Step By Step Instructions Of Replacing Trim Around Windows
If you are looking to improve the appearance of your home, then replacing window trim is one of the key factors, which will also insulate your home from the rain as well as cold. When you think of replacing window trim, you will, first of all, need to remove the old trim carefully & then use this removed trim as a guide to cut the new trim to size. Installing the new trim is extremely simple just like nailing it onto your house and sealing the edges using caulk. Then you can fill in the nail holes using putty and paint the trim in order to make it look perfect around your window.
Step 1: Removing Old Trim And Waterproofing The Window
- Pry Off The Old Trim With A Pry Bar
In order to keep the wall from getting damaged, you need to take hold of a wood block against it. Place the back of the pry bar on the wood block. Move the front end of the pry bar smoothly between the trim and the building, before prying off the pieces of trim as well as underlying trim boards. - Use Expanding Foam When It Comes To Filling In Wall Gaps
It is highly possible that there will be a gap around the window where the trim was. Put on a pair of gloves in order to cover your hands, before spraying a thin layer of expanding foam into the gap. Allow it to expand as well as harden for nearly 20 minutes before moving forward. - Put Or Spread Flashing Over The Exposed Wall If It Isn’t Already There
You can purchase a roll of adhesive-backed window flashing from any home improvement store. Cut the flashing to size, before peeling off the backing in order to stick the flashing in place. Start with the top as well as bottom edges, wedging them underneath the building's boards and window siding as much as you possibly can. The flashing will help make the trim as well as window more waterproof.
Step 2: Cutting The New Trim
- Calculate Or Compute The Dimensions Of The Window
Go around the window using a tape measure in order to figure out the length of trim needed. Use the old trim that you have removed earlier as a guide. Mark your calculations on the trim pieces with the help of a pencil. - Wear Safety Glasses & Dust Mask
Put on safety glasses as well as a dust mask & then cut the trim. Wear polycarbonate safety glasses or a facemask in order to safeguard your eyes. Cutting the trim will create dust, therefore, it is important to put on a mask or respirator in order to avoid breathing it in. Wear earplugs or earmuffs when it comes to protecting your hearing. Keep away from wearing loose clothing when using a saw. - Cut The Trim To Size With The Help Of A Circular Saw
Make sure to use Carbide-tipped saw blades, which will help in smooth cut. Use the circular saw in order to cut off the excess ends of the trim. Make straight cuts in order to make sure that the trim pieces can lay flush against one another. It is better to keep the trim longer instead of shorter. You can adjust it, as needed later. To make the trim more decorative, it is important to cut the trim at a 45° with the help of a miter saw.
Step 3: Installing The New Trim
- Pre-drill Nail Holes In The Trim
Pre-drill nail holes in the trim before drilling the holes along the outside surface of the trim. Drill a single hole at both the ends of the trim. You need to space out two more holes between them. Compute through the length of the trim in order to make sure that all the holes are an equal distance apart. For instance, if the trim is 16 inches long, then drill the holes every 4 inches. It is important to be very attentive while installing the trim in order to make sure that it isn't backwards or upside-down. - Nail The Trim To The Wall
Get enough 2.5 inch nails for all the holes in the trim. Start by laying down the top piece of trim on the wall. Make sure it is level before you nail it in place. Then, fit the side as well as bottom trim pieces as close together as possible & then fasten them to the wall. If you are working with PVC trim rather than wood, then it is best to use steel trim-head screws instead. - Apply Caulk Around The Trim
Squeeze a bead of caulk betwixt the trim and the building’s siding. Apply the caulk all the way around the trim. Do the same thing betwixt the trim and the window’s edge. Finish by smoothing the caulk with the help of a moistened cloth or finger. - Fill The Nail Holes With Painter’s Putty
Push putty or a paintable caulk into the holes before using a putty knife in order to smooth the filler material and scrape off any excess. You will then need to wait for it to dry. If it still doesn’t look level, then sand down the excess filler using 120-grit sandpaper. Check the label on the putty or caulk in order to figure out how long it takes to dry. - Prime And Paint The Trim As Needed
If you are painting wood, brush on a coat of primer before allow it to dry overnight first. Paint the trim, including the filler in the nail holes, with the help of small, even brush strokes. You can also color wood with the help of a wood stainer instead of paint. If you are painting or staining wood, it is highly recommended that you apply a wood sealant after painting in order to protect the trim from water damage. Cover bushes as well as grass using a tarp in order to protect them from damage. Wipe up any dripping paint immediately in order to make sure that it doesn’t have a chance to dry.