How to Replace Exterior Trim Around Windows
Weather, insects and neglect are just a few of the reasons your window trim may need replacing. You have a choices of materials: The traditional wood trim is susceptible to moisture, mold and bugs and needs to be painted frequently; however, the price fits most budgets. For less maintenance, plastic trim and molding is becoming increasingly popular, but it carries a much higher price tag. Overall, the cost will balance out, as the plastic molding only needs paint every 5 to 10 years. You will never need to replace trim due to moisture rot or bugs. Whatever choice you make, this project is not hard, and it doesn't take very long to do each window. The time you spend will depend on the number of windows you have to trim. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- New molding Miter saw Flat pry bar Finishing nails Hammer Nail set Wood putty Exterior paintable caulk Polyurethane adhesive (if using plastic trim) Wood primer Paint or stain and sealer
Instructions
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1
Remove the old window trim. Tap a flat pry bar under the trim from the siding side, not the window side. Place a block of wood under the bar and over the siding so you don't damage it. Pry up the trim and move up or down with the bar until you get a piece off. You can then use the pry bar along the trim line and not have to worry about damaging the siding.
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2
Clean up the window frame; if it is damp, allow it to dry completely before installing new trim.
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3
Measure for the trim. If the old trim did not break as it came off, you can use it as a template for the new trim. Cut the corners with a miter saw, at 45-degree angles for the corners.
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4
If you are using wood trim, prime it before you hang it. If you are using plastic trim, it will already be primed.
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Nail wood trim in place or glue plastic trim in place. You can use a couple of nails to hold the plastic trim in place until the adhesive sets and holds it in. However, you do not want to use nails to permanently hold in plastic trim, as it will expand and shrink with the heat and cold and nailing it will cause distortion. Sink the nails in the wood trim with a nail set and putty over the holes.
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6
Caulk around the trim. Use caulk to seal the wood trim to the window frame so moisture does not get behind it. Also check your miter joints and make sure they are tight. If there are any gaps, use some wood putty to fill them in. You don't want to leave any space for moisture to get into or behind the wood.
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7
Paint the trim with a good-quality exterior paint. Use at least two coats, allowing drying time between each coat.
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