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Replacing window trim not merely improves your dwelling house's appearance, it likewise insulates information technology from the rain and cold. To begin replacing the trim, carefully pull the old trim off and use information technology as a guide to cut the new trim to size. Installing the new trim is as simple as nailing information technology onto your house and sealing the edges with caulk. And then you can fill in the nail holes with putty and paint the trim to make it look perfect around your window.

  1. 1

    Pry off the old trim with a pry bar. To avoid damaging the wall, concur a forest block against it. Residual the back of the pry bar on the wood block. Slide the front end of the pry bar between the trim and the building, then pry off the pieces of trim and underlying trim boards.[one]

  2. ii

    Utilize expanding cream 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 easily, then spray a sparse layer of expanding foam into the gap. Let information technology aggrandize and harden for almost xx minutes before continuing.[2]

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  3. 3

    Apply flashing over the exposed wall if it isn't already there. Get a roll of adhesive-backed window flashing from the domicile improvement store. Cut the flashing to size, then pare off the backing to stick the flashing in place. Beginning with the acme and bottom edges, wedging them under the building'due south boards and window siding as much every bit possible.[3]

    • The flashing makes the trim and window more waterproof.

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  1. 1

    Mensurate the dimensions of the window. Go effectually the window with a tape measure to figure out what length of trim yous need. Utilize the onetime trim equally a guide if y'all still have it on hand. Marking your measurements on the trim pieces with a pencil.[four]

  2. 2

    Put on safety spectacles and a grit mask before cutting the trim. Vesture 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.[five]

    • Wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
    • Avoid wearing loose clothing when using a saw.

  3. 3

    Cutting the trim to size with a circular saw. Carbide-tipped saw blades will give yous a smooth cut. Employ the circular saw to cut off the backlog ends of the trim. Brand straight cuts and then the trim pieces can lay flush against i another.[6]

    • Retrieve that it'due south amend to keep the trim longer rather than shorter. You tin accommodate it every bit needed later on.
    • To make the trim more decorative, you can cut the trim at a 45° with a miter saw.

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  1. 1

    Pre-drill nail holes in the trim. Drill the holes through the exterior surface of the trim. Drill a single pigsty at both ends of the trim. You lot'll demand to space out two more than holes betwixt them. Mensurate along the length of the trim so all the holes are an equal distance apart.[vii]

    • For case, if the trim is 16 in (41 cm) long, drill the holes every 4 in (ten cm).
    • Pay shut attention to the way you install the trim to brand sure information technology isn't backwards or upside-down.[8]

  2. 2

    Boom the trim to the wall. Become enough 2.5 in (half dozen.4 cm) nails for all the holes in the trim. Start by placing the acme piece of trim on the wall. Make sure it'south level before nailing it in place. Then fit the side and bottom trim pieces as close together as possible earlier fastening them to the wall.[ix]

    • If you're working with PVC trim instead of woods, apply steel trim-head screws instead.

  3. 3

    Utilize caulk around the trim. Clasp a bead of caulk between the trim and the building's siding. Spread the caulk all the way around the trim. Practice the same affair between the trim and the window'southward edge. Finish past smoothing the caulk with a moistened cloth or finger.[ten]

  4. 4

    Make full the blast holes with painter's putty. Push putty or a paintable caulk into the holes. Utilise a putty pocketknife to smooth the filler material and scrape off any excess. You'll then need to expect for it to dry. If it all the same doesn't look level, sand downwards the backlog filler with 120-grit sandpaper.

    • Check the label on the putty or caulk to figure out how long it takes to dry out.[11]

  5. 5

    Prime number and paint the trim every bit needed. If you're painting wood, brush on a coat of primer and let it dry overnight commencement. Paint the trim, including the filler in the nail holes, with small, even castor strokes. Yous can also color wood with a wood stainer instead of pigment.[12]

    • If you're painting or staining forest, it's recommended that you apply a wood sealant after painting to protect the trim from water damage.
    • Cover bushes and grass with a tarp to protect them from damage. Wipe upwardly any dripping pigment immediately so it doesn't have a run a risk to dry.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    What are some mistakes you come across when people are replacing the trim on their windows?

    Michael Fox

    Michael Play tricks is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, Due south Carolina. With over 25 years of feel, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Customs College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and preparation large public schoolhouse systems.

    Michael Fox

    Window Repair Specialist

    Practiced Reply

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Things You'll Need

  • Prybar
  • Trim
  • Round saw
  • Drill
  • 2.5 in (6.4 cm) nails
  • Painter'south putty

References

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