Capping trim….is there an advantage?

Wood is one of the most common exterior door and window trim options, especially for homes with 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. Painted wood molding can also blend well with more contemporary exteriors. The main disadvantage of wood door and window molding is its poor resistance. Wood is susceptible to moisture-induced swelling, shrinking, cracking and rotting, and it can act as a target for insects. Therefore, maintaining the molding requires regular sealing and painting.

If you wish to cap your trim boards, an exterior aluminum fused with PVC vinyl that fits around the outside of the existing wood molding will help to maintain your trim boards for a longer period of time. As a nonporous, waterproof material, aluminum exterior molding 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 stratum provides an appearance of painted wood.

Alternatively, you can use a more scratch-resistant G8 product that is smooth and suitable for a more contemporary look.

Aluminum exterior molding is also a low-maintenance option, typically installed with vinyl siding. It does not require paint and you can order it 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 used, especially if you are replacing a lot of rotted wood trim, is a PVC board.

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. PVC molding is stronger than aluminum molding and will not easily succumb to scratching and denting. In addition, you never have to worry about painting PVC molding, because manufacturers mix pigments into the material during processing.

For window sills and other structural areas, you may want to use AZEK, a wood replacement product made from cellular PVC with sustainable advantages related to its lifecycle 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. The products do not require staining or painting for protection or performance, so the release of volatile organic compounds into the environment is significantly reduced. This trim can be painted, lasting considerably longer than paint on wood.

So, unless you enjoy climbing ladders to paint and seal, capping is the preferred way to go.