Guide to Exterior Trim

/ Exterior (December 11, 2022)

Purpose

The purpose of exterior trim on a home is both functional and aesthetic. Exterior trim is a decorative element that can enhance a home’s appearance, while also serving to protect the home’s exterior from weather and other environmental factors, particularly as transition points between elements:

  • Enhance Curb Appeal: Exterior trim can add character and style to a home, increasing its visual appeal and enhancing its curb appeal.
  • Weather Protection: Trim can help protect a home’s exterior from water damage and other forms of weathering, including UV rays, wind, and pests. For example, window trim can help prevent water from seeping into the walls around the windows, while soffit and fascia can help prevent moisture and pests from entering the roofline.
  • Seal Gaps: Trim can help seal gaps between building components, such as between the siding and the foundation, or around windows and doors, preventing air infiltration and improving energy efficiency.
  • Create Clean Lines: Trim can help create clean, straight lines between different materials, providing a finished look to the exterior of the home.
  • Conceal Imperfections: Trim can be used to conceal imperfections in the home’s exterior, such as gaps or uneven surfaces.

Types

Exterior trim comes in many forms and encompasses many terms that can seem unfamiliar or counter-intuitive. Let’s briefly explore these terms and understand their function:

  • Fascia: the horizontal material that covers the exposed ends of the roof rafters.
  • Rake Board: the sloped material, similar to fascia, that protects the gable ends where the roof slopes up to the peak.
  • Frieze Board: the horizontal board that is installed at the top of the siding, just below the soffit.
  • Window & Door Trim: used to frame windows and doors to create a clean, finished look around the window opening, made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, or metal.
  • Door trim: similar to window trim but is used to frame the door opening. Door trim can also be made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, or metal.
  • J-Channel: designed to create a space for the siding to fit into, which helps to hold it in place and prevents water from seeping behind the siding and into the structure
  • Soffit: covers and protects the underside of the roof overhangs and eaves. Often you will find soffit that is vented, in order to provide fresh air ventilation to the attic and roof structure.
  • Boxends: a decorative element that is typically made of wood or vinyl and is installed at the gable ends of the roof.
  • Corner Trim: used to create a clean, finished look at the corners of the home where two walls meet. Corner trim can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, or metal.
  • Crown Molding: a decorative trim that is used at the top of walls and around the perimeter of rooms. Crown molding can be made from a variety of materials, including wood or plaster.
  • Gable Trim: used to cover and protect the triangular-shaped area of the wall that is formed by the roof pitch. Gable trim can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, or metal.

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