What is exterior window trim?
Residential buildings typically have thick window trim that helps emphasize the architecture and provide a clean and welcoming appearance for the home. No matter what style you’re going for, exterior window trim offers a practical way to add color coordination and style to beautify the finished look. Does Exterior Window Trim Impact Home Value?
What happens if you don't trim your exterior windows?
If you’ve ever seen exterior windows without trim, it’s easy to see that something is missing. The dual role of exterior window trim is its stylistic contribution to the home. Windows without exterior trim can appear as bland, unfinished, sterile, and commercial.
Does window trim have to match other trim?
Trim is a crucial part of the home’s exterior design, and window trim needs to be able to match the trim used elsewhere, right down to the little areas like fascia board and edge trim. When selecting window trim, remember that appearance can be influenced by material.
Why is window trim important?
Window trim is essential to the exterior of any home as it covers the edges of the window frame and siding. This helps to protect against harsh weather and seasonal extremes and ultimately extend the lifespan of your home.
What does exterior window trim do?
Window trim is essential to the exterior of any home as it covers the edges of the window frame and siding. This helps to protect against harsh weather and seasonal extremes and ultimately extend the lifespan of your home.
What is the trim for exterior windows called?
Exterior Window CasingWhat is Exterior Window Casing? Casing is a type of moulding used as trim for the perimeter of windows and doors.
Do windows need interior trim?
For decoration, window trim works to cover imperfections and add style. “It's just about impossible to put a window in and have everything match up perfectly so that it doesn't need any trim,” says Melanie Musson, a window expert with USInsuranceAgents.com.
Do all windows need casing?
Do windows need casing? No, windows do not need casing. Homes often forgo casing windows as a means to save money or even as a style choice. Windows without casing can leave more room for art or can focus the eye on the view outside of the window.
How do you finish exterior windows?
3:257:04How to Trim Exterior Windows - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipExactly to the top. Nice and square. And nail it. In.MoreExactly to the top. Nice and square. And nail it. In.
How do you finish exterior window trim?
5:3913:28How to Install Exterior Window Trim - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen lower the blade. And cut the drip groove under the front edge. Finally make two passes alongMoreThen lower the blade. And cut the drip groove under the front edge. Finally make two passes along the backside of the sail to cut the notch for siding. And cut the sills length.
Do new windows include trim?
Full-Frame Replacement Windows A full-frame window installation includes removing and replacing the interior and exterior trim. This is a more comprehensive method of replacement and often the best install for maximizing glass space and overall opening energy efficiency.
What is the best exterior window trim?
Cedar Trim Cedar is probably one of the most frequently installed wood trim products. Wood has a natural appeal and appearance that looks good with nearly every type of siding. And cedar naturally resists things like insect activity and moisture, so it outlasts most other types of wood.
Do modern homes have window sills?
They're such a vital part of every kind of modern dwelling that you'll even see them in most manufactured housing units. About the only time you'll find a place that lacks window sills of some sort is if a contractor is currently in the process of redoing the walls.
What is the difference between trim and casing?
Casing is a type of trim. Casing tends to refer to the trim around windows and doorways in a home. But trim can also refer to other types of molding, like baseboards or crown molding. Both are important for home design.
What is the difference between window casing and window frame?
Casing is the decorative molding or framing around a window that is used to cover the space between the window frame or jamb and the wall.
What is the difference between trim and molding?
TRIM is a general term that refers to all molding in a home (i.e. window casing, door casing, baseboards, etc.). MOLDING (or moulding) is a broad classification of millwork (any type of woodwork that is produced in a mill …
Which molding is typically used around exterior windows and doors?
Brickmold is an exterior trim that is typically used to finish and seal the openings of exterior doors and windows and provides an attractive transition between the door or window and the siding on the home.
What material is used to trim exterior windows?
Wood. The most classic choice for exterior house trim is wood. Solid wood, as well as composite options, are available. Many homeowners prefer wood trim because of its natural look and feel but quality wood products are becoming scarcer, and therefore more expensive.
What is a window casing?
Casing is the decorative molding or framing around a window that is used to cover the space between the window frame or jamb and the wall.
How do you replace exterior trim?
How to Replace Rotted House TrimPerform an Inspection. ... Get Lumber Matching Your Existing Boards. ... Apply a Primer. ... Take Off the Rotten Trim. ... Determine Whether the Rot Has Spread. ... Install New Trim. ... Add Trim Around Windows and Doors. ... Add a Metal Drip Edge.More items...
Evaluate All Elements of the Exterior
One of the first things to do is to evaluate all the different architectural components of the house. Some structures have a more detailed facade than others, and visualizing the color scape of the entire exterior can help determine if the exterior trim should match the windows.
Color Contrast Can Enhance the Exterior Facade
For most exteriors, color contrast is the way to go. Selecting exterior trim that contrasts with the window sash can elevate the home’s visual appearance and create an interesting color dynamic that elevates curb appeal and generates character.
Exceptions to the Design Rule
There are always exceptions to the rule, and it’s no different with exterior trim colors. Even though color contrast is more common for exterior trim and windows, many modern buildings feature matching exterior trim and windows for a smoother, more consistent visual appearance.
Matching Exterior Trim and Siding
Color will also play a significant role in how the exterior trim and windows look against the exterior siding. In many cases, matching the exterior trim with the siding can create a beautiful, seamless appearance, especially when a striking color is used for the window sash.
Keep Consistent Color for the Long Run
Whether you decide to match the windows with exterior trim or not, it’s worth it to find a high-quality trim provider and source long-lasting trim for your renovation project. There’s nothing worse than finally getting the perfect exterior look and then needing to re-paint or re-stain the trim because of deterioration a few years down the line.
Exterior window trim or not?
Hello - We are building a new house and are trying to decide whether or not to put exterior trim around our windows. We have already picked out black shingles, white drip edge and soffit, pewter siding and shake, and black windows. We will also have a stone entryway and skirt.
Comments (5)
You need the trim, but it doesn't have to be white. You can take the pewter color and add 75% white to it. Also do a sample with the pewter + 50% white. The style of the house does not look craftsman. Simple trim will not complicate the design. The trim helps the windows look more finished.
What is window trim?
Trim is a crucial part of the home’s exterior design, and window trim needs to be able to match the trim used elsewhere, right down to the little areas like fascia board and edge trim.
How many people do you need to install a trim?
Because of its weight, it often requires two people to install, when one person alone might be able to put in a lighter trim. This means that you’re paying more for the material and for the installation than you might be if you had selected another material.
What is fiber cement trim?
Fiber Cement Trim. Fiber cement is designed to help address some of the issues with these other materials. It has a wood grain, isn’t impacted by hot or cold climates, and it doesn’t dent or easily chip. Unfortunately, fiber cement is very heavy, difficult to work with, and costly.
What is the best material to replace wood?
Aluminum Trim. Aluminum is one of the first materials brought to market as an alternative to wood. It resists insect activity and moisture, and it does better than vinyl in all climates. However, aluminum has some other issues that often make it less than ideal.
What is the best wood trim for siding?
Cedar Trim. Cedar is probably one of the most frequently installed wood trim products. Wood has a natural appeal and appearance that looks good with nearly every type of siding. And cedar naturally resists things like insect activity and moisture, so it outlasts most other types of wood.
Why is trim important?
As important as trim is to the facade of the home, trim that starts peeling, chipping, or rotting quickly will end up detracting from the beauty of the home much too fast. That’s why so many different trim materials exist; because everyone wants to make sure that the trim they choose is the one that’s going to deliver.
Does vinyl need to be painted?
The color of the vinyl goes all the way through, so as long as you stick to the original color, it never needs to be painted. Vinyl has several drawbacks, however, that often make it less than desirable. The material can melt and warp in high heat and become brittle and crack in cold weather.
Why Does Exterior Window Trim Matter?
If you want your home to stand out and turn heads, choosing the right exterior window trim can help make this happen. To maximize your home’s curb appeal , look at window frame options and window molding ideas. Think about which styles would suit your preferences. A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to exterior design. With the help of this guide, you certainly won’t run out of ideas.
Why do we need window trim?
Window trim is essential to the exterior of any home as it covers the edges of the window frame and siding. This helps to protect against harsh weather and seasonal extremes and ultimately extend the lifespan of your home.
What are the factors that determine the exterior window casing?
There are three main factors bearing on the choice of exterior window casing. These include the exterior window trim style, color, and material. Getting these right will have a significant effect on the look of your home.
What is simple trim?
Simple trim is for those who want to add a subtle feature to the exterior of their home. This style tends to blend in with the home’s siding or is just a shade or two away. Some homeowners accompany simple trim with decorative shutters to give the windows a more finished look. Others with a more minimalistic style leave the simple trim as is.
What is modern trim?
Modern window trims fall in line with modern architecture: straight lines, edges, roofs, and big windows. Most homeowners love the modern look. This style typically matches the design of the house and is not contrasting or flashy. Using modern trim gives any home a contemporary feel. When it comes to choosing a color for modern trim, black window frames are a bold choice.
What is rustic trim?
Rustic window trim is another style that is a continuation of a home’s overall design. This trim suits rustic cottages and/or farmhouses where materials like wood are used, and the gain exposed. Because it gives off a natural feel, rustic window trim is perfect for homes that want to blend into the nature surrounding them.
What is the best trim for a house?
Vinyl trim is probably the most popular style. It has excellent heat and moisture resistance. This option is also generally quite sturdy. Unlike certain wood trims, you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing them. Vinyl looks amazing on modern homes and provides a clean finish. The only drawback: there are limited variations and colors available.
What would happen if window casings were required on the exterior?
If window casings were required on the exterior, the manufactuirers would be providing them or explicitly instruting you to use them.
What is no trim versus trim?
No trim versus trim is simply a matter of eye appeal to the beholder.
Do you need more trim to be weather tight?
I like the look, and you certainly don't need anything more to be reasonably weather-tight. Fancier trim just adds more joints and more places to leak.
Can you remove a window without breaking stucco?
the new window can be easily removed without breaking stucco if it's ever necessary.
Does window trim have weather protection?
Except that detail has NOTHING to do with mid century modern. To the o.p., go for it. Window trim, on it's own, provides no extra weather barrier. It's all about the detailing, with or without trim.
Does stucco run right up the window?
Many houses, however, have no trim at all - the stucco runs right up the the window frame.
Trim or no trim on deep windows? Your opinions needed
Hi. We're in the process of remodeling a house and it has very deep windows on the first floor of the house (see photos). Currently there is sheetrock all around the window, but it doesn't feel finished to me.
Comments (18)
This is called a "drywall return" and it's a perfectly acceptable modern way to finish a window, especially where one wishes to keep trim to a minimum throughout. I do them in all my rehabs.
Do you have to lift a finger to install a new window?
And you don’t want to deal with a leaking, inefficient window down the road. Hiring a professional will save you time and prevent headaches. Plus, you won’t have to lift a finger.
Do you caulk trimmed out windows?
Tip 3: Don’t Caulk Trimmed-Out Windows. Many modern homes have trimmed-out windows that sit above the siding. As a rule of thumb, you should never caulk this window type. There is no reason to seal the joints. And if you do, you may end up causing more harm than good.
Do you need to caulk around windows?
The ledge above the window frame also doesn’t need any caulk. This area has a drip edge that helps keeps the frame dry.
Coordination and Style
Sizing and Style
- Trim comes in many different sizes, as well as a few different styles. Trim can be plain or decorative, and some trims can be layered on top of one another to create a more dimensional appearance for the exterior. This is an important consideration when selecting window trim; you need to make sure that the trim is large enough to frame the windows properly, showing them of…
Window Trim Materials
- Window trim comes in just as many materials as house siding, if not even more. And every homeowner is going to be looking for a trim that not only matches and complements their exterior, but trim that also keeps looking great year after year. As important as trim is to the facade of the home, trim that starts peeling, chipping, or rotting quickly will end up detracting fro…
Get The Better Window Trim
- By using preservative-treated wood trim from Belco Forest Products, you get an environmentally-friendly, real wood trim that lasts. Choose a better window trim for your next project, and visit Belco Forest Productsto learn more about their material.