Exterior moldings

Types of exterior moldings

Exterior moldings are architectural features used to enhance the appearance of a building. Here are some of the main types of exterior moldings:

• Door and Window Trim

  This is also known as casing. It is the molding surrounding doors and windows. It covers the gap between the frame and the wall. Trim not only makes doors and windows look good, but it also protects them. There are two types of window and door trim. These are:
  
  Exterior Window Trim - This kind of trim is used for windows and doors that are installed on the outside of a house.
  
  Exterior Door Trim - This kind of trim is specifically for doors that are located on the outside of a house.

• Soffit and Fascia

  These moldings are found at the roofline. Soffit covers the underside of overhangs or eaves. Fascia is the board that sits right at the edge of the roof. It connects the roof to the house and is usually where gutters are attached. The soffit and fascia moldings hide the rafters and give a neat look to the house.

• Corner Molding

  As the name suggests, corner moldings are used in the corners of a house. They include fascia and soffit corners, double corners, inside corners, outside corners, and square corners.

• Architectural Moldings

  Exterior architectural moldings are decorative elements. They are used for a long time to add style and elegance to the outside of a building. They come in different shapes and sizes, offering different looks. This includes:
  
  

  • Chair rails - These are moldings that are fixed to the wall. They can be found in the upper part of the wall. They are used to protect the wall from damage caused by chairs and other furniture. Chair rails also make the room look good by offering a visual break.
  • Crown Molding - This type of molding is used where walls meet the ceiling. It helps transition the eye from a vertical surface to a horizontal ceiling.
  • Baseboards - These are moldings found at the bottom of the wall where it meets the floor. They cover the gap between the wall and floor, making the room look good. Baseboards also protect the lower part of the wall from damage caused by furniture or shoes.

Function and Feature of Exterior Moldings

Exterior moldings serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Here are some key features and functions of exterior moldings:

• Protection:

  Exterior moldings are important for protecting the building structure. They act as a barrier to water, preventing it from seeping into cracks and gaps. This helps to protect the walls from rot, mold, and other water damage. Moldings also protect from impact, such as from branches or debris during storms.

• Durability:

  Exterior moldings are designed to be strong and durable. They are made from materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as UV rays, rain, and snow. Common materials include vinyl, wood composites, fiber cement, and treated wood. These materials are resistant to fading, warping, cracking, and insect damage.

• Low Maintenance:

  Exterior moldings require little to no maintenance. Vinyl moldings, for example, do not need to be painted, and they can be easily cleaned with soap and water. Other materials may require occasional painting or sealing, but overall, exterior moldings are designed to be hassle-free.

• Versatility:

  Exterior moldings come in various styles, sizes, and shapes to suit different architectural designs. They can be applied to modern, traditional, or contemporary homes. This versatility allows homeowners and architects to choose moldings that enhance the overall look of the building.

• Enhancing Appearance:

  Exterior moldings enhance the appearance of a building. They add visual interest by breaking up large wall spaces. Moldings create a finished look by adding details around doors, windows, and corners. They can be ornate and decorative or simple and sleek, depending the desired style.

• Concealing Elements:

  Moldings help to hide elements that are not appealing to the eye. For example, they can cover the gaps between the walls and windows or doors. Moldings can also hide wiring, pipes, or other structural components that run along the exterior surface.

• Defining Spaces:

  Exterior moldings help to define different spaces on the exterior of a building. They create a visual boundary between walls, windows, and doors. Moldings can also highlight architectural features, such as columns, porches, or rooflines.

Scenarios of exterior moldings

Exterior moldings, also known as exterior trim, serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Here are some common usage scenarios:

• Windows and Doors:

  Moldings create a finished look around windows and doors. They cover gaps between the frames and walls. They also add decorative elements. These include window sills, door caps and pediments. Exterior moldings enhance the architectural style of a building. This is by adding details and visual interest.

• Architectural Accentuation:

  Exterior moldings accentuate architectural features. For instance, exterior moldings can accentuate corners and rooflines. They can also accentuate porches, columns and beams. This adds depth and dimension to the structure. It also highlights the building's design elements.

• Eaves and Fascia:

  Moldings are used on eaves and fascia boards. They add visual interest and detail. They also define the roofline and give the house a finished look.

• Outdoor Living Spaces:

  Exterior moldings can define and decorate outdoor living spaces. For instance, they can define the edges of a deck or patio. They can also outline the seating areas. This adds a decorative touch to the outdoor spaces.

• Gables and Dormers:

  Exterior moldings decorate gables and dormers. This adds architectural interest. It also adds visual depth to these building features. They create a focal point and enhance the building's aesthetic appeal.

• Foundation:

  Sill plates are a type of foundation exterior molding. They are fixed to the top of the foundation wall. They support the structure above. Sill plates also protect the interior from moisture, pests and debris.

• Coating Molding:

  This is a type of exterior trim used on exterior walls. It creates a decorative transition between walls and surfaces. For instance, it can be used at the junction of walls and ceilings. It can also be used where walls meet the floor. Coating moldings enhance the visual appeal of a space. They also create a seamless transition between different surfaces.

• Accent Walls:

  Exterior moldings can be used to create accent walls. They add texture, depth and visual interest. They also create a focal point in the room. For instance, coffered walls and wainscoting walls use moldings to create patterns and designs.

• Historical Restoration:

  Moldings replicate original details during historical restorations. This preserves the building's historical authenticity and character. The use of exterior moldings maintains the structure's cultural significance.

How to choose exterior moldings

When choosing the right exterior moldings for a home, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of them:

• Cost

  Exterior trim moldings come in different materials, and each has its price point. Vinyl is one of the most affordable options, while wood is more expensive. Before choosing the type of exterior trim to install, it is important to consider the budget. This will help determine the type of material that is within the budget. However, it is also important to remember that while some materials may be cheaper upfront, they may require more maintenance over time. So, when considering costs, don't forget to factor in maintenance expenses as well.

• Style

  The style of the house should be considered when choosing exterior moldings. If the house is modern, simple moldings should be chosen. On the other hand, if the house is traditional, moldings with more details should be chosen.

• Durability

  Exterior moldings are located outside, so they have to withstand different weather conditions. Because of this, it is important to choose exterior moldings that are durable. Moldings made of materials like PVC or fiber cement are very durable and will not rot or warp. This makes them a good option if the house is located in an area with extreme weather conditions.

• Installation

  Consider the installation process when choosing exterior moldings. Some moldings, like PVC and vinyl, are very easy to install and require a little more than cutting and nailing. However, other types, like wood, require special skills to install. If the exterior molding is easy to install, it will help save on labor costs. But if it is complicated, expect to spend a little more money on the installation.

• Maintenance

  Exterior moldings need to be maintained to keep them looking good. Some types of exterior moldings require a lot of maintenance, while others require little. For instance, wood moldings need to be painted or stained to protect them from UV rays and water every two to three years. This is not the case with PVC moldings, which only need to be washed from time to remove dirt.

exterior moldings Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between moldings and trim?

A1: Moldings and trims are similar in that they are both decorative elements used to accentuate edges or corners in a room. However, moldings are generally larger than trims. Moldings are used for larger areas like walls and ceilings, while trims are used for smaller areas like windows and doors.

Q2: What are the types of exterior moldings?

A2: There are several types of exterior moldings, including window and door casing, frieze boards, soffit, fascia, and corner moldings.

Q3: What is the purpose of exterior moldings?

A3: Exterior moldings provide an aesthetic function and a structural purpose. They add beauty and elegance to a home's exterior and cover gaps and seams between different materials. This helps create a finished and cohesive look. Additionally, they provide some protection against water infiltration and pests by sealing seams and joints.

Q4: What are the commonly used materials for exterior moldings?

A4: The materials used for exterior moldings vary depending on the budget and desired style. Common materials include wood, PVC, composite, and fiber cement.

Q5: Are exterior moldings difficult to maintain?