The different types of exterior trim include fascia boards, soffits, window and door trim, frieze boards, corner boards, crown molding, post wraps, louvers, and ridge and hip caps.
Fascia boards are the large timber boards, typically made of wood or fibre-cement, which hide the rafters of a roof. They are generally painted either white or black, to match the house colour scheme, and help protect the roof from the elements.
Soffits are panels which are placed below the fascia boards, which ventilate the roof space, while also providing additional protection from the weather. They come in a range of different types, including solid beaded soffits, and vinyl vented soffits.
Window and door trim are important pieces of exterior trim which are placed around windows, and doors, to create a neat and uniform look. Trim is also commonly used to cover any gaps around windows and doors.
Frieze boards are used in conjunction with soffits, and are generally made of either wood or vinyl. They are placed along the perimeter of the roof, above the soffit, and add an additional layer of protection from the elements.
Corner boards are also an important part of exterior trim, and can be used to frame corners, windows, doors, and other areas. They are commonly made out of wood, and are used to give the exterior of a home a finished and uniform look.
Crown molding is a decorative trim which is often used to give the exterior of a home a more elegant, finished look. It is typically made out of either wood, or PVC, and can be used to add visual interest to the exterior trim of a home.
Post wraps are used to cover the exterior of posts, railings, and outdoor furniture, and can be used to protect them from the elements. They come in a variety of different styles and materials, to match the style of the home.
Louvers are a type of window trim which can be used to add visual interest, as well as increase ventilation. They are commonly used in homes with windows which are open to the outdoors.
Ridge and hip caps are used at the peak of the roof, and can be used to improve the appearance of an otherwise plain roofline. They come in a range of styles and materials, to match the style of the home.
What is trim on the outside of a house?
Trim on the outside of a house is any decorative element that is used to finish an exterior facade. It is usually made from wood, PVC, aluminum, or vinyl, and is used to frame windows, doors, and other architectural features.
There are a variety of styles and sizes for various applications, such as corner trim and siding trim, and can be used to give a house a more polished appearance and enhance its curb appeal. It helps to protect against moisture and can also provide an extra layer of insulation.
Additionally, trim can provide an important visual element, as colored and patterned trim can help to bring the desired look to a house.
Can molding be used outside?
Yes, molding can be used outside. It is common to use molding to create an overall look or design element to an outside area. This can be done by trimming around doorways, windows or other framing. It can also be used to hide gaps between panels, boards or eaves.
Molding can be a great way to add depth and character to an outside area by creating a certain style or feel. Additionally, molding is often used to protect the edges of boards when used in outdoor environments.
It can act as a buffer against water, sun, and other elements that may damage these edges. It should be noted, however, that the type of molding used outside may need to be more weather-resistant than what would be used inside the home.
Ultimately, since molding can be used in different ways, it can be a great way to add character to an outdoor space.
What type of Moulding is the most weather-resistant?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) moulding is the most weather-resistant type of moulding available. PVC moulding is highly durable and versatile, making it suitable for outdoor applications and providing protection from rain, snow, ice, and generally any other form of weathering.
It is a very low-maintenance material, as its non-porous surface does not require sealing or painting, and is highly resistant to cracking and deterioration from extreme temperatures and UV rays. PVC moulding is also an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option, as it can be recycled and does not require additional treatments for weather resistance.
What is exterior casing?
Exterior casing is the material that forms an outer shell around the perimeter of a structure. It is typically used on the outside of a building to provide weatherproofing, protection from the elements, security, and a finished look.
It often includes walls, roofs, eaves, overhangs, as well as other elements such as siding, brick, stone, stucco, or other materials. Exterior casing serves to insulate the interior of a structure from the exterior elements, such as rain, wind, hail, and more.
It also provides structural support and stability to the building, and its aesthetic appearance makes it aesthetically pleasing and attractive.
What can I use for exterior trim board?
When it comes to exterior trim boards, you have a number of materials to choose from, including PVC, vinyl, aluminum, and wood. PVC and vinyl are both great choices since they’re corrosion resistant, impervious to insects, and won’t crack or split.
They offer the look of wood without the need for painting, however, they’re not as strong as wood. Aluminum is a viable option if you need something that’s lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but it’s not as rigid as wood.
Wood is a timeless classic and still offers the best performance as an exterior trim board. It’s untreated and vulnerable to moisture, so some extra steps have to be taken to ensure protection, such as using coating and sealers.
Any type of exterior trim board you choose should be formulated to withstand moisture and temperature changes without deteriorating. However, you can consider treated woods designed for exterior use, such as cedar, redwood, cypress and pressure treated wood which come pre-treated so they’re more resistant to decay, but you should still treat them with a quality sealer.
If you want to paint the exterior trim board, you should choose high quality non-yellowing exterior paints and primers, since lower quality paints often don’t last more than a few years.
What is the type of paint to use on exterior trim?
Exterior trim requires paint that is hard-wearing and resistant to all types of weather, including high humidity, intense heat and cold, and regular rain and snow. For best results, use a high-grade exterior acrylic latex paint, which contains a high concentration of acrylics and latex for superior, long-lasting performance and improved resistance to sun damage, fading, and mildew.
This type of paint is easy to apply, provides strong adhesion, and is often self-priming for less prep work. Make sure to buy paint labeled “exterior” and with a gloss or semi-gloss sheen to help protect trim from the elements while still offering good looks.
Oil-based paints are typically more durable but require more prep work, stain removal, and clean-up, so unless you have a strong preference for oil-based paints, use a good quality acrylic latex paint for your exterior trim.
What is an outside corner molding?
Outside corner molding is a type of trim that is used to finish off the corners of homes and buildings. This molding is often used to cover any gaps created when two surfaces meet at an external corner, such as the intersection of a wall and a ceiling.
Outside corner molding is typically made from PVC or metal, and it can come in a variety of colors and styles. This type of molding can be used to add a decorative touch to any room, as well as to provide structural support and protection.
Outside corner molding often comes in pre-cut lengths and is secured to the wall with nails or caulking. Once in place, the molding creates a crisp and neat edge that can be painted to match or contrast with the surrounding walls.
Additionally, outside corner molding can be used to hide wires, cables, and other unsightly items that tend to run along the walls and ceilings.
What kind of wood is used for outside trim?
The type of wood used for outside trim depends on various factors, such as the climate, the amount of use and exposure to the elements, the type of finish, and your personal preference. Generally, cedar is the most popular choice for exterior trim, as it is naturally durable and decay-resistant, and can be left unfinished or stained/painted.
Pine is also a good choice, although it is not as decay-resistant and therefore may not last as long as cedar. Other common woods used for exterior trim include redwood, cypress, fir, and spruce. All of these can provide a good, durable finish when properly treated, finished, and maintained.
Additionally, it is important to choose the right type of paint or stain for your trim, allowing you to create a beautiful and long-lasting finish.
Is it OK to use pine for exterior trim?
Yes, pine is a suitable option for exterior trim. It is an affordable and durable material that is easy to maintain. Pine is very easy to work with and can be used for trim pieces such as window and door trim, fascia boards and corner boards.
The wood is also resistant to moisture, enabling it to withstand water exposure and weathering. Additionally, pine can also be painted or stained to match the exterior of the home. Although pine may not be as durable as other hardwoods such as oak or mahogany, it is still an attractive and cost-effective choice for exterior trim.
Can I use pressure treated wood for exterior trim?
Yes, you can use pressure treated wood for exterior trim. Pressure treated wood is strong and durable, making it ideal for exterior trim, doors, and windows. This type of wood is treated with a mixture of preservatives and insecticides, which helps protect the wood from decay and moisture damage.
In order to ensure that the wood is safe and properly installed, it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions and get professional help if necessary. Additionally, pressure treated wood pieces that are used in exterior trim should be pre-primed and painted before installation to ensure they last.
Properly maintaining the pressure treated wood trim, such as painting and staining, may also be necessary to keep the trim looking good and lasting longer.
How do you treat untreated wood outside?
Treating untreated wood outside is a relatively simple process. The most important step is to ensure that the wood you’re working with is of good quality, with no signs of rot or decay. Once you have determined that the wood is good quality, the best way to treat it is to use a wood preserver.
To do this, first use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any dirt, debris and loose fibres, then create a mixture of recommended preservative and water and apply it to the wood using a paintbrush. Make sure that the mixture is applied evenly to all surfaces, including any end cuts, and allow it to dry completely before using the wood outside.
Once the preservative has been applied, you can also choose to apply a clear sealant to protect the wood from UV exposure, weather, pests and other environmental factors. Finally, it is important to regularly check the wood to make sure that no rot or decay is present to ensure that it remains in good condition.
Can you use cedar as exterior trim?
Yes, cedar can be used as exterior trim. Cedar has the natural ability to resist decay and has a beautiful appearance, making it a great choice for use as exterior trim around door and window frames.
Additionally, cedar is somewhat softer than other hardwoods, making it easier to work with and shape. Cedar is also stable, so it will not shrink or warp over time which helps ensure it keeps its good looks.
Finally, cedar requires minimal maintenance, as it is naturally resistant to insects and decay. With just occasional cleaning and sealing, cedar trim can last for many years, making it a great choice for exterior trim.
Can you paint pressure treated wood?
Yes, you can paint pressure treated wood as long as it has been properly prepared. Pressure-treated wood is treated with chemicals to protect it from rot and insect damage, which can make it difficult to paint.
It is important to give the wood time to dry after it has been pressure treated, which can be up to 6 months, so that the chemicals in the treated wood do not interfere with the paint or finish. When the wood is ready for painting, it should be cleaned to remove dirt, grime, mildew, and other contaminants.
It should then be sanded to rough up the wood so that the paint will adhere more easily. Finally, it is important to use an exterior primer before applying the paint to ensure proper adhesion.
How do you trim outside of house?
Trimming the outside of your house is an important part of keeping it looking its best and keeping it in good condition all year round. The first step is to remove any overgrown bushes and trees, pruning and shaping them as needed to keep them in check.
If there are any dead branches, these should be removed, too. You should also trim any vines, ivy, or other climbing plants away from the walls of the house in order to prevent damage.
Next, inspect the exterior of the house for any rough edges and cracks that need to be patched up. If necessary, you can use a cement or masonry putty to cover up any holes or cracks you find. Finally, trim any grass or weeds away from the side of the house and around the perimeter of the property.
This ensures that your home’s appearance is neat and tidy and that the structure is safe from any unwanted pests or moisture.
Should you nail or screw exterior trim?
When it comes to attaching exterior trim, either nails or screws can be a good option. While nails are a traditional choice, screws are often considered the more reliable choice for securing exterior trim.
The primary benefit of screws is that they are self-tapping and can be tightened easily, helping to provide additional security. Nails often do the job just as well, but if you’re looking for reliable grip and permanent attachment, screws are often the way to go.
When working with exterior trim, it’s important to use corrosion-resistant fasteners. This will help to ensure a secure hold despite the humidity and exposure to other elements that comes with outdoor use.
For nails, stainless steel or galvanized nails are recommended. For screws, you’ll want to use stainless steel, galvanized or screws with a special coating, such as deck screws.
It’s also recommended that you tape off any exposed fasteners used with exterior trim. This will help to protect the nails or screws and reduce the chances of them corroding. Additionally, you should use sealant or caulking around the edges of the trim to help protect it from moisture and make it look more polished.
Overall, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to use nails or screws when attaching exterior trim. In most cases, screws are likely to be the better choice, but nails can usually do the job as well.
With either of these fasteners, it’s important to make sure they are corrosion-resistant and some kind of sealant or caulking should be applied to help protect the trim.