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Replacing Molding around Exterior Doors
The molding around your exterior doors is generally called "brick molding." Even when it does not abut any brick! This molding is prone to rot at the bottom where it generally contacts a threshold or a concrete stoop. Fortunately, it is easy to replace.


Items needed: Hammer Chisel Nail set Paint brush Back saw Miter box Utility knife	Safety Suggestions and Tips Check for rotten wood trim Check for damaged siding and subsiding	Level of difficulty Time Required: 4 hours

Steps

Cut to break caulk

Step 1:

Generally the gap between the molding and the siding is filled with caulk. Take a utility knife and cut through the caulk. If you have vinyl siding, make sure that you don't cut the vinyl!

Carefully pry damaged section

Step 2:

Starting at the bottom, pry the molding loose. Make sure that you do not disturb the siding. One thing to keep in mind: the trim is normally nailed together at the top corners.

Remove all nails

Step 3:

This is usually done by driving a nail down through the top piece into the side piece. You may have to pull the trim loose from this nail.

Check for other damaged trim

Step 4:

After you get the piece loose, pull the nail through and out of the top piece of trim. Inspect the boards you have exposed for rot.

Measure to edge of opening

Step 5:

Measure the opening for the new piece of molding. If the molding goes around the threshold like this, make sure you measure from the bottom.

Mark distance

Step 6:

Transfer your measurement from the rule to the new piece of molding and, using a miter box, cut the new piece at a 45 degree angle.

Mark length by holding in place

Step 7:

If your molding needs to be trimmed to fit at the bottom, now is the time to do it. I like to fit the trim in place and transfer the necessary marks directly to the trim.

Seal ends with primer and paint

Step 8:

Using an exterior paint, paint the ends you just cut. Also paint all of the other sides except the face. Most of this molding comes pre-primed from the factory but it still needs a final coat to protect it.

Nail molding in place

Step 9:

Nail the new piece in place. Use finishing nails. I generally use 2" 8 or 10 penny nails. You should use larger nails if there is anything affixed to the brick mold (like a storm door).

Set the nail head below surface

Step 10:

After the nails have been driven, set the nails by driving them below the surface of the molding.

Filled nail hole

Step 11:

Using an exterior-grade filler, fill the nail holes. If you do not do this, the nails will rust and leave stains on the paint.

Final painting

Step 12:

Paint the face of the molding with the same paint you used above. After the paint has dried, replace the caulk that you cut out in step 1. Keep in mind that if you are using silicone caulk that you should mask off the area you are going to caulk to avoid getting it everywhere. Also, most silicone caulks are not paintable.

Replacing Molding around Exterior Doors