Tips on How to Replace Exterior Door Molding
By Mark J. Donovan
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Replacing exterior door molding is an excellent way to spruce up the curb appeal of your home, and when selling a home, the first impression is the most important one. Exterior door molding takes a lot of abuse from Ultra Violet sunlight, moisture and insects. In just a few short years exterior door molding can go from looking like new, to worn out and weathered.
There are many neat molding pieces to choose from when looking for replacement exterior door molding. In many cases you can mix pieces to create very elaborate exterior door entranceways. For example you may want to consider installing fluted molding or pilasters on each side of the door entranceway. |
In addition, there are decorative door moldings and accessories such as keystones and medallions that can be installed around and above the doorway to really make it shine.
I replaced the exterior door molding on my front entranceway a few years back due to moisture issues, and the new look was like night and day. The old exterior door molding had begun to crack and warp due to moisture issues. Near the bottom of the door, where water splashed up from the granite steps, some of the exterior door moulding actually began to peel away from the house sheathing.
| Removing Old Exterior Door Molding
When replacing exterior door molding it’s important to remove the old molding very carefully so as not to damage the door and door jamb. I used a flat bar, a block of wood, and hammer to remove the old exterior door moulding. If after removing the exterior door molding you notice moisture, allow the sheathing to fully dry out. If the sheathing looks rotted replace it as well. Also, you may want to install new flashing where needed. |
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Installing Exterior Door Molding
Use a miter saw to cut 45 degree angles near the top corners and straight 90 degree cuts along the bottom. Also make sure to prime and paint all sides of the replacement exterior door molding pieces and allow them to fully dry before installing them.
| When nailing the new exterior door molding pieces to the house, make sure not to place the nails too close to the edge of the molding pieces to prevent splitting. If at all possible use a nail gun to nail the exterior door molding into place.
After the new exterior door molding pieces have been fastened to the house, apply wood filler to the seams. Once the wood filler has dried, lightly sand the seams and then apply one final coat of paint to the exterior door molding. Finally caulk around the exterior door molding seams and the house sheathing to create a water and air tight seal. |
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Use your finger to smooth out the caulk and follow behind with a moist rag or paper towel to complete the exterior door molding replacement project.
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Related Information
Additional Finish Carpentry Resources from Amazon.com
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