How to Trim Around Exterior of Window
Trimming around the exterior of a window is necessary to hide the gap that's between the window unit and the surrounding wall, where the window unit is shimmed to adjust it to square. The trim also provides a visual element that sets off the window from the rest of the wall, and ties it into the trim that's on the rest of the house. In most cases, exterior trim will be painted, so pre-priming the trim before installation will make the painting portion go easier.
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Things You'll Need
- Primed flat exterior window molding
- Tape measure
- Miter saw
- Trim nailer
- All-weather caulk
Instructions
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1
Measure the upper horizontal span of the window casing (the edge of wood that surrounds the window). Transfer the measurement to a piece of molding, with two marks and at least 6 inches of extra space beyond each.
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2
Set the molding on a miter saw with the bottom edge of the piece against the back "fence" of the saw. Position one mark in front of the blade. Swivel the blade to 45 degrees, pointing away from the main span of the trim. Cut it.
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3
Move the piece so the second mark is under the blade. Swivel the blade to 45 degrees in the opposite direction. Cut it.
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4
Set the piece of molding over the top of the window, with the lower edge of the molding sitting at the upper edge of the casing. The two miter cuts should angle upward off the two upper corners of the opening. Affix the molding with trim nails, shooting them in every foot along the top and bottom edge of the piece.
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5
Repeat the whole process for the remaining sides of the window, measuring and cutting for each of the sides. Install the pieces with the miters pressed to each other to form the corners.
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6
Caulk all around the trim where it meets the wall and the casing. Let the caulk dry for a day before painting.
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