Exterior Window Trim
Exterior window trim is what it sounds like. It is window trim that goes around your exterior windows. Like interior window trim, exterior window trim adds a nice finished look to the window itself. However, trim on the exterior windows must also help seal the seams around the window to protect the interior from the elements. Installation of exterior window trim is a little more involved because of this.
There is a multitude of exterior window trim options to choose from. Go to any home improvement store and you will find a large wall board covered in many different styles, ranging from the very plain to the very ornate. If you have your own original exterior window trim ideas, you can buy a router bit and easily decorate the molding with your own design.
Whether you are replacing exterior window trim or adding new windows and trim, there are a few extra things to remember. Exterior window trim will almost always have miter joints instead of butt joints or corner blocks. This is to prevent water from settling in flat surfaces that would be present in a butt joint. Also, make sure you are using galvanized nails. Regular nails will soon rust out. Finally, after you have the trim in place, make sure you fill all the seams with an exterior caulk. Spend a little extra time on this final step. There's nothing worse than doing all that work only to find mold and water rot creeping in after a rainy season.
Although this is a fairly basic task, some people may still find it to daunting for their skill set. This is where Google and craigslist would be your friend. Any affordable handyman should be able to handle this job with a reasonable bid. Remember to always get 2-3 bids!
I'd like to add that exterior window trim can be every bit as decorative as interior window trim. Although most people will stick with the basic (and plain) trim, I find that adding trim that has been carved with some unique designs really help your house stand out.
There is a multitude of exterior window trim options to choose from. Go to any home improvement store and you will find a large wall board covered in many different styles, ranging from the very plain to the very ornate. If you have your own original exterior window trim ideas, you can buy a router bit and easily decorate the molding with your own design.
Whether you are replacing exterior window trim or adding new windows and trim, there are a few extra things to remember. Exterior window trim will almost always have miter joints instead of butt joints or corner blocks. This is to prevent water from settling in flat surfaces that would be present in a butt joint. Also, make sure you are using galvanized nails. Regular nails will soon rust out. Finally, after you have the trim in place, make sure you fill all the seams with an exterior caulk. Spend a little extra time on this final step. There's nothing worse than doing all that work only to find mold and water rot creeping in after a rainy season.
Although this is a fairly basic task, some people may still find it to daunting for their skill set. This is where Google and craigslist would be your friend. Any affordable handyman should be able to handle this job with a reasonable bid. Remember to always get 2-3 bids!
I'd like to add that exterior window trim can be every bit as decorative as interior window trim. Although most people will stick with the basic (and plain) trim, I find that adding trim that has been carved with some unique designs really help your house stand out.
