Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Capping windows..is it necessary?

Here at Maryland Complete Home Improvements when we install a window we cap the wood trim around the outside of the window. This is referred to as brick mold for those into "window speak".

Why?
Wood is one of the most common exterior door and window trim options, especially for homes that have wood, stone, brick or stucco as their primary siding materials. Many people feel that wood moldings are "second-to-none" when it comes to ornamental value. The grain and texture  of wood molding contribute to a natural style. However, painted wood molding can also blend well with more contemporary exteriors. The main disadvantage of wood door and window molding are their poor resistance. Wood is susceptible to moisture-induced swelling, shrinking, cracking and rotting and can also be the target of insects. Maintaining the molding requires regular sealing and painting.

 We typically use an exterior aluminum that is fused with PVC vinyl as a capping or wrap that fits around the outside of existing wood molding. It comes in a roll and we use a tool referred to as a brake to form the product tightly to the trim. As a nonporous, waterproof material, this is not susceptible to the same moisture-related problems as wood, nor is it susceptible to insects. In addition, aluminum moldings are fire-resistant and the vinyl outer strata provides an appearance of painted wood.
       As an alternative you can use a G8 product that is smooth and suitable for a more contemporary look. This product is also more scratch resistant.

Aluminum exterior molding is also low maintenance.  It does not require paint and you can order them with colored finishes, which manufacturers bake on. The main disadvantage of aluminum is that it is soft and thin, which makes it highly susceptible to scratches and dents.
Another product we use especially if we are replacing a lot of rotted wood trim is PVC board.
http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png·         PVC exterior moldings consist of polyvinyl chloride, which is an extremely durable synthetic resin. Like aluminum, the material is low maintenance and is more resistant than wood when it comes to water, fire and invading organisms. In addition, you never have to worry about painting PVC molding as manufacturers mix pigments into the material during processing. In comparison to aluminum molding, PVC molding is stronger and will not as readily succumb to scratching and denting.

 For window sills and other structural areas we use Azak.  This is a wood replacement product and is made from cellular pvc with sustainable advantages related to life cycle and long-term sustainability. By using AZEK products, fewer trees are harvested and the lasting durability of its trim products makes the need for replacement far less frequent. And, because the products do not require staining or painting for protection or performance, the release of VOCs into the environment is greatly reduced. . This trim can be painted and the paint lasts considerably longer than paint on wood.

So unless you have HOA or historical requirements that prohibit capping or you are madly in love with climbing ladders to paint and seal, capping, in our opinion,is the way to go.

Sjaunna
Director of Operations
Maryland Complete Home Improvements
www.MarylandWDR.com

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