how to install exterior window trim on vinyl siding

Be aware that this may need to be cut to fit around your new trim.If you purchased trim that arrived unfinished, there are two ways to achieve the look you want. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Several apartments, homes and renovations later, she’s now mastered the art of DIY and covers this topic for Hunker and SFGate. Once your new windowsill is secure, glue vinyl end caps to each end.Next, install the casing around the sides and top of the window. 2.

12. After both sides are done, do the same for the top of the window.You are now ready for your new molding. 8. For even more personality and charm, add a decorative corner or crown molding above the door or window. Once those have been installed, place your last piece of molding on top of the window and mark were the vertical moldings will meet that piece. Next, place the vertical boards around the window and loosely secure them with a nail in each mark. If you choose to paint one coat prior to installation, make sure the paint is completely dry before you install the new trim.Either way, once you have installed the trim, use spackling compound on any nail holes before painting. Use tin snips to trim off the metal flashing covering the exterior windowsill. Always use a stain or paint that is exterior grade, especially if your trim is made of wood. Slide each siding piece into the J-channel and secure to house with roofing nails.Get the latest This Old House news, updates and special offers every week, direct to your inbox. 10. Unscrew and remove the storm window from the outside of the window. 6. Replacing window trim not only improves your home's appearance, it also insulates it from the rain and cold. Then, adjust the trim as needed by adding wood shims along the sides so that the boards are securely in place and centered against the house. Gia enjoys writing stories that both educate and encourage others to take a chance and try something new. These products protect the wood from splitting and cracking over time.Gia Miller received her journalism degree from The University of Georgia and began her career as an intern at O, The Oprah Magazine. 3. Mark where the top piece of molding intersects the vertical molding at each end.

16. Installing or replacing the trim around exterior windows not only adds a decorative look to the outside of your home, it also keeps the inside of your home dry by preventing water from entering between the wall and the window. While all exterior trims have a drip cap at the top and a windowsill at the bottom, the look varies greatly depending on the style of your home.Once you’ve selected your style of casing, use measuring tape to figure out the correct length, height and depth of the trim, but be aware that the size will not be perfect, so you’ll likely need some shims.

Install the top piece of molding, snapping it over the vertical side moldings. Cut your trim and then hold it up around the window to make sure you are happy with the size.Set the horizontal boards aside and use a ruler and a pencil to mark four even spots on the vertical boards.

Repeat to cut and install vinyl casing for the opposite side and top of window. Once complete, repeat the process with the horizontal boards.When everything is in place, set each nail far into the trim board, then cover the holes with wood putty, removing any excess to create a smooth surface.If your home has vinyl siding, and you’d like to add vinyl window trim, you will first need to remove the existing siding and J-channel from around the windows. With a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the nails you will use, drill holes in each spot. Your final step is to reinstall the siding you removed.

7. Pry off the vinyl siding and J-channel from around the perimeter of the window. Steps: 1. Cut bottom end of casing with aviation snips, then install the casing against the window. Notch the vinyl windowsill with tin snips to fit the existing windowsill. Scribe a pencil line along the edge of the jig.

Cut two lengths of vinyl Colonial molding and install one on each vertical side of the window casing. Unscrew and remove the storm window from the outside of the window. 14. Slide an aluminum coping jig over the end of the molding and align it with the pencil mark. Nail the vinyl windowsill to the old wooden windowsill. Begin with the vertical sides, cutting the bottom for length and style before securing it to your home. 5. Lineal trim can help unify and accent a home's exterior, adding a design element that can be both subtle and distinctive. Exterior Window Trim on Vinyl Siding If your home has vinyl siding, and you’d like to add vinyl window trim, you will first need to remove the existing siding and J-channel from around the windows. How to Replace an Exterior Window Trim. Then, you can paint your first coat before installing the trim on your window or you can wait until you’ve installed the trim to begin painting. 2. 4. Glue a vinyl end cap onto each end of the vinyl windowsill. In this video, This Old House host Kevin O'Connor adds window trim to vinyl siding with the help of vinyl siding installer, Richard Scalzi. Then, remove the metal flashing that’s over the windowsill, but leave the windowsill in place and nail your new vinyl windowsill on top. 13. 9. Take the vinyl siding pieces removed earlier and cut them down to fit around the window. CertainTeed window and door trim puts out the welcome mat, creating a first impression with lasting effect. 1. Home Improvement A-Z Be careful when removing the siding as you’ll need to put it back after you’ve installed the new trim. Repeat to mark the opposite end of the molding. Cut another length of vinyl Colonial molding and hold it horizontally across the top of the window. 11. But first, make sure the trim has been primed. She then spent several years at Elle DECOR magazine where she immersed herself in the world of interior design. To learn more, visit her website - www.giamillerwrites.com. Cut the horizontal piece to size and snap it in place over the vertical moldings.Before you replace the siding, cut and install new J-channels to prevent water from leaking into your home. Cut and install new J-channel along the sides and top of the window. 15. Use just one nail to hold each shim in place. Make sure to measure and cut your molding to the appropriate size, starting with the two vertical sides.