Throughout the summer I have been replacing exterior door and window trim, as the originally installed trim has been rotting. By starting the process myself I grew to understand how badly the original work was done. Random nails were used, all of which were rusting through. In some cases, only 2-3 wire nails were used to secure a 6' section of trim. I could pull it off with my hands. Other sections had no house wrap underneath, where moisture had begun to create rot on the wall of the house. By starting the replacement process myself I devised a process that used PVC trim, caulk, and painting the pieces before installing them with stainless steel nails, all to minimize deterioration and water damage and maximize durability. Eventually I hired two men who removed old pieces and cut the new pieces. I would paint the new pieces over night, and they would install them the next day, while continuing to remove other pieces. All windows and doors have had their trim replaced, puttied, sanded and painted. All window sills were also reinforced. Due to a very rainy Fall it has taken until now for the final pieces to be painted. The remaining fascia, rake and other exterior trimwork will need to be replaced also, which will include removing the gutters and electrical wires. That will have to be another summer. For now I waited for a few days of dry before filling rot holes with caulk, priming and painting the areas to retard deterioration.
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