Choosing Your Home’s Exterior Trim

Spring is the optimal time for expansive home improvement projects, especially for homeowners who sustained damages during the winter season. After years of wear and tear and harsh weather conditions, the exterior of your home may require updating to help reinforce its defenses. One of the key ways to ensure the longevity of exterior restorations, such as new siding, is to install trimwork.

Trimwork is the finishing touch for any exterior restoration project, improving the look of your home by adding visual interest, contrast, and depth. In addition to adding visual appeal, trimwork has functional value, too. Exterior trim is necessary to properly seal gaps, such as seams around windows and doors, and to prevent moisture and pests from infiltrating vulnerable areas.

What Type of Trim Is Right for Your Home?

The market offers a wide range of materials that can be used for your home’s exterior trimwork. When choosing your trim type, there are a few key factors you should take into consideration:

• Climate – Your local area’s climate and weather patterns can have an impact on the longevity of certain materials. For example, those in climates with more moisture, like our coastal Delaware residents, may want to avoid materials like wood that are prone to water damage or rot.
• Aesthetics – Homes are often designed to reflect the personal style of the homeowner. Different trim materials can help enhance and complete the theme of your exterior. Ideally, your trim should provide eye-catching contrast to enhance the curb appeal of your home. You can match your trim type to your siding, or change it up and use a different material. However, using the same material may be best for longevity and durability.
• Budget – How much you are willing or able to spend is going to have a significant impact on your choice of trim material. Some materials, like fiber cement trim, are more expensive than other alternatives, like wood.

Now that we have defined important factors to consider when choosing trim, let’s review the various trim materials available.

Wood Trim

Wood gives any home a timeless, classic look. Over the years, wood trim has lost its popularity in light of other more durable options, like vinyl. However, cedar and redwood are popular solid wood choices for trim because of their natural resistance against moisture and insects.

When considering wood trim, the biggest concern is risk of water damage or rot. You may also need to perform annual maintenance to remedy stains, discoloration, and reinforce the surface finish or sealant. If considering engineered wood, be wary of edge swelling and delamination.

Vinyl Trim

Vinyl is likely the most popular material used for exterior housing projects due to its durability and versatility. Though it is more expensive than wood trim, vinyl trim requires much less maintenance over time. Vinyl trim options are available in a variety of colors and textures, and some even mimic the look of solid wood.

While vinyl trim is water-resistant, it’s not impervious to drastic temperature changes. Vinyl trim can still warp in hot climates and crack during freezing winters. This can increase long-term maintenance and labor costs.

Fiber Cement Trim

Fiber cement trim is made from a mixture of sand, silica, cellulose fibers, and cement, and is engineered to be fire-, rot-, and insect-proof. Its durability means it requires less routine maintenance compared to other options. Fiber cement is often designed to mimic the look of real, solid wood and comes in a variety of colors and textures.

Fiber cement can yield high labor costs due to its weight and composition. Because it is made with sand and other tiny particles, cutting it produces a lot of dust. It is imperative fiber cement is installed properly to prevent complications down the road.

Get Started on Your Siding & Trim Renovation

When it comes to replacing or repairing your home’s exterior siding and trim, we understand how important quality materials and installation are. Here at Advance Inc., we are proud to offer our community and customers trim repair and replacement services, including fascia boards, rake boards, and soffits.

Contact us today to speak to a representative or browse our website to learn more about our siding and trim services. We are happy to answer any of your home improvement questions!