How to Replace Brick Molding on a Stucco House
Brick molding is an exterior trim used on brick and other masonry surfaces such as stucco. It is used to trim around windows and doors. Over time the molding can begin to rot and will require replacement. Exterior molding often rots around the bottom portions where water exposure is heaviest. It is important to replace rotted molding because it can cause water damage to your windows and doors as well as the areas surrounding the openings. Remove the old molding carefully to avoid damaging the surface of your stucco. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- Flat pry bar
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Miter saw
- Window and door caulk
- Caulk gun
- Finish nails
- Nail set
- Exterior wood putty
- Putty knife
- Sanding pad, fine-grit
- Exterior primer
- Paintbrush
- Exterior paint
Instructions
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Score along the caulk lines on the outside edges of the brick molding, using a utility knife. This will help break the seal along the molding.
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2
Slide the flat bar underneath the back side of the molding at the bottom end and pry up. Work your way along the length of the molding and gently pry it up. Once it is lifted from the exterior framing, you can pull it off with your hands.
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3
Remove any stray nails left in the area where you removed the molding, using the claw side of the hammer.
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4
Measure the length of the molding that you removed and mark the length and angles required for it on the replacement molding, using a tape measure and pencil.
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5
Lay the replacement molding with the back side flat against the table of a miter saw. Cut the molding to length. Adjust the miter saw to cut the required angles for the molding and cut the angles.
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6
Clip the tip off from the caulk with an utility knife and break the seal with the puncture tool on the caulk gun. Insert the caulk tube tip first into the caulk gun. Apply a bead of caulk along the back side of the molding and on each end. Spread the caulk out on the ends with your finger so that it seals the exposed wood.
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7
Fit the replacement molding into place on the exterior framing. Hammer finish nails through the molding every 6 to 8 inches. Set the nails 1/16 inch deep by centering a nail set on the heads and tapping it with a hammer.
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8
Fill the nail holes with wood putty, using a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry overnight. Sand the putty flush with the surface of the molding with a fine-grit sanding pad.
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9
Touch up the filled holes with primer and paint, using a paintbrush. Allow four hours between primer and paint coats.
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Tips & Warnings
Maintain the paint on your brick molding to help preserve it and avoid having to replace it.
Wear eye protection when replacing brick molding.
