What Are Lightweight Architectural Mouldings?
Lightweight architectural mouldings are non-loadbearing facade components shaped and protected with a compatible coating system. They create details such as cornices, window surrounds, string bands, quoins and coping profiles without the unit weight of traditional stone or precast alternatives. Their shape, fixing method, substrate and finish must still be confirmed for the particular project.
What is the core made of?
Each Taylormade profile has a high-density EPS core (Sundolitt SE200, 29–31 kg/m³), a lightweight material that can be accurately cut to form an architectural profile. The core forms the shape and is protected by the factory-applied VPI RHÉAMIX MONO polymer-modified basecoat. An agreed compatible decorative finish can then complete the required appearance.
The core is non-loadbearing. It creates the profile geometry, but it is not a structural member and must not be used as the fixing point for signs, lighting, rainwater goods or other later fixtures. Those loads need to transfer back to a suitable structural substrate.
What details can be made as lightweight mouldings?
Typical profile families include cornices, parapet cappings, window cills and heads, keystones, string bands and quoin stones. These details can define rooflines, openings, corners and horizontal divisions across an elevation. On rendered facades they are known as render mouldings. For the full range, see our lightweight architectural mouldings and profile families.
A project can use standard catalogue profiles, adapted standard dimensions or fully bespoke profiles where technically feasible. Relevant geometry, handling, transport and installation requirements are reviewed before manufacture.
How are the profiles specified and manufactured?
Taylormade reviews suitable project information such as general arrangement drawings, elevations, sections, dimensions and wall build-up details. Where drawings are required for approval, manufacture follows the latest approved revision after the necessary order, payment and finish information is complete.
The approved shape is CNC-cut from the high-density EPS core at Taylormade’s Aberdare facility. The profile is then factory base-coated and prepared for the agreed decorative finish. The Technical Information page provides supporting specification, installation and dimensional documents.
How are lightweight architectural mouldings fixed?
Profiles are normally fixed with a 3-strip adhesive bed and Insta-Stik secondary fixing. Mechanical fixing is rarely needed; where the size or complexity of a profile calls for it, this is reviewed at design stage.
The substrate condition, profile geometry, loading, joints, adjoining interfaces and manufacturer requirements all affect the approved detail. These requirements should be confirmed for the specific project before manufacture or installation starts. Adjacent wall systems and finishes by others remain outside Taylormade’s scope unless expressly included in the order.
Common questions
Are lightweight architectural mouldings structural?
No. Taylormade profiles are lightweight, non-loadbearing facade components. The building structure, supporting substrate and structural fixing requirements remain the responsibility of the appropriate project designer or engineer unless Taylormade expressly accepts a defined responsibility in writing.
Can the profiles receive different decorative finishes?
Yes, subject to project agreement and compatibility with the VPI basecoat. The selected finish manufacturer’s preparation, primer, topcoat and application requirements must be followed. Universal compatibility with every coating system should not be assumed.
Can standard and bespoke profiles be used together?
Yes. A project may combine catalogue profiles, adapted standard profiles and bespoke details. The final profile schedule, joints, returns and setting out should be coordinated against the approved project information.