Today, more than ever, the window market offers a huge selection of windows that come in many different styles and materials. Every customer has the privilege to choose from a wide array of products to find the perfect one for his home. However, the task is getting somewhat complicated when you are not familiar with the materials and properties they have. Choosing the right windows is just one part of the deal. Adding a window installation finishing touch is another, equally important part. We are talking about quality window trims that add a finishing touch to the exterior of the windows. Adding a finishing touch is not only about adding aesthetic value and boosting the overall curb appeal of your house, but also about sealing your windows and adding protection from wind, cold and water. Tastefully chosen window casings will definitely dress up your house, but carefully chosen ones will also add the much needed protection to keep your home warm and dry for many years, as their primary function is to block the cold air and prevent the inflow of water. Having said that, window casings are an easy way to add some style to your home and make it measurably more attractive. Below are some popular types of window trims.
Vinyl trim
Vinyl is a material with many advantages. It is low-maintenance, doesn’t need to be painted, doesn’t conduct heat or cold and can be easily cleaned with water and soap. All these properties have made vinyl very attractive to many homeowners. As traditionally most windows were made of wood or aluminum, vinyl trims appeared to be an excellent solution for those homeowners, who did not want to replace the whole window, but wanted the convenience of a low-maintenance material.
Vinyl trims come in many different sizes and at various price points. They can be made as a simple low-scale casing without much aesthetic value, but these will offer the same level of protection as the more expensive options. The latter can be made to fit any size or shape of windows and offer a wide range of designs for any architectural project that you may have. Overall, this is an incredibly durable and virtually maintenance-free material with lots of options to express your creativity and style.
Aluminum capping
Aluminum capping refers to applying a sheet of aluminum over an existing or a new casing trim, usually made of wood, for a more durable and low-maintenance finish. Capping is sometimes called wrapping as it implies bending and wrapping an aluminum trim coil. A special machine called a brake is used to bend the aluminum sheet.
This type of window finish has both its advantages and shortcomings. The advantages include low-maintenance, durability and the possibility to have it in virtually any color that you want. Another positive side of aluminum capping is that it allows to keep the existing trim if it is in good condition and doesn’t need to be replaced, which in its turn, reduces the cost. However, unlike vinyl, aluminum is not as flexible and it is not quite possible to create various intricate shapes with this material. So, this will definitely not be the material of choice, if you are going to add some character and style to your house with the help of window and door trims.
Brickmold
A brickmold is a type of window molding that refers to covering the gap between the exterior brick siding and the window frame, installed into the wall. Traditionally, brickmolds were made of hardwood, which was less susceptible to rotting than other types of wood. Today softer types of wood, such as pine, are used for brick molding, that is why it is very important that primer and a few coats of paint are applied before the brick molds are installed to prevent rotting and increase their life span. Another way to increase the life span of brickmolds is to apply metal flashing to ensure that the mold does not touch the brick wall. Eliminating the contact of the brickmold with the wall will protect the brick mold from absorbing water. Contemporary PVC brickmolds are also available in the market, they are low-maintenance and does not need to be painted. Though PVC brickmolds are comparatively new, they are expected to have a much longer life span than brick molds made of softwood.
Whichever project you are working on, whether it be replacing your windows brick-to-brick or just decorating your house exterior, consulting with a professional window specialist will help you avoid costly mistakes and make your project successful.
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