
James Hardie specifically states that the starter trim both holds the vertical planks in position and covers their cut ends.
Important – don't confuse this with the standard VL Starter Profile
HardiePlank VL has two different starter products, depending on the direction in which the boards are installed.
Horizontal HardiePlank VL:
Use the separate HardiePlank VL Starter Profile at the bottom of the façade.
Vertical HardiePlank VL:
Use this Window Head & Vertical Starter Trim at the bottom of the façade.
The two profiles perform different jobs and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Why use the genuine HardiePlank VL profile?
- Designed specifically for HardiePlank VL Click / interlocking cladding
- Dual-purpose profile for window heads and vertical starter details
- Creates a clean colour-matched finish
- Conceals cut board edges
- Supports the lower ends of vertically installed VL boards
- Integrates with the Hardie ventilation detailing
- Designed around the 11mm HardiePlank VL board
- Supplied in a 3 metre length
- Suitable for cutting to the required opening or façade width
Product Details
- Brand: James Hardie
- Range: HardiePlank VL
- Product: Window Head & Vertical Starter Trim
- Length: 3000mm / 3m
- System: HardiePlank VL Click / tongue-and-groove fibre cement cladding
- Horizontal Application: Window head finishing profile
- Vertical Application: Base starter profile for vertically installed VL boards
- Compatible Board: HardiePlank VL 11mm fibre cement cladding
- Installation: Used as part of the relevant Hardie VL detail together with the required ventilation profile
James Hardie lists the Window Head & Vertical Starter Trim as a dedicated 3m Hardie VL Plank accessory.
Available Colours
Choose a colour to coordinate with your HardiePlank VL cladding:
- Anthracite Grey
- Grey Slate
- Sail Cloth
- Arctic White
- Light Mist
- Midnight Black
- Khaki Brown
- Chestnut Brown
Compatibility
This profile is specifically designed for the James Hardie HardiePlank VL interlocking cladding system.
It should not be confused with the starter or window trims used with traditional overlapping HardiePlank Lap weatherboards, or with trims designed for other manufacturers' fibre cement click-cladding systems.
For horizontal window installations, you may also require the HardiePlank VL Window Reveal Trim for the sides of the opening and the HardiePlank VL J Profile beneath the sill.
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