PVC Door Jamb

[mkurtis]

Does anyone have experience with PVC door jamb stock? I am looking at replacing an exterior door and jamb. The wall is brick. I was looking for a composite material for the jamb and found some from Royal Building Products:

https://www.royalbuildingproducts.com/en-US/Exterior-Trim-Mouldings/Royal-Proframe

Profiles 7241 and 7251.

Is PVC a strong enough material to hang a door from? Would it be better to use a wood/composite finger jointed product like Endura Framesaver? If I do that, would I still use PVC brick mould for the trim?

 

[Holzhacker]

I've used a lot of PVC trim including brick mould. Haven't used it for jamb stock. They are advertising it for such use so it should probably work. As with a lot of this type of stuff the manufacturer may have specific requirements for performance. In this case that might include pre drilling for screws or using only X size screws.
If it were me I would probably just put a wood backer, probably studs there anyway, behind the hinge area so I could tie into those as needed. This may also be dependent on how heavy the door is.
I like PVC so I wouldn't be too worried.

 

[peter halle]

You already got some great advice.  I have used many PVC jambs and love them.  BUT honestly when I have gotten them as part of a door unit prepared by the supplier I only count on the hinge screws attaching the hinges to the jams as temporary.  I will replace with longer screws that hit studs behind.

If you decide to use them, as you are shimming your door you might need to shim in more locations because of their flexibility.

Just my two cents.

Peter

 

[mkurtis]

Thanks for the replies. Do you recall any brands? Royal is the only product I can find searching online, but I can't find it locally (Salt Lake City). Azek and Kleer don't appear to make that profile.

 

[w802h]

This is interesting.  I've used PVC jambs as a component of a pre-hung door.  I've had to insist my clients put storm doors in front of this style door, since I've had the doors leak and sill pan fill in a splash back environment.  Using this stock would allow me to bring the sill completely under the jambs.  I don't like how most exterior jambs/sill are joined. 

 

[peter halle]

I have to admit that if I have had to "build" a set of jambs I just end up buying the kit from the local Home Depot.  I don't remember who makes the jambs for them.  Sorry.

Peter