Herzim Trims
Herzim trims are commonly used on caravans, motorhomes and some boats with aluminium window frames. Although they do not provide any sealing function, they act as a decorative trim that covers the screw heads and fixings in waist rails and channels. Overtime these products discolour or shrink so should be replaced to help restore your vehicle or boat back to new.
Manufactured from flexible PVC compounds in a large selection of colours, these profiles can be easily fitted into your existing channel. We recommend that you warm the trim by leaving it in the sun or placing it into a bucket of warm water. This will make the section soft and pliable and allow you to squeeze it into the channel recess. As it is possible to stretch herzim trims during fitting, it is essential to leave the section hanging out of the end of the channel for several days until it has shrunken back to its original length.
Please see our How to Identify and Replace a Herzim Strip guide for assistance with purchasing the correct section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Herzim trims are available in a selection of different widths; 10mm, 11.3mm, 12.3mm, 13.5mm, 14.9mm and 17.3mm. This range allows you to purchase a replacement trim that is a good fit for your aluminium channel.
To identify the best replacement section, you will need to measure your current herzim trim and the dovetail recess in the aluminium channel where this trim will be fitted. As the existing section may have distorted with age, it is useful to also take measurements from the aluminium channel and make an assessment of which replacement trim will be a good snug fit. When measuring the channel, you should attempt to find the end and measure the internal width. This is because the visible opening of the aluminium channel will be smaller than the internal keyway.
For more information on identifying the best replacement herzim trim, please see our How to Identify and Replace a Herzim Trim technical help guide.
As herzim trims are often fitted to the outside of your vehicle, they experience the effects of weathering which will cause them to discolour, shrink and degrade. Whilst these trims don’t have a set lifespan, you should make an assessment when you feel they need to be replaced.
Shrinkage is one of the most common signs that your herzim trim should be replaced. This is where the trim shrinks at each end resulting in gaps that show the bare aluminium track. This is usually caused by seasonal temperature changes or unintentional stretching during the initial fitting.
To replace your herzim trim you should start by removing your old section. General pry one end out of the aluminium track and pull on the section to release it from the channel.
Go around the full length of the aluminium track to ensure it is clean and free from dirt or debris.
As this product is manufactured from flexible PVC, it is advisable to warm the section by placing it in a bucket of warm water or by leaving it in the sun. This will soften the compound and make it easier to install. Once softened, start at one end and squeeze the trim into the opening in your channel. Keep pinching the section along the entire length so that it tightly fits into the keyway.
Flexible PVC can be unintentionally stretched during the installation process. To minimise the chance of shrinkage and gaps at the end of the aluminium track, leave the trim hanging approximately 3 to 6 inches out of the end of the track. This will allow the section to shrink back to its original length if it was stretched during the initial fitting. Any excess can then be trimmed after a few days.
Please see our How to Identify and Replace a Herzim Trim guide for assistance with fitting these products.
For support or assistance with choosing a replacement herzim trim for your caravan, motorhome or boat, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experienced team at Seals Direct.
Our extensive range of sizes and colours allows you to choose a replacement trim that is a replica to your existing profile. All of these products are manufactured from high-quality PVC compounds that have been specifically designed for outdoor use.
For further information on any of our products or for technical assistance in choosing the best replacement trim, please get in touch with our knowledgeable team.