How to Repair a Window With Brick Molding
Brick molding is a common style of home window. However, they are just as susceptible to cracks, leaks and other damage as any other type of window. In some cases the brick molding comes already attached to the window frame. The molding is attached with large staples while still being assembled in the factory. In these cases, the molding is then fastened to the house with long finishing nails. Partial or total replacement of the molding is typically the only repair method. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Reciprocating saw
- Metal cutting saw blade (to fit your reciprocating saw)
- Pry bar
- Pencil
- Sandpaper
- Wood dope
- Caulking gun
- Latex caulk
- Galvanized nails
- Miter saw
- Brick molding
Instructions
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1
Place the pry bar between the molding and the window frame, in the area you wish to remove for replacement. Tap the pry bar in using a hammer. Pry the damaged area of the molding away from the window frame.
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2
Cut through the nails and staples that hold the molding in place. They should be visible once you pry the molding far enough away from the window frame. Insert a reciprocating saw into the crack between the frame and the molding, then saw through all attached staples and nails.
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3
Flatten any exposed nails to the surface of the molding and frame. Use a hammer to tap them flush with the surface.
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4
Measure the area from which you removed the molding, using a tape measure. Record the height and width of the exposed area.
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5
Cut pieces of brick molding to fill the area that you've exposed, using a miter saw. Cut enough to fill the space. Also, when cutting, think about matching the lines of the new molding with that of the surrounding brick. This will hide the patching. You may also want to trim the remaining molding on the house so it is squared. This will make patching easier.
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6
Spread a bead of latex caulk along the window frame in the exposed area. This will create a seal between the brick molding and the window frame. It will keep out any moisture or drafts.
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7
Attach the new molding to the house. Secure it in place using galvanized nails and a hammer. Insert the nails through the molding and the frame of the house.
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Seal all seams between the patch, the old molding and the window frame with latex caulk.
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9
Cover any exposed nails with wood dope. Allow the wood dope to dry and harden, then sand it flush with the surface of the molding.
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References
- Photo Credit old brick wall with half distroyed brick image by Cherry-Merry from Fotolia.com
