How To Replace Exterior Window Trim

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Replacing window trim not only improves your home'south appearance, information technology as well insulates it from the pelting and cold. To begin replacing the trim, carefully pull the old trim off and utilize it as a guide to cut the new trim to size. Installing the new trim is as unproblematic as nailing it onto your house and sealing the edges with caulk. Then you tin can make full in the nail holes with putty and paint the trim to make it look perfect around your window.

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Pry off the erstwhile trim with a pry bar. To avoid damaging the wall, concord a wood block against it. Residue the back of the pry bar on the wood block. Slide the forepart end of the pry bar between the trim and the building, then pry off the pieces of trim and underlying trim boards.^[one]
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Use expanding cream to fill up 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 cream into the gap. Let it aggrandize and harden for near 20 minutes before continuing.^[two]

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Apply flashing over the exposed wall if information technology isn't already at that place. Get a roll of adhesive-backed window flashing from the home improvement store. Cutting the flashing to size, so 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 every bit much every bit possible.^[iii]
- The flashing makes the trim and window more waterproof.

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Measure the dimensions of the window. Go around the window with a tape measure to figure out what length of trim y'all demand. Employ the old trim equally a guide if you withal have it on mitt. Mark your measurements on the trim pieces with a pencil.^[4]
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Put on safety glasses and a dust mask before cutting the trim. Wearable polycarbonate safety spectacles or a facemask to protect your eyes. Cutting the trim creates dust, so put on a mask or respirator to avert breathing information technology in.^[v]
- Clothing earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
- Avoid wearing loose wearable when using a saw.
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Cut the trim to size with a round saw. Carbide-tipped saw blades will give you a smooth cut. Apply the circular saw to cutting off the excess ends of the trim. Make straight cuts so the trim pieces can lay flush against i another.^[vi]
- Remember that it's better to go on the trim longer rather than shorter. Y'all can conform it equally needed after.
- To make the trim more decorative, you lot can cut the trim at a 45° with a miter saw.

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Pre-drill nail holes in the trim. Drill the holes through the outside surface of the trim. Drill a single pigsty at both ends of the trim. Yous'll need to infinite out two more holes betwixt them. Measure along the length of the trim then all the holes are an equal distance apart.^[7]
- For example, if the trim is sixteen in (41 cm) long, drill the holes every 4 in (ten cm).
- Pay close attention to the way you install the trim to brand sure information technology isn't backwards or upside-down.^[8]
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Nail the trim to the wall. Get enough 2.five in (6.4 cm) nails for all the holes in the trim. Showtime by placing the elevation slice of trim on the wall. Make sure it's level before nailing it in identify. And then fit the side and bottom trim pieces equally shut together equally possible before fastening them to the wall.^[9]
- If you're working with PVC trim instead of woods, use steel trim-caput screws instead.
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Utilise caulk around the trim. Squeeze a bead of caulk betwixt the trim and the edifice'due south siding. Spread the caulk all the way effectually the trim. Exercise the same thing between the trim and the window'south edge. Finish by smoothing the caulk with a moistened fabric or finger.^[10]
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Fill the blast holes with painter'south putty. Push putty or a paintable caulk into the holes. Use a putty pocketknife to smooth the filler textile and scrape off whatever backlog. You lot'll and then demand to wait for it to dry out. If it all the same doesn't look level, sand down the backlog filler with 120-grit sandpaper.
- Bank check the characterization on the putty or caulk to figure out how long information technology takes to dry out.^[11]
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Prime and paint the trim as needed. If you're painting wood, brush on a coat of primer and let it dry out overnight first. Pigment the trim, including the filler in the nail holes, with small, even brush strokes. You can too color woods with a wood stainer instead of paint.^[12]
- If yous're painting or staining wood, it's recommended that yous apply a forest sealant subsequently painting to protect the trim from water damage.
- Comprehend bushes and grass with a tarp to protect them from harm. Wipe upwardly any dripping paint immediately so information technology doesn't have a take a chance to dry.

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What are some mistakes you run into when people are replacing the trim on their windows?

Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business concern degree from Monroe Customs College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com go an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public schoolhouse systems.

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