Replacing trim around windows

So you've decided to replace your windows. You may be wondering, when getting new windows, should I replace the trim? In this article, we'll explore how to decide whether it's the right time to replace your window trim.

The first reason to opt for new window trim is if it has worn out and no longer looks presentable. Weather, moisture and insects can cause the trim to discolor, splinter and rot. The second reason to replace window trim is if it no longer fits with the style of the windows and your home.

Replacing your windows presents you with the opportunity to give your windows a complete makeover, upgrading to a more modern-looking trim. However, if you have other windows in your home with the existing trim style that you are not planning to update, or if you like your trim style and are concerned about finding something similar — you may want to consider salvaging your trim for use around your newly installed windows.

You may be able to save money by getting the trim replaced at the same time the windows are replaced if your contractor or manufacturer offers some kind of bundled package. This can be a big cost-saver if you're replacing your windows all at once. Measure the distance from each side jamb at the top of the rough opening. Cut the 3-inch MDF to that length.

Ensure the head jamb is plumb and level — if needed, use shims. Install the head jamb with 2-inch finishing nails. With the interior jambs and stoop in place, install the casing. If using rosettes, install those first.

Ensure that the rosette is plumb and square before securing it with 2-inch finishing nails. Adhesive can also be used to install the rosette. Install the casing. Measure the distance between the stool and the rosette for the sides and between both rosettes for the head. Cut each piece of casing to the specific length for each measurement. Typically, the casing is attached with a small part of the jamb visible.

Make sure that each piece is plumb to the placement you have chosen and attach with 2-inch finishing nails. Use a nail set to countersink all the nails on the trim. Install the apron under the stool. Typically, the apron is the casing turned upside down, which is what we have done here. Measure the length from side casing to side casing to determine the length of the apron.

Cut and install the apron, ensuring that it is level and plumb with the outside dimensions of each side casing. There are numerous ways to finish the ends of the apron; we left our ends blunt.

Another window trim element is the cove mold, which is attached to the apron just beneath the stool, but we chose to forgo that element. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Things You'll Need.

Related Articles. Part 1. Pry off the old trim with a pry bar. To avoid damaging the wall, hold a wood block against it. Rest the back of the pry bar on the wood block. Slide the front end of the pry bar between the trim and the building, then pry off the pieces of trim and underlying trim boards. Use expanding foam to fill in wall gaps. On older houses, you may notice a gap around the window where the trim was. Put on a pair of gloves to cover your hands, then spray a thin layer of expanding foam into the gap.

Let it expand and harden for about 20 minutes before continuing. Get a roll of adhesive-backed window flashing from the home improvement store.

Cut the flashing to size, then peel off the backing to stick the flashing in place. Start with the top and bottom edges, wedging them under the building's boards and window siding as much as possible. Part 2. Measure the dimensions of the window. Go around the window with a tape measure to figure out what length of trim you need. Use the old trim as a guide if you still have it on hand. Mark your measurements on the trim pieces with a pencil. All my sheathing around them looks like yours.

Wow this is super useful! Another thing to add for my DIY list. The painter is coming tomorrow to pressure wash and paint. I had a person called to repair the wood but as happens so often in the south it fell through. With a cold and rain threatening. Because of my HOA, do not get me started.

Got any ideas about how to do house trim above the fascia? Hey Kathleen! Probably would need two people and two ladders to handle the long stock. This was very helpful. Thanks so much. Is vinyl the best material to use to last long and prevent any patch work in the future? I have an old house that is getting more and more rotted wood. I want to replace all the windows with a better material and be done with it for good!!!!

Vinyl is a great material for the actual window. For the trim, cellular PVC what I used above will certainly hold up well long term. If you need to go with wood for HOA, etc… then cypress trim is supposed to be very rot resistant. Not common up in New England though. Frugal tip: cans of spray foam are reusable! Remove the application straw immediately after you apply the spray foam.

Spray a pipe cleaner with WD and pass it though the straw to clean it out. Use the WD and pipe cleaner combo to clean the nozzle as well. Once everything is clean you can reattach the straw and reuse the can at a later date. The front of my house has a brick exterior and 4 normal sized rectangle windows about 3 ft wide by 5 feet tall.

The opening of the brick front is much larger vertically, so below each window is a square about 3 ft by 3 ft piece of white wood with a trim around it. That wood and trim is rotting out and needs to be replaced.

This seems easy to do, I was just looking for some advice before I start. This diy is exactly what I was looking for! Some friends helped install new vinyl windows for my house, but never installed trim. I was looking at getting the windows capped, but its expensive. We love the door or would just replace it. The issue is that we live in AK and with the earthquakes and extreme temperature changes it can be damaging even to the best made material. He honestly tried to tell me the the window and frame were all one piece before I pointed out to him that the trim was coming off in one spot.

Great tutorial! There are so many things i am redoing and only so much money, so I have to pick and choose. Granite, i cannot do by myself. Replacing rotted trim, I can! Thanks to you!!!!

Love your writing style. Informative and entertaining. We are buying a house next month which we need to trim and seal a bathroom window.. This post will come in handy. The exterior wood trim on my garage door needs replacing but at the bottom there is a space that lets allot of water into the garage. Can u help? Confused about the fire and ice tape… this is applied over the top and directly onto the hardened foam spray?

I like how you sad that demolition is the best part of any home project. We are thinking of replacing our downstairs windows this spring. Thanks for the tips on how to replace exterior windows. Great article, but better things than expanding foam?

You could, in theory, restart the can if you put the tip on that little peg on the top of the trigger. He said this was ok. Will water get behind? Width and length is ok. I could see how your finger would be the right shape to correctly smooth it out. Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Home Improvement Look at that nicely flashed window! The finished product! There was an error submitting your subscription.