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Installing exterior window trim is a great way to add curb appeal to your home. It’s also a simple project that many homeowners easily accomplish themselves.
Exterior trim is designed to cover the interior surfaces of a home and provides additional visual appeal.
Several trim types can be used on exterior windows, but not all are created equally.
To install exterior window trim over siding, you must consider each product’s properties before making your final decision.
Exterior window trim can make a big difference, visually and structurally, to the look of your home.
If you have sidings installed, then the exterior elements of your house need to match.
Materials Used For Exterior Window Trim
- Aluminum Window Trim – Aluminum exterior window trim is a popular choice because it’s affordable, durable, and easy to install. Aluminum also comes in many different colors and styles, so you can match it up with your existing siding material or paint color.
- Wood – If you’re looking for a more traditional look, choose wood as your material for your window trim. It comes in many different styles and colors, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your home perfectly!
- Vinyl Window Trim – If you’re looking for something more modern or streamlined, vinyl may be what you’re looking for. This material is easy to work with and doesn’t require much maintenance once installed.
- Fiber cement. Fiber cement is another popular choice for exterior window trim because it’s durable and looks great on most homes. Fiber cement can be made from recycled materials and is eco-friendly and durable for outdoor use.
Tips For Installing Exterior Window Trim
- Plan ahead – The first step in installing exterior window trim is planning out the project. You’ll need to know how much material is needed, where to buy it, and how much it will cost before you begin working on your home improvement project.
- Ensure the trim’s surface underneath where you will install is clean and dry before starting any work.
- Use a tape measure or ruler when measuring distances between two points or objects. It will help you to know exactly where to place your nails or screws.
- Before installing exterior window trims, ensure you have all the tools and materials needed for this project.
Deciding what type of window trim you need for your home is the first step in choosing the right product.
There are many different types of exterior window trim to choose from:
- Drywall or paneling: These are available in various colors and textures. They’re used on the interior of houses to cover walls, but they can also be used on the exterior.
- Insulated glass: This is similar to aluminum but has a much thicker layer of glass between the frame and insulating foam, making it more resistant to wind and weather damage than most other window trim types.
When you install siding, choose a trim that matches your home and the style of your siding.
Exterior trim should match the style of your house and the materials used in your roof or siding.
If you want to add an accent or decorative feature to your home, consider using a trim called bullnose molding.
This type of molding is available in several styles, including beadboard and tongue-and-groove.
It has a smooth surface that creates a decorative edge around the top of windows and doors.
Considerations That You Should Make Before Installing Exterior Window Trim Over Siding
- Make sure that the trim is compatible with the siding material, either by using a sample board or by testing the trim at Home Depot before you purchase it.
- Measure all parts, including any openings in your doorjambs or windowsills, and ensure they are large enough to accommodate the trim.
- Use nails instead of screws to avoid splitting or tearing the siding material during installation.
- When using glue, only products designed explicitly with exterior trimming materials; avoid glues containing silicones and other additives that can cause discoloration or peeling problems over time.
- Consider how much weight your window trim will support. If your windows are heavy or have high winds in your area, it is best to go with heavier-duty window trim.
- You should also ensure that your trim is compatible with your siding material. For example, suppose you’re installing aluminum flashing over the vinyl siding. In that case, it won’t stick well and may come loose over time due to moisture problems caused by condensation on the window sills during winter.
The tools you need to complete your exterior window trim installation will depend on the type of window trim you are installing, but here are the most common:
Tools For Exterior Window Trim Installation
- Hammer – Use this tool to drive nails into the studs.
- Nails – Use these long, pointed nails to attach your window trim over the siding.
- Stud finder – This tool is used to locate and mark the studs on which you are installing your window trim over siding.
- Level – Use this tool to ensure your cuts are precisely level.
- A power saw or a circular saw with at least a 24-inch blade.
- Caulk gun and caulk that matches your siding color.
- Safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask for safety reasons.
- Sealing compound and a caulking knife.
- Ladder – A ladder is needed to reach parts of your house that are not at ground level or too high for you to reach with your hands alone.
Step By Step For Installing Exterior Window Trim Over Siding
Step 1: Mark the new window trim onto the siding.
Step 2: Remove the old window trim from the siding using a small pry bar and hammer.
Step 3: Cut the new window trim to match the size of your existing window trim.
Step 4: Install the new trim by drilling pilot holes into each piece of wood and screwing them into place with screws.
Step 5: Use a template to mark where you want to drill additional holes for your new screws before drilling them.
Step 6: Secure new trim against siding with screws and finish nails (if needed). Place an end-to-end wire along your window opening to hold down any excess vinyl or aluminum until it’s nailed down securely after installation.
Takeaway
Installing exterior window trim over siding is a relatively simple process. You can install it yourself if you have basic building skills and tools.
Before installing window trims on your house, ensure you’ve gathered all the required materials and understand the installation process.
If you’re not sure how to do it, hire a professional to do the job for you.
