
How do you trim an exterior window?
- Flat window trim looks exactly how it sounds. This is a simple, inexpensive and timeless choice for interior window trim.
- Colonial window trim is still inconspicuous and refined, but has more detail than flat trim. ...
- Fluted window trim features straight, uniform lines. ...
- Ranch window trim is similar to flat trim, but with a curved or angled face.
How to replace exterior window trim?
Measuring tape for… I don’t need to explain this, right?
- Drill / Driver for screwing the trim to the house. ...
- Pry bar for pulling apart the existing trim. ...
- Circular Saw for cutting the trim to size. ...
- Carpenter’s square for making straight lines. ...
- Shop vac for cleaning the area during and after the build. ...
- Measuring tape for… I don’t need to explain this, right?
How to repair decayed window trim?
Method 2 Method 2 of 2: Installing Replacement Pieces for Badly Rotted Wood Download Article
- Inspect the entire window to gauge how extensive the rot is. ...
- Cut or pry out the entire rotted section. Window Repair Specialist Expert Interview. ...
- Measure each of the pieces you remove individually. ...
- Seal any cracks in the exposed sheathing underneath. ...
- Cut new wood to fit the rotted sections. ...
- Install the new pieces using galvanized nails. ...
How to replace rotted wood around a window?
Step-by-Step Process:
- Scope Out the Damage. First, you must take a close look at the damage to the window to gauge its severity and determine which method of repair is best ...
- Mark the Window’s End. If the rot hasn’t extended much past the window into the siding, you will want to protect this area during your repair.
- Clean Out the Gap or Remove Rotted Wood. ...

How do you fix exterior window trim?
2:243:31How to Replace Exterior Window Trim Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust make sure you cut very straight lines. Now it's important when putting up exterior trim thatMoreJust make sure you cut very straight lines. Now it's important when putting up exterior trim that you paint all six sides of the wood in this case I use pre-primed wood.
How do you fix rotted window trim?
0:594:42How to Repair Dry Rot in a Window Sill - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the side trim I wasn't able to cut all the way through so I'll use a chisel to remove material upMoreOn the side trim I wasn't able to cut all the way through so I'll use a chisel to remove material up to the cut line. Then slip a pry bar underneath. And snap off the unwanted wood.
How do you fix exterior trim on House?
0:529:16Repair Trim Rot (Skirt Board and Corner Board) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI then switch over to an oscillating multi-tool with the wood blade in it to make the cut throughMoreI then switch over to an oscillating multi-tool with the wood blade in it to make the cut through that line I start by just carefully edging the line with the blade.
How do you repair a window casing?
1:282:43How To Repair A Hole Or Damage On A Piece Of Window Sill Or Trim.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI leave everything long enough to let the glue set up completely once the glue had set my next stepMoreI leave everything long enough to let the glue set up completely once the glue had set my next step was to flush the surface.
How do you fix rotted wood around a window?
Method for wood rot repair on windowsDetermine the amount of rot. Your first step is to identify the rot and the extent of it. ... Remove the rotted areas. ... Drill some holes. ... Apply the wood hardener and filler. ... Sand the area down. ... Paint the wood.
How do you fix rotten wood without replacing it?
0:033:30How to Fix Rotted Wood with Epoxy | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.MoreAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.
How do you repair exterior window trim on wood?
6:059:42Replacing Rotted Window Trim - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut them from behind pull the siding out slightly. Slide the flashing underneath there and have aMoreCut them from behind pull the siding out slightly. Slide the flashing underneath there and have a little bit stronger repair.
How much does it cost to replace exterior trim?
Installation or replacement of exterior trim costs $1,945 on average, with a typical range between $932 and $3,230. You may pay $350 for a small section replacement or up to $6,000 or more for installing or replacing exterior trim around a whole house.
What can I use for exterior trim board?
The most common woods for use on trim are cedar and redwood, because they naturally resist moisture and insect activity, making them longer lasting than other woods. The costs for these materials have been rising along with availability, however, which has led to many builders looking for less expensive alternatives.
How do you fix rotted wood trim?
0:025:08HOW TO REPAIR EXTERIOR ROTTED WOOD TRIM - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna be using bondo all-purpose putty it's good for all kinds of services wood drywallMoreWe're gonna be using bondo all-purpose putty it's good for all kinds of services wood drywall concrete masonry surfaces dries. Like a rock.
How much does it cost to replace window trim?
Cost to Install Door and Window Trim Installing window trim ranges between $100 to $170 per window, but they can be as low as $40 or as high as $350. Labor is around $70 per hour for both windows and doors.
How to measure window trim?
Measure the dimensions of the window. Go around the window with a tape measure to figure out what length of trim you need. Use the old trim as a guide if you still have it on hand. Mark your measurements on the trim pieces with a pencil.
How to cut trim with a circular saw?
Cut the trim to size with a circular saw. Carbide-tipped saw blades will give you a smooth cut. Use the circular saw to cut off the excess ends of the trim. Make straight cuts so the trim pieces can lay flush against one another.
How to smooth out filler?
Use a putty knife to smooth the filler material and scrape off any excess. You’ll then need to wait for it to dry. If it still doesn’t look level, sand down the excess filler with 120-grit sandpaper. Check the label on the putty or caulk to figure out how long it takes to dry.
How to fill gaps in a house?
2. Use expanding foam to fill in wall gaps. On older houses, you may notice a gap around the window where the trim was. Put on a pair of gloves to cover your hands, then spray a thin layer of expanding foam into the gap. Let it expand and harden for about 20 minutes before continuing.
How to prevent dust from cutting trim?
Put on safety glasses and a dust mask before cutting the trim. Wear polycarbonate safety glasses or a facemask to protect your eyes. Cutting the trim creates dust, so put on a mask or respirator to avoid breathing it in.
Can you paint wood trim with a stainer?
Paint the trim, including the filler in the nail holes, with small, even brush strokes. You can also color wood with a wood stainer instead of paint. If you’re painting or staining wood, it’s recommended that you apply a wood sealant after painting to protect the trim from water damage.
How to fix a loose corner on a window?
This is especially noticeable in older window units. Instead of replacing the whole window, take matters into your own hands and apply your handiwork skills on replacing the corner joints. Work to pry open the joint, tap in the new filling, and gently reassemble the frame.
How long does it take to replace a torn window screen?
This quick repair is a common-sense task that can be complete in about an hour.
How to operate a casement window?
In casement windows, the sash is attached to the frame with a hinge. You then use a crank to pry open the window as it opens away from you. If a casement is difficult to operate, the solution is often as simple as cleaning and lubricating the gears in the operator or the other moving metal parts. Broken parts, however, must be replaced.
How long do double hung windows last?
A double-hung window that uses chains or ropes attached to sash weights may seem old-fashioned, but with maintenance every few decades this weight system can last for centuries. Newer windows are often more difficult to repair.
What is sliding window?
Most sliding (also called gliding) windows have one or more sashes that slide along metal tracks at the bottom and top of the frame. These tracks, however, often hold problems that need to be addressed. The most common problem is a dirty bottom track, but sometimes you need to make more invasive repairs. We'll show you all you need to know to fix any problem you may encounter.
Can you replace rotted wood in a storm window?
Storm and screen windows made with wood frames may seem old-fashioned, but they can last many decades and seal effectively if properly maintained. Rotted wood can be repaired with two-part epoxy filler, and missing or broken pieces of screen mold are easy to replace. Check out what exactly this project entails with our step-by-step instructions. A little bit of work now goes a long way in saving these vintage window units.
Do storm windows seal?
If you also take steps to weatherstrip your window, you will end up with a window that seals at least as well as most new windows—at a fraction of the cost.
How to get mitered corners on window?
If you need it to fit over a space equivalent to the old one, make sure your measurements match up accordingly. Then, get mitered corners by marking a 45-degree angle at the top of the length, starting at one edge and extending it past the total width of your trim.
How to smooth down bead on window?
There will probably be gaps between the window trim and the window frame that need to be filled with caulking. Dip your index finger in water and use it to smooth down the bead after you've applied it to improve the look.
Can you lay window trim on top of new trim?
If you saved the old pieces of window trim, you will be able to lie these on top of the new lengths of material and outline them with a pencil.
Is it important to keep interior window trim in good condition?
Protective finish. While interior window trim might not be as susceptible to damage as exterior trim, it is still important to keep it in good condition. Over time the trim will start to deteriorate no matter what you do, and this means you need to find out how to repair and replace it.
How to clean paint off of wood trim?
Alcohol won’t harm most finishes, but it will dissolve shellac. Don’t worry if some of the finish comes off. You can touch it up later (Photo 7). Protect the walls with masking tape to prevent the alcohol from damaging the paint. For tougher paint spatters, use a fine synthetic abrasive pad (such as a 3M Wood Finishing Pad) dipped in denatured alcohol.
How to make wood look rough?
Rub the wood with an abrasive pad to create a slightly roughened surface for the new finish. Vacuum the dust from the surface before wiping on a new coat of finish.
How to soften old paint?
Soften old paint along the edges of trim and stained baseboards with alcohol. A rag wrapped around a putty knife lets you scrub the trim without slopping alcohol onto the wall.
How to get rid of excess polyurethane on wood?
Fold a cotton rag to create a pad. Then dip an edge of the pad into a container of wipe-on polyurethane and press it against the side to wring out the excess. Wipe the polyurethane onto the wood in long strokes in the direction of the wood grain as you would if you were using a brush.
How to match stain to wood?
One of the trickiest parts of a wood restoration project is finding stain to match. You can pry off a small piece of trim and ask the paint department to mix stain to match. Some paint stores and home centers offer inexpensive sample packets of stain. You can choose several samples that are close to the color of your wood and experiment in a hidden area to find the best color match. Then buy a larger container. Another approach is to buy two or three cans of stain that are close to the color of your woodwork and mix them to get the right color. Use an eyedropper and disposable plastic cups to mix small batches until you get the proportions right. Keep notes so you can reproduce the results in a larger batch.
What is the best way to restore shine to polyurethane?
Restore the shine with a fresh coat of polyurethane. Wipe on poly gives you a faster, smoother finish with less mess than brush-on poly.
How to protect woodwork from sunlight?
Experiment on a scrap of trim or in an inconspicuous area to see if the slightly amber tint darkens the color too much. When you’ve completed all of the steps above, your woodwork will look like new and be protected by a fresh layer of finish. If you don’t have time to do an entire room from beginning to end, just tackle one door or window whenever you have a few spare hours. You’ll be done with a room before you know it.
What happens when your window trim gets wet?
But when your interior window trim gets wet, usually from a leaking window, it becomes more of a problem. This type of woodworking can't be replaced as easily. It is attached to the window sill or mullions and is integrated into other aspects of woodworking around the window. When this type of trim gets wet and swelled, ...
How to keep trim from scratching?
1. Place a fan on the wet trim. Leave the fan running on the trim for at least 72 hours. Check the trim. If it's not dry, continue running the fan on the trim until it's completely dry. This may take up to a week or even longer. The trim should retain a whitish dry mark when scratched with a fingernail.
How to make resin glue?
Mix the powdered resin glue with water according to the manufacturer's directions. Using a putty knife, smear and force the resin into all cracks, splits and separations. Fill all the holes, gouges, chips and deep scratches. The resin will become heavy after a few minutes. Use the thicker putty to fill do overhead defects.
How to sand trim?
Sand the trim vigorously with 80-grit sandpaper and a hand block. Sand down deep with authority to level and even out the trim. Roll the sandpaper into small cylinders and sand inside profile lines and close spaces. Fold the sandpaper and use the edge of it like a knife to sand inside tight corners and cracks.
How long does it take for Danish oil to dry on window trim?
Wipe a coat of Danish oil stain on the window trim. Wait 24 hours and wipe another coat of oil onto the trim to finish. You can spray lacquer on the window trim if desired after waiting 24 hours for the oil to dry, but the oil stain is sufficient for protection.
Can you spray lacquer on a window?
You can spray lacquer on the window trim if desired after waiting 24 hours for the oil to dry, but the oil stain is sufficient for protection. Locate and repair the leak in the window to prevent further damage. If your trim is excessively swelled, you may not be able to bring it back to its original size.
What is house trim?
For example, you can find the trim on your home on both the exterior and interior surfaces. The finishing materials which make up interior trim include moldings constructed around windows and doors and the baseboards and cornices applied on the wall adjacent to the floors and ceilings of individual rooms.
Why do we need trim on our house?
It reduces the influx of rain and moisture by securing and sealing the corners and edges of your home. While the exterior trim on your home has a specific functional purpose, it is also highly susceptible to wood rot because it represents the outermost portion of your home.
Why is it important to replace rotted trim?
Repairing or replacing rotted trim with healthy trim is essential because wood rot will continue to spread throughout your frame and can invade the structure of your home. Wood rot, also know as dry rot, is caused by a fungus that thrives on moist wood and proliferates actively, ...
How to tell if trim is rotting?
Rotted trim is detectable by the visible signs associated with wood that is deteriorating. Trim rotting or dry rot often appears to be run-down, the paint cracked, flaking, or peeling. Rotted trim will also tend to appear discolored or darker in color and may have signs of mold, fungus, or green algae growing on the exterior.
What happens if you don't replace trim?
Being constantly exposed to weather means the exterior trim on your home will eventually become permeated with moisture, which leads to trim damage and wood rot. If not repaired or replaced, the rot can quickly spread throughout your home and to the inner structure of your house frame. But don’t fret!
How to tell if trim board is warping?
If the trim rot is advanced, you will see visible indications – trim boards may even show signs of warping. However, if there are no visible signs, push the end of a screwdriver or small knife against the wood to see how it responds.
How long does it take for trim to rot?
Rotted trim can occur in a matter of a few years after being installed in original condition – which is why it’s essential to perform a regular home inspection for signs of rotted trim.
