Trusscore Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Trusscore products are sold through a constantly growing network of retailers and distributors across North America. Visit our Where to Buy page to find a retailer near you.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels have a smooth, clean finish that is scratch, dent, and damage resistant, which means they should never require painting like traditional drywall. However, we understand that sometimes people want a change and will decide to paint their panels to update or refresh their room’s look.

We recommend using 100% acrylic latex paint or acrylic latex paint with urethane additive to paint Trusscore panels. We also recommend using self-priming paints or primer and paint combination products where possible. For more information and product recommendations, download our Painting Guidelines document.

If you're installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard or Trusscore SlatWall panels in combination with painted drywall, you may want to color match to create a unified design. Our top recommendations from BeautiTone, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams for matching white and gray Trusscore panels on adjacent walls are also included in the document above.

Like many other building materials, the price of Trusscore products may vary from coast to coast.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard ranges from $2.75 to $3.75 per square foot. White and gray Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are available in 16-inch widths and in 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 16-, and 20-foot lengths. They can be installed vertically or horizontally, which can affect the total cost of your project.

Trusscore SlatWall ranges from $6.00 to $7.00 per square foot and can be installed as a track, section, half wall, or full wall. White and gray Trusscore SlatWall panels are 6 inches high (7 ¼ inches including flange) and in 8-foot lengths. The total cost of Trusscore SlatWall will depend on your preferred design.

On average, a 20x20 garage outfitted with Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall panels can range from $3,000 to $5,000. To explore different design and budget options for your project, check out the Trusscore Cost & Materials Estimator. For detailed pricing, connect with a Trusscore retailer near you. 

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard has a "Class A" fire rating with a flame spread index of 10 and smoke developed index of 380 per ASTM E84. Trusscore panels must be installed over a fire-rated wall or ceiling assembly if it's specified by local building code. For more information, visit our Fire Performance and Safety page.

To figure out how much material you need for your project, use the Trusscore Cost & Materials Estimator. Simply input your project dimensions, specify if Trusscore SlatWall is included in your design, and choose your preferred colors. We'll whip up a cost estimate and detailed material list for you to bring to your favorite retailer.

Trusscore products are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a thermoplastic synthetic polymer. PVC has a long history of being the key ingredient used to create pipes, cables, window profiles, flooring, and roofing because it’s incredibly durable and lightweight. These properties also lend themselves well to other types of building materials like wall and ceiling panels. To discover all the benefits of building with PVC-based panels like Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, read this blog post.

Trusscore products are considered premium because they're strong, versatile, easy to install, and designed to outlast the buildings they're installed in. Trusscore products are also 100% recyclable (in addition to several other key benefits you may not know about). 

Trusscore products are made from PVC, which has a service life of up to 100 years. Trusscore products are also extremely durable: They're scratch, dent, and damage resistant, and are designed to outlive buildings they're installed in, so there's no worry about having to replace them over time. To learn more about the industry-leading strength of Trusscore, visit our Strength & Durability benefits page.

Yes, the Trusscore Inspiration Gallery shows some of the creative and classic ways Trusscore customers have used our products in their space.

Simply input your application and whether you want to include Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, Trusscore SlatWall, or a combination of both products in your search. We’ll pull up real customer pictures and images that match your search criteria to help you get inspired for your very own Trusscore project.

Yes! Thanks to their pre-punched screw flange and tongue and groove interlocking system, Trusscore products are incredibly friendly for DIYers. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard specifically weighs 40% less than drywall and installs four times faster with only one person needed for installation. Equipped with a set of basic tools, you can plan to have your Trusscore completed in a single afternoon.

To learn more about how easy Trusscore is to install, visit our Lightweight & Easy to Install benefits page. For step-by-step instructions on how to install Trusscore products on your own, visit our Installation Help page.

Trusscore offers a variety of PVC-based framing, finishing, and specialty trims (or joiners) in both white and gray to help you complete any project. To see our full trim offering, visit our Trims product page.

Pre-finished Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels weigh 40% less than drywall and install four times faster. Panels come with a pre-punched screw flange and a tongue and groove interlocking system, making installation a breeze for DIYers and contractors alike. Equipped with a set of basic tools, you can plan to have Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard installed in a single afternoon instead of days like drywall — plus, there's no mudding, taping, priming, or painting required.

For all our available architectural specifications, CAD drawings, and technical documentation, please visit our Architects & Designers page.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are available in 8', 10', 12', 14', 16', and 20' lengths. All Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are 16" wide and 1/2" thick. For more information, visit our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard product page.

Trusscore SlatWall panels are only available in 8' lengths. Trusscore SlatWall panels are 6" high (7 ¼” including flange) and are 5/8" thick. For more information, visit our Trusscore SlatWall product page.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are available in 8', 10', 12', 14', 16', and 20' lengths. All Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are 16" wide and 1/2" thick. For more information, visit our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard product page.

Trusscore SlatWall panels are only available in 8' lengths. Trusscore SlatWall panels are 6" high (7 ¼” including flange) and are 5/8" thick. For more information, visit our Trusscore SlatWall product page.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels weigh 0.8 pounds per square foot. An 8 foot long panel that's 16 inches wide would weigh approximately 8.51 pounds.

White Trusscore panels have a high light reflectivity value of 0.90. This means that 90% of the light that strikes the surface of our panels will be reflected. Because of their high light reflectivity value, Trusscore products can help reduce lighting requirements, maximize fixture and natural light, and boost your building's overall energy efficiency.

Learn more about how Trusscore products positively contribute to the Indoor Environmental Quality of your space by visiting our Indoor Environmental Quality benefits page.

Trusscore SlatWall holds up to 75 pounds per square foot. From bicycles to power tools, the high-strength storage capabilities of Trusscore SlatWall means you can store whatever you want on your walls. 

The acoustic performance of Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is very similar to conventional products like drywall, with our panels demonstrating similar sound absorption and sound blocking performance as ½” and 5/8” drywall when installed on wall and ceiling assemblies:

• Sound absorption — or the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) — is a measure of how much sound a material can absorb to reduce the amount of noise within a room. The NRC performance of Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is estimated to be 0.15 (i.e., 15% of sound is absorbed), and drywall's performance is also 0.15.
• Sound blocking — or the Sound Transmission Class (STC) — is a measure of how well a material can block sound from passing through it into an adjacent space. A material’s STC reflects a sound’s decibel reduction from the space where the sound originates to the adjacent space. When installed on studs or joists, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard has an estimated STC value of 30 to 35 (i.e., it reduces 30 to 35 decibels of sound), which is similar to the sound blocking performance of single-layer drywall.

Trusscore products aren't intended to contribute to the R value of an assembly and shouldn't be used in R value calculations. 

Trusscore panels are PVC-based wall and ceiling panels designed for applications requiring durability and moisture resistance. When it comes to perm rating — a measure of a material's ability to allow water vapor to pass through — PVC materials like Trusscore typically have very low perm ratings (i.e., less than 1 Perm).

Like many other building materials, the price of Trusscore products may vary from coast to coast.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard ranges from $2.75 to $3.75 per square foot. White and gray Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are available in 16-inch widths and in 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 16-, and 20-foot lengths. They can be installed vertically or horizontally, which can affect the total cost of your project.

Trusscore SlatWall ranges from $6.00 to $7.00 per square foot and can be installed as a track, section, half wall, or full wall. White and gray Trusscore SlatWall panels are 6 inches high (7 ¼ inches including flange) and in 8-foot lengths. The total cost of Trusscore SlatWall will depend on your preferred design.

On average, a 20x20 garage outfitted with Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall panels can range from $3,000 to $5,000. To explore different design and budget options for your project, check out the Trusscore Cost & Materials Estimator. For detailed pricing, connect with a Trusscore retailer near you. 

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard ranges from $2.75 to $3.75 per square foot. An 8 foot panel covers 10.67 square feet, which means you can expect to pay between $29.34 and $40.01 per panel. To get an accurate price, we recommend contacting a Trusscore retailer near you using our Where to Buy map. 

On average, you can buy an entire room’s worth of drywall for under $200. However, any money you save at the checkout will have to be set aside to pay for extensive hourly labor to install the product, which can take days. Plus, you get what you pay for in terms of performance and longevity, meaning you can expect to spend even more money maintaining your drywall over the course of its lifetime.

When you purchase Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, you’ll invest a little extra up front, but you’ll save money in the long run. Our premium panels are designed to minimize the total cost of installation materials, labor, and maintenance all while never having to be replaced. When compared to drywall, you’ll save 55% in total cost of ownership over the life of the product.

Visit our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard vs. Drywall page for more information.

FRP panels are lower in cost than Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, however, you'll need to buy panels, backer board, and a glue adhesive, too. Plus, FRP often takes multiple skilled laborers hours or days to install. 

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard doesn’t require backers, glue, or special skills to install. The pre-finished panels come ready to install directly to studs or on top of drywall, with just a few screws and common tools required. 

Compared to FRP, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard can be installed twice as fast with only one person needed for the job. Factor in material and labor, and Trusscore offers a 33% lower installed cost compared to FRP.

For more information about how Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard compares to FRP, visit our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard vs. FRP page.

Samples of Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, Trusscore SlatWall, and Trusscore Trims are available for $2.75 each on our Amazon store. However, many Trusscore retailers have in-store displays where you can also see our product for free. For more information, visit our Trusscore Samples page.

Trusscore samples purchased through Amazon will typically arrive in two to three business days, however, shipments may be subject to delays. To check your order status, we recommend checking within your Amazon account's order history. If you have any further questions about your sample, please email us at amazon@trusscore.com, and a Trusscore team member will be happy to help.

To figure out how much material you need for your project, use the Trusscore Cost & Materials Estimator. Simply input your project dimensions, specify if Trusscore SlatWall is included in your design, and choose your preferred colors. We'll whip up a cost estimate and detailed material list for you to bring to your favorite retailer.

Trusscore products are sold through a constantly growing network of retailers and distributors across North America. Visit our Where to Buy page to find a retailer near you.

Trusscore products are proudly made in North America. We have two manufacturing facilities located in Palmerston, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta. We predominantly source North American resources to produce products using quality raw materials.

When ordering through a Trusscore retailer, it typically takes two to five days for products to arrive. To find a Trusscore retailer near you, visit our Where to Buy map.

We're always adding new retailers to our Where to Buy map, but some gaps still exist. However, there's likely a dealer in your area who can support your project, and a Trusscore team member can help connect you with them. Please fill out this form with your project details so we can find a retailer best suited to support your project.

No, you can't purchase products from the Trusscore office, the Trusscore Experience Showroom, or Trusscore manufacturing locations.

Trusscore products are sold through a constantly growing network of retailers and distributors across North America. Visit our Where to Buy page to find a retailer near you.

There are three ways to see Trusscore products in person before purchasing: 

1. Order samples through Amazon
2. Visit a Trusscore retailer with an in-store display or samples on-hand
3. Visit the Trusscore Experience Showroom in Kitchener, Ontario 

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels have a smooth, clean finish that is scratch, dent, and damage resistant, which means they should never require painting like traditional drywall. However, we understand that sometimes people want a change and will decide to paint their panels to update or refresh their room’s look.

We recommend using 100% acrylic latex paint or acrylic latex paint with urethane additive to paint Trusscore panels. We also recommend using self-priming paints or primer and paint combination products where possible. For more information and product recommendations, download our Painting Guidelines document.

If you're installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard or Trusscore SlatWall panels in combination with painted drywall, you may want to color match to create a unified design. Our top recommendations from BeautiTone, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams for matching white and gray Trusscore panels on adjacent walls are also included in the document above.

Trusscore offers several SlatWall accessory options that snap into place and can be easily moved around as your storage needs change including an 18" basket, a 24" wire shelf, single hooks, double hooks, bike hooks, and hose hooks. The non-proprietary design of Trusscore SlatWall also means our panels are compatible with any standard 3” slatwall accessory you find, including options from brands like Econoco, Uline, HandiSOLUTIONS, and MasterCraft. To explore your options, visit the 'SlatWall Accessories" tab on our Trusscore SlatWall product page.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall are available in white and gray, which means the design possibilities are endless when you pair the two products together. Visit our Designing and Estimating page to discover some of the most common and classic Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall combinations that you can recreate in your space.

Yes, you can install Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard on the bottom portion of a wall like wainscoting. This is a particularly great idea if you're replacing water damaged drywall or are protecting a flood-prone area of your home. For more information and installation instructions, read our PVC Wainscoting blog post.

Yes, you can install Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard on the bottom half of a wall. This is a particularly great idea if you're replacing water damaged drywall or are protecting a flood-prone area of your home. For more information and installation instructions, read our PVC Wainscoting blog post.

To organize your space and attach items to your wall, we recommend installing Trusscore SlatWall. Trusscore SlatWall is a high-strength, on-the-wall storage solution that seamlessly integrates with Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels and can be instantly accessorized with snap-in hooks, baskets, and shelves. 

However, we understand Trusscore SlatWall may not meet your specific design needs. If you still want to mount or fasten items directly to Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, keep this advice in mind: 

• When hanging an item directly on a Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panel, items should never be directly fastened without back support.
• Lightweight items (i.e., less than 30 pounds) can be attached directly to Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard using adhesive hooks such as Command™ Hooks or using spring toggle bolt kits. 
• Moderate weight items should be fastened directly to the supporting structure of the wall or ceiling through Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard. Mounting holes should be slightly oversized to accommodate for expansion and contraction of the panel.
• Heavyweight items should be mounted directly to the supporting structure to avoid crushing your Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels. We recommend cutting away the Trusscore material at the mounting points and then using metal spacers (i.e., stack of washers or nuts) to keep heavy items flush to the Trusscore panels but not crush them.

For more information and installation tips, download our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard Installation Guide.

When hanging an item directly on a Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panel, items should never be directly fastened without back support.

• Lightweight items (i.e., less than 30 pounds) can be attached directly to Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard using adhesive hooks such as Command™ Hooks or using spring toggle bolt kits.
• Moderate weight items should be fastened directly to the supporting structure of the wall or ceiling through Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard. Mounting holes should be slightly oversized to accommodate for expansion and contraction of the panel.
• Heavyweight items should be mounted directly to the supporting structure to avoid crushing your Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels. We recommend cutting away the Trusscore material at the mounting points and then using metal spacers (i.e., stack of washers or nuts) to keep heavy items flush to the Trusscore panels but not crush them.

For more information and installation tips, download our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard Installation Guide.

No, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels should not get brittle over time.

No, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard should never yellow or fade as long as it's installed in an appropriate interior or sheltered exterior application.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is made from PVC, which is highly durable and impact-resistant but is not specifically rated as "chewproof" against rodents like squirrels and mice. While it's much more robust than traditional sheetrock, persistant rodents can chew through Trusscore panels. We recommend using additional preventative measures like metal mesh barriers or rodent deterrents when installing Trusscore in areas prone to rodent activity. 

Trusscore products are made from PVC, also known as polyvinyl chloride, which is resistant to termites and other insects. Unlike wood, which is a natural food source for termites, PVC is a synthetic material that termites can't digest. 

Non-porous and antimicrobial Trusscore panels are 100% waterproof, install with a watertight seal, can withstand long-term exposure to flood water filled with bacteria and chemicals, and will never grow mold or mildew. After being exposed to contaminants in flood water, Trusscore panels can be cleaned and disinfected with soap and water or with high-strength chemical cleaners to return them to their original state. 

Trusscore products are recommended for interior and sheltered exterior use. Take a look at our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard Cold Weather Guidelines for more information about how Trusscore performs in different temperatures.

Trusscore products are recommend for interior and sheltered exterior use. We do not recommend applying any coatings to the pre-finished panels.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels meet Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements for food preparation areas when used on non-food contact surfaces and all joints are sealed with an approved flexible caulking compound, such as MONO® SILICONE MAX™ in Canada or DAP Commercial Kitchen 100% Silicone Sealant in the USA.

We also meet Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements. For more information about how Trusscore products meet regulatory guidelines for use in food processing and commercial agricultural facilities, visit our Hygienic benefits page.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is an interior wall cladding that should be installed on top of wall assemblies that meet local code requirements in terms of structure, insulation, fire separation, etc. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels should never be used as a thermal or vapor barrier, and they must be installed over a fire-rated wall or ceiling assembly if it's specified by local building code. If you have specfic questions about Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and your local building code, please email us at hello@trusscore.com and a technical member of our team will be in touch.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard has a "Class A" fire rating with a flame spread index of 10 and smoke developed index of 380 per ASTM E84. Trusscore panels must be installed over a fire-rated wall or ceiling assembly if it's specified by local building code. For more information, visit our Fire Performance and Safety page.

Fire-resistant walls contain fire to a room and prevent it from spreading into an adjacent room for a designated time. The specific requirements for code-compliant, fire-rated wall assemblies can vary based on a building's occupancy, use, and local building codes.
 
Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard does not meet the requirements for fire resistance if a fire-rated wall assembly is specified by code (for example, for a residential garage separation wall). To meet code requirements, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard must be installed on top of an approved a fire-rated wall or ceiling assembly. For more information, visit our Fire Rating & Performance page.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard has a "Class A" fire rating with a flame spread index of 10 and smoke developed index of 380 per ASTM E84. However, Trusscore panels must be installed over a fire-rated wall or ceiling assembly including 5/8" Type X gypsum if it's specified by local building code. For more information, visit our Fire Performance and Safety page.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) recommends water-resistant, non-porous materials to reduce flood damage and speed up recovery. With its water resistance, mold prevention, and easy-to-clean properties, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard fully aligns with FEMA’s standards for flood resilience in flood-prone and hurricane-prone areas.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard isn’t a vapor barrier, and you'll need to install a vapor barrier in addition to your Trusscore panels if your project requires one. Refer to your local building code to determine if your project requires a vapor barrier.

Trusscore does not act as a thermal barrier for plastic foam insulation. If building code requires a thermal barrier to surround plastic foam insulation, ensure a suitable barrier is in place before installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard or Trusscore SlatWall.

For more installation information for each Trusscore product, visit our Installation Help page.

Yes, Trusscore products can be installed on top of insulation. It's important to note that, if you're installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard or Trusscore SlatWall on top of plastic foam insulation, you'll need to install a thermal barrier first before installing Trusscore if it's required by building code.

For more installation information for each Trusscore product, visit our Installation Help page.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is a highly durable building material that’s designed for interior applications. It’s made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a thermoplastic material that inherently has fire-resistant properties. While FM approval is a widely recognized standard in various industries, it’s usually not applicable to Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard because Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard complies with other relevant fire safety standards and codes, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and the International Building Code (IBC). These standards outline the requirements for fire safety in buildings and address the use of specific materials. Trusscore ensures that its products meet or exceed these standards, providing assurance of their fire performance. To learn more about Trusscore fire performance, visit our Fire Performance and Safety page.

While Factor Mutual (FM) approval may not be relevant to Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard fire performance, our products do meet the necessary fire safety requirements and regulations. Trusscore takes the safety of its customers and their projects seriously. We continuously invest in research, development, and testing to ensure that our products deliver high standards of quality and performance.

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a professional contractor, our Installation Help page has everything you need to know about installing Trusscore products, including step-by-step instructions for installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, Trusscore SlatWall, DockDeck by Trusscore, RibCore by Trusscore, and NorLock by Trusscore.

To install most Trusscore products, you'll need a power saw, drill, tape measure, tin snips, putty knife, and silicone sealant (in wet environments only). However, some products will require a few additional or different tools. To see a full list of required tools for a specific product, download the product's installation guide on our Installation Help page.

Yes, Trusscore products can be installed over drywall or any existing frame.

No, you cannot install Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels on a curved surface.

Yes, you can install Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard directly on top of OSB or plywood. For more information on installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, download our installation guide. 

Trusscore offers a range of framing, finishing, and specialty trims to help you complete any project. However, each Trusscore trim has its own unique installation instructions. Watch the chapter for the specific trim you're installing in the Trusscore Trims Overview video below:

• 1/2" and 3/4" J Trim
• H Channel Snap-In Kit Trim
• Inside Cove Corner Trim
• Outside Corner Rounded Trim
• Base Trim
• Outside Corner Trim
• SlatWall Top Cap Trim
• Outside Corner Trim
• 45 Degree H Channel Trim

Yes, you can install a baseboard heater on Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard. However, it's important to note that the maximum service temperature of Trusscore panels is 50°C or 122°F, and a baseboard heater that exceeds this temperature may cause deformation in the panels. If you're concerned, contact the baseboard heater manufacturer to determine the appliance's highest operating temperature.

When installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, there will be a hairline seam every 16" where the panels interlock together using our tongue and groove fastening system, but it's not as prominent as you may think. Similar to shiplap, you are able to install Trusscore panels horizontally, vertically, or diagonally and incorporate the seam as a design element into your space. We don't recommend trying to minimize them in any way.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard can be installed with any readily available corrosion-resistant #8/#10 gauge screws with a flat-bottomed, low profile head (i.e., truss head, pancake head, round or washer head, cabinet, and other low profile screws) and a minimum head diameter of 3/8”. We recommend different types of screws for different wall assemblies: 

Stainless steel screws are only required for highly corrosive or moist environments. For more information and installation tips, download our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard Installation Guide.

When installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard vertically, you'll need to use a screw every two feet of Trusscore panel or trim. When installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard horizontally, you'll need to use a screw on each stud location (usually every 16 or 24 inches).
For more information and installation tips, download our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard Installation Guide.

The Trusscore Trusted Installer Program makes it easy to find a local professional to install Trusscore for you. Visit our Find an Installer page to connect with an installer in your area.

You can use any type of insulation behind Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels.  It's important to note that, if you're installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard on top of plastic foam insulation, you'll need to install a thermal barrier first before installing Trusscore if it's required by building code. When installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard on ceilings with 24" and 48" joist spacing, the type and R value of insulation may cause panel deflection. Our Backloading Technical Guide can help you determine how much deflection you can expect based on different insulation types at different insulation R-values. 

Following our Installation Guidelines will minimize the amount of last panels in your Trusscore project. When you do reach the last panel of your install, follow these tips for help with finishing the job.

1. Measure the remaining space where the last panel will be installed. Ensure you leave a ¼" gap at the top, bottom, and width of the panel.
2. Cut the panel to size, removing the groove (screw flange) side.
3. Using a putty knife(s), gently bend the top, bottom, and corner trim back to create enough space to insert the last panel into all trims.
4. Slide the panel back toward the previously installed panel, pressing firmly together to ensure a proper connection.
5. The last panel does not need to be fastened as it will be held in place by the trims.

Following these steps will help you successfully install the last panel, ensuring a professional and seamless finish.

When cutting Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall panels to size, we recommend using a saw blade designed to cut vinyl products to avoid cracking or chipping the panels. We recommend using one of the following blades: ​ 

Alternatively, we recommend installing a standard saw blade in reverse direction. Coarse-toothed blades should be avoided. In cold weather, move your saw through the panel slowly to prevent chipping or cracking. We recommend performing a test cut, if possible, to confirm the performance of your cutting tool. 

If you need to cut holes into Trusscore panels for electrical boxes, lights, taps, and more, we recommend using one of these jigsaw, oscillating saw, or hole saw blades:

When creating a square cut-out, we recommend taking the following steps: 

1. Measure the location of the opening on the wall.  
2. Mark the perimeter of your opening on the panel.  
3. Drill a ½” hole in the corner of the required opening.
4. Insert the blade into the hole and proceed to cut out along your marked lines. If you’re making this cut after the panel has been installed, ensure the space behind the area to be cut is free of obstructions, electrical wires, plumbing, and any other object.​

For more information and installation tips for Trusscore products, download the product's installation guide on our Installation Help page.

When outfitting walls and ceilings with Trusscore, we have two different recommendations on where to start depending on the orientation you plan to install the panels on the wall. If you're installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard vertically, we recommend installing the panels on the ceiling first. If you're installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard horizontally, we recommend installing the panels on the wall first.

For more information and installation tips, download our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard Installation Guide.

If you're installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels vertically, we recommend following the steps outlined in this helpful video.

If you're installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels horizontally, we recommend following the steps outlined in this helpful video.

Trusscore products are intended to be installed in an environment where the panels have been acclimatized to a temperature between 10° and 20°C (50° and 68°F) for at least 24 hours before installation. If you're installing Trusscore products below 10°C or 50°F, review and follow our Cold Temperature Installation Guidelines for best results. 

While the recommended maximum service temperature for Trusscore products is 50°C (122°F), we don't have a minimum temperature recommendation.

When joining two horizontally installed Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels, use our H Channel Snap-In Kit. It's a two-piece, snap-in trim that's designed to address panel joints and product transitions.

If you're using Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard in a high-moisture environment, we recommend installing the panels vertically. During installation, we also recommend applying a bead of silicone inside the grooved end of the panel and inside the entire length of each trim piece. Any kitchen and bath silicone will work. For more information and installation tips, download our Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard Installation Guide.

There are several instances in which using silicone with Trusscore is necessary:

1. The most common will be whenever there is a presence of water on the panels. The amount of silicone used will differ depending on the application. In applications such as showers for example, a large amount of silicone is required to seal all panel seams, ends, and corners where water can penetrate. Refer to our Installing Trusscore in Shower Applications Guide for more details. An indoor pool, however, might use less silicone since the water is not constantly hitting the walls and you likely will only need to seal the bottom corner to direct water splashes away. Any kitchen or bath silicone will work in these instances.

2. In commercial food processing applications. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels meet Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements for food preparation areas when used on non-food contact surfaces and all joints are sealed with an approved flexible caulking compound, such as MONO® SILICONE MAX™ in Canada or DAP Commercial Kitchen 100% Silicone Sealant in the USA.

3. For adhesion purposes. For example, when replacing a damaged Trusscore panel and fastening with screws is not an option, silicone must be applied to the back of the panel to hold it in place. Also, when installing Outside Corner Square trim, silicone is used to adhere the trim to the Trusscore panels instead of screws for a clean finish.

Each of these instances are unique in their requirements, so refer to our blog post Adhesives & Sealants 101: Everything You Need to Know for information on which silicone to use. Always consult the silicone manufacturer label to determine the best product to use for the surfaces in your application.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are 1/2" thick, which means you may have to install electrical box extenders to ensure your light switches and outlet covers sit flush against the panels. To see how to install electrical box extenders during your Trusscore installation, watch this helpful two-minute video.

The maximum service temperature of Trusscore panels is  50°C or 122°F, therefore, we don't recommend installing Wall&CeilingBoard panels has a backsplash behind stoves or cooktops of any kind.

Yes, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard can be used to create waterproof shower walls. In addition to being 100% water and moisture resistant, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is resistant to chemicals, so it won't be damaged by use of personal hygiene products or standard household cleaners designed to remove soap scum.

We recommend using silicone to seal the seams between panels and trims to create a completely waterproof surface. Any kitchen and bath silicone will do.

For a full rundown on how to install Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard as a shower surround, download our Installing Trusscore in Shower Applications technical guide.

If your studs are not right on center, you may need to adjust your installation method to ensure proper support for the Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels. If you're installing the panels vertically, we recommend adding strapping to studs that aren't 16 inches on center. Alternatively, you can install the panels horizontally if your studs are 24 inches on center or less. 

We recommend installing an expansion joint for every 60 panels installed. The expansion joint should be an H Channel Snap-In Trim and should extend the entire length of the panel from one end to the other. For more information, download our Installing Expansion Joints for Long Panel Runs technical guide.

We generally recommend installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard to ceiling joists that are no more than 24 inches apart. However, you can still install the panels on 48 inch on center ceiling joists if needed. We recommend consulting our Backloading Guide to determine how much deflection you can expect to occur in this scenario.

No, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard should only be installed on interior walls and ceilings. We do not recommend installing the panels on the floor.

Yes, you can install Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard directly on top of a popcorn or stucco ceiling. For more information on installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, download our installation guide. 

Access panels that work with ½” drywall and install using adhesive, tension/spring fit, or non-face fasteners are also compatible with Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard. Here are a few options:

• Watts SpringFIT panels
• Oatey Plastic Access Panels
• Elmdor Access Panels

Alternatively, you can build your own access panel using Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard:

• Frame the Opening: Use H Channel Snap-In Kit, attaching the base channel directly to framing or blocking on all four sides.
• Cut and Mount Panels: Cut your Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panel to fit the opening and mount it on a ¼” or 3/8” plywood backer with adhesive.
• Finish the Install: Snap on the H Trim caps and insert the door.

We recommend creating 2’x2’ or 2’x4’ access panel doors.

In the off chance that one of your Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels is damaged, it is possible to replace the panel without removing the ones that are adjacent. 

The process is fast, straightforward, and requires only a few common tools. We’ll walk you through it with a two-minute video and instructions, Learn More.

Small holes can be filled in with the use of epoxy putties of an appropriate colour. For large holes or cut-out replacements, individual Trusscore panels may be fully replaced without disrupting the rest of your installation.  

We’ll walk you through the process with a two-minute video and instructions, Learn More.

Trusscore products are designed to outlive the buildings they’re installed in, but — just in case — all products are backed by industry leading warranties. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall both have 20-year standard warranties and limited lifetime extended warranties. For more information or to register your product, visit our Warranty page.

Yes, you can pressure wash Trusscore products. To safely pressure wash Trusscore products, we recommend:

1. Using a small- to mid-size power washer with less than 3,000 psi
2. Using a wide spray nozzle angle (40° or greater is preferred) to distribute the water pressure across the wall
3. Keeping the power washing nozzle at least 4 to 6 feet away from the wall at all times

For more information on how to properly clean Trusscore products, download our Care & Maintenance Guide for Homeowners or for Industrial applications.

Trusscore products have a smooth, non-porous surface that can easily be wiped down, pressure washed, or disinfected.

For day-to-day cleaning, we recommend washing the panels using a sponge or soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution. If dirt is difficult to remove, we recommend cleaning the walls using a solution that contains 1/3 cup of laundry detergent (e.g., Tide®), 2/3 cup of tri-sodium phosphate (e.g., TSP®), and 3.79 liters (or 1 gallon) of water.

If hand washing doesn't get the job done, try pressure washing. To safely pressure wash Trusscore products, we recommend:

1. Using a small- to mid-size power washer with less than 3,000 psi
2. Using a wide spray nozzle angle (40° or greater is preferred) to distribute the water pressure across the wall
3. Keeping the power washing nozzle at least 4 to 6 feet away from the wall at all times

For more information on how to properly clean and disinfect Trusscore products, download our Care & Maintenance Guide for Homeowners or for Industrial applications.

If the environment is particularly dry and dirty, you can apply an anti-static spray like Staticide to prevent buildup. For more care and maintenance recommendations, download our Care & Maintenance Guide for Homeowners or for Industrial applications.

When installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard on ceilings with 24" and 48" joist spacing, insulation can cause panel deflection. Our backloading technical guide can help you determine how much deflection you can expect based on different insulation types at different insulation R-values.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, RibCore, and NorLock are all low volatile organic compound (VOC) compliant and meet the California Department of Public Health 01350 standard for low-emitting materials. During construction, pre-finished Trusscore panels install with screws and don't require sanding or painting, keeping the air free from contaminants and VOCs like drywall dust, glue, and paint.

For more information about how Trusscore products positively contribute to indoor environmental quality (IEQ), visit our Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) benefits page. To learn about how Trusscore products can contribute to credits in the IEQ category for LEED certification, visit our Trusscore & LEED Certification page.

Yes, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is perfectly safe to install in interior, residential living spaces. In fact, the panels are a popular option for homeowners in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and more.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is low volatile organic compound (VOC) compliant and meets the California Department of Public Health 01350 standard for low-emitting materials. During construction, pre-finished Trusscore panels install with screws and don't require sanding or painting, keeping the air free from contaminants and VOCs like drywall dust, glue, and paint.

To learn more about how Trusscore products positively contribute to indoor environmental quality (IEQ), visit our Indoor Environmental Quality benefits page.

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, RibCore, and NorLock are all low volatile organic compound (VOC) compliant and meet the California Department of Public Health 01350 standard for low-emitting materials. During construction, pre-finished Trusscore panels install with screws and don't require sanding or painting, keeping the air free from contaminants and VOCs like drywall dust, glue, and paint.

For more information about how Trusscore products positively contribute to indoor environmental quality (IEQ), visit our Indoor Environmental Quality benefits page.

Trusscore products have the highest fire safety rating (Class A) per ASTM E84 and CAN/ULC-S102 standards, meaning they produce minimal smoke. This is important as smoke can hinder visibility and escape during fires.

While PVC materials, including those used by Trusscore, do release some toxic substances in fires, they are no more hazardous than many other common building materials. The main irritant gases released are acrolein (from both natural and synthetic sources like wood) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) from chlorine-containing materials like PVC. In typical fire scenarios, hydrogen chloride acts as an irritant rather than a lethal hazard. Therefore, the overall toxicity of PVC emissions is comparable to that of certain hardwoods, highlighting the safety of Trusscore materials in fires. 

Yes, Trusscore products are 100% recyclable. There are currently ways to recycle Trusscore off-cuts and excess material:

1. Drop it off in a Return Polymers FULL-CIRCLE Recycling Program bin.
2. Recycle it through a municipal facility or private recycling facility where PVC material is accepted.
3. Return it to a Trusscore manufacturing site.

For more information about how to recycle Trusscore products, visit our Recycling Program page.  

At Trusscore, we’re changing how people construct buildings and the environmental footprint left behind when they do. With sustainability at the core of our corporate mission, our goal is to minimize the environmental impact of our PVC-based products throughout their entire life cycle: 

• During manufacturing, we minimize the raw material used to manufacture our products by operating a zero-waste facility, using recycled materials wherever possible, and regrinding excess material created during production.  
• On the market, we offer a range of custom product sizes to reduce material waste during installation. Plus, Trusscore products are so durable they're designed to outlive the buildings they're installed in.
• And after you purchase Trusscore, we offer a full circle recycling program so off-cuts and excess material can be recycled up to six or seven times to make new PVC-based building materials. 

For more information on how we're reducing our carbon footprint and minimizing the environmental impact of our products, visit our Sustainability page.