What Material Do External Door Trims Consist Of?

The choice of exterior house trim is crucial for a home’s overall look, from siding textures and colors to trim widths. Wood is the most classic choice, but solid wood and composite options are also available. Polymer polymer trim is manufactured by injecting a polypropylene resin into pre-formed molds of various sizes. Cellular PVC exterior house trim is manufactured from polyvinyl chloride and molded to various styles and sizes. Fiber cement is renowned for its resistance to elements and minimal upkeep, making it a wise choice for any homeowner.

Exterior door trim plays a role in bringing a home’s entire look together, from siding textures and colors to trim widths. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of replacing exterior door trim, from removing old trim to installing new PVC components. Each exterior door type and material has unique advantages and drawbacks, so it’s essential to understand your overall needs. Composite materials represent the fusion of wood fibers and plastics, creating a robust, low-maintenance option for exterior trim.

Trim comes in a wide range of styles, most of which are available in different materials as well, including wood, engineered wood, fiber cement, PVC, and MDF. Natural wood trim is a great material, versatile, available in multiple sizes, and can be painted to match any siding. The main component of a door unit is the door slab, which can be constructed of wood, fiberglass, or steel. Acrylic urethane is bulletproof, while brick mould is designed to conceal the gap between a window or door frame and the exterior wall surface.

Most medium-density fiberboard (MDF) door casings come primed and ready to paint, made from resin and sawdust. Expanded kenaf base material is an eco-friendly, highly CO2-absorbing annual grass kenaf, making both header and pilaster weather and rot resistant.

What is exterior trim called?

Exterior trim terms include fascia, frieze, rake, barge, soffit, boxend, and gutters. Brackets, a structural component of historic homes, are now purely decorative and add style to homes. Channels are specialized moldings that fit siding and soffit panels, enclosing soffit and siding panel ends and supporting the weight of hanging soffits. Corners are areas where siding and soffits change directions, and they can be inside or outside on the vertical face or horizontally where soffits meet walls and gutter lines.

Drip caps are placed over window and door trims to reduce water’s surface tension and prevent water from dripping off. Flashings are strategically placed trim strips used to control water ingress, mainly used in roof shingling, chimneys, skylights, through-wall separations, and protection wall protrusions. Understanding these terms helps you communicate with an exterior trim professional, such as Sunshine Contracting in Northern Virginia, who can help you trim your home’s exterior effectively.

What finish is exterior house trim?

The optimal finish for exterior trim is typically satin, irrespective of the system in question. Backrolling paint is a popular option for repainting interior residential spaces, and the term “VOC” (volatile organic compound) is a common one in the context of paint product research. In order to demonstrate the advantages of Backrolling Paint, professionals frequently utilize videos of professional repainters.

What material is used for exterior trim?

Solid wood trim, a traditional material, is becoming increasingly popular due to rising costs and availability. Common woods like cedar and redwood are preferred due to their resistance to moisture and insect activity, making them longer-lasting. However, other woods may not have the same rot resistance, resulting in lower longevity. Preparing cedar and redwood for painting is crucial to prevent extractive bleeding and compromised surface appearance, which can be time-consuming and lead to higher labor and material costs.

Engineered wood, a blend of wood, glue, and resins, is a growing alternative to solid wood. It is typically less expensive and comes in various forms, some of which may already be stained or painted, making installation faster.

What is the best material for exterior door trim?

Natural wood trim is a versatile material that can be painted to match any siding and is available in multiple sizes. However, it is essential to select a wood that resists insect activity and rot. Cedar is a popular option, but it can cause issues with bleed-through and staining. Preservative-treated trim like Belco’s XT trim offers better appearance and performance. The exterior door trim should be durable and resistant to rot and termites over time. Vinyl, like vinyl, can warp in hot weather and become brittle and crack in cold weather. This can lead to problems for homeowners and calls for troubleshooting and fixing.

What is the most durable exterior trim?

Fiber cement trim is a stable and durable option for exterior trim, offering resistance to rot, insects, and impact. It comes primed and ready for painting or prefinishing and comes with a 15-year warranty depending on the manufacturer. While slightly more expensive than primed wood trim and less expensive than PVC trim, it is a solid choice for homes considering factors like budget, climate, and personal taste. Wood exterior house trim is no longer the “go-to” product.

What is best for exterior trim?

Wood trim is a popular choice for homeowners due to its natural beauty and versatility. However, it is susceptible to environmental damage, such as rot, warping, and insect infestation, which requires regular maintenance. PVC trim is a low-maintenance alternative, as it is impervious to rot, moisture, and insect damage. Its easy-to-clean surface and absence of painting or staining reduce upkeep efforts. However, some may find its appearance less appealing than natural wood, and its reaction to extreme temperature changes can pose challenges in fit and finish over time.

Fiber cement trim combines the benefits of durability and aesthetics, withstanding rot, termites, and fire, offering an impressive lifespan. It can mimic the look of wood, providing a low-maintenance option without sacrificing style. However, its weight and brittleness require professional installation and may require periodic painting to maintain its appearance. Overall, wood and fiber cement offer different options for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s exteriors.

What is the trim around a door called?

Interior door casing refers to the decorative and utilitarian trim around a door opening, enhancing the door’s appearance and concealing the wall-to-jamb transition. It consists of three pieces: two long trim pieces on either side of the door frame, topped by a shorter head casing. Historically, door trim has set the tone for a room, with Victorian-era designs featuring fluted boards butted against decorative corner blocks called rosettes, symmetrical and uniformly patterned across their faces.

What are exterior door frames made of?

A door frame consists of side jambs, head jambs, and mulls, typically made of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, or composite materials. It can be primed or ordered with a factory finish in various colors. The head jamb is the top horizontal section of a door or window frame. A door jamb is an individual section of a door frame, consisting of two side jambs and the head jamb, which together form the door frame.

What is the wood around an exterior door called?

Jamb components are vertical perimeter frames that surround a door, consisting of three separate pieces: side jambs, head jamb, and a mullpost. These frames are made of composite material or solid wood and are best suited for all exposure types as they do not absorb moisture or rot. Sidelites are fixed narrow panels installed next to a door panel for decorative purposes, usually containing glass lites. A mullpost is a post or divider that runs from sill to frame in a door and sidelite assembly with Continuous Construction.

In double door applications, an additional piece called an Astragal is attached to the Passive door, which covers the margin between doors when they are closed, keeping out air and moisture. In a double or two-panel door assembly, the door usually remains closed and fixed by bolts at top and bottom, while the other door panel is used for regular passage.

Some door units contain a sidelite, a narrow panel on one or both sides of the door that provides decorative appeal and natural light. In many cases, lites are installed and can match the door lite if desired or remain unique in contrast. Most sidelites are fixed (cannot be opened), but they can be vented. Venting sidelites swing open to allow ventilation and are equipped with multi-point locks and a screen.

What material is used for exterior doors?

Wood, steel, and fiberglass are popular exterior door materials. Wood is preferred due to its traditional appearance and natural appeal. Metal or steel doors are budget-friendly, while fiberglass is durable and comes in various styles. Choose the material based on energy efficiency, security concerns, and home style. To enhance security, add door chains or install an all-metal security door. Wood doors are ideal for traditional homes with entryways sheltered from the elements and are available in premium hardwood and pine. They are heavy, dent-resistant, and can be designed with or without glass insets. Regular maintenance, including repainting, is necessary to maintain their appearance.

What are exterior trim boards called?

Exterior trim terms include fascia, frieze, rake, barge, soffit, boxend, and gutters. Brackets, a structural component of historic homes, are now purely decorative and add style to homes. Channels are specialized moldings that fit siding and soffit panels, enclosing soffit and siding panel ends and supporting the weight of hanging soffits. Corners are areas where siding and soffits change directions, and they can be inside or outside on the vertical face or horizontally where soffits meet walls and gutter lines.

Drip caps are placed over window and door trims to reduce water’s surface tension and prevent water from dripping off. Flashings are strategically placed trim strips used to control water ingress, mainly used in roof shingling, chimneys, skylights, through-wall separations, and protection wall protrusions. Understanding these terms helps you communicate with an exterior trim professional, such as Sunshine Contracting in Northern Virginia, who can help you trim your home’s exterior effectively.