Vinyl siding is popular with homeowners because it’s durable, cost effective, and easy to maintain. Exterior trim not only enhances a home’s appeal but also plays a vital role in protecting it from the elements. This guide explores exterior trim options for homes with vinyl siding, helping homeowners make informed decisions about which trim to choose.
What Is Exterior Trim?
Exterior trim on a vinyl-sided home comprises the components that frame and seal the siding. It’s typically found on transition areas such as corners, roof joints, or connections to other structures. Trim can be made from a range of materials, including PVC and aluminum. The ability to customize exterior trim creates a multitude of design possibilities, letting homeowners realize their ideal exteriors.
What Are Common Types of Exterior Trim?
Several types of exterior trim are commonly used with vinyl siding:
- Fascia: These boards follow the horizontal edge of a roof and are typically attached to the ends of roof rafters. Fascia boards often support gutters and come in various materials and sizes.
- Rake: Rake boards cap off the ends of a roof and usually attach to the fascia board. They follow the roof line in gable structures and can add visual appeal.
- Frieze: These boards are often installed vertically on the siding just under the soffit. Frieze boards can create transition points between parts of your house, such as where the soffit meets the siding.
- Casing and Brick Molding: These trim pieces usually surround doors, windows, and garage doors, framing them and protecting them against water damage.
- Decorative Trim: As the name suggests, homeowners install this type of trim for its appearance. It comes in profiles such as quarter round, cove, shoe, and crown moldings.
What Materials Are Used for Exterior Trim?
When it comes to exterior trim for vinyl siding, homeowners have a range of material options to choose from, each with its advantages and drawbacks.
PVC has emerged as a popular low-maintenance exterior trim option in recent years. It’s durable, repels water, and resists splitting and cracking. Homeowners find it easy to work with and install.
PVC trim is particularly popular for brick molding around entry and garage doors. You can install it using the same methods and fasteners as you would with wood, but be sure to use corrosion-resistant fasteners to prevent future problems.
This material is made from wood by-products mixed with resins and other chemicals. It’s durable, often comes pre-primed for convenience, and it’s produced sustainably as it uses repurposed materials.
It’s installed with hot-dipped galvanized ring shank or twist nails and must be sealed after it’s cut to prevent moisture absorption. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully, as improper installation can lead to moisture damage.
Foam trim offers several advantages—it’s moisture resistant, inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to work with and install. You can also paint it with latex-based exterior paint.
Foam trim can be brittle, though, so take care during installation. It’s often installed using galvanized brads or finish nails. Sometimes, adhesive is used to make the installation more secure.
While often associated with fiber cement siding, this material is also used for trim on vinyl-sided homes because it’s resistant to rot and decay, durable, and moderately priced. However, it requires sealing and painting—so keep this in mind when weighing your options.
Fiber cement trim installation requires special techniques and can be challenging to work with. You need to take safety precautions when working with this material due to potential airborne fiberglass fibers.
Aluminum cladding is commonly used for trimming vinyl-sided homes. It has excellent water-shedding properties, comes in a range of colors, and can be retrofitted over existing home features such as fascia, rake, eaves, and window casings.
A machine called a brake is used to mold the aluminum cladding to the appropriate shape and size, and the cladding is typically installed with aluminum trim nails.
How To Choose the Right Exterior Trim
Consider these factors when choosing exterior trim for your vinyl-sided home:
- Climate: Choose materials that can withstand local weather conditions. If you live in an area prone to heavy rain or snow, go for trims with superior water resistance.
- Maintenance requirements: How much upkeep will different materials need over time? If you’re a busy homeowner, lean toward low-maintenance materials rather than those needing regular maintenance.
- Aesthetic preferences: Select trim that complements your home’s overall design and vinyl siding color. The right trim can elevate a simple facade, adding sophistication and detail.
- Budget: Balance cost with long-term durability and appearance. Investing up front in quality materials means lower maintenance costs and fewer repairs over time.
- Installation complexity: Some materials may require professional installation, while others are more DIY friendly. Assess your skills honestly before deciding on a DIY trim project.
Exterior Trim Installation Methods
Installation methods for exterior trim vary depending on the material used, but you need to use moisture-resistant fasteners, no matter the material. Whether using staples, nails, or screws, they must be galvanized, stainless steel, aluminum, or have a corrosion-resistant coating.
PVC trim is installed similarly to wood. While the material itself won’t absorb water or rot, use corrosion-resistant fasteners that won’t rust or break. Seal all cuts and joints with PVC-compatible adhesive to prevent moisture penetration, which can lead to structural issues over time.
Trim made with this material is typically installed like fiber cement boards, using hot-dipped galvanized ring shanks or twist nails. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully, especially regarding nail depth and sealing exposed surfaces. If you don’t, you can end up with water damage, reducing the trim’s lifespan and potentially leading to more extensive repairs.
Because foam trim is lightweight, contractors often install it with galvanized brads or finish nails, using pneumatic brad nailers or finish nailers for efficiency. An adhesive is sometimes applied, but it can make removing the trim in the future more difficult. Installers should make sure foam trim isn’t over-nailed, which can weaken its structure.
Fiber cement trim is usually installed with galvanized ring or twist nails—be sure to follow manufacturer specifications. Despite its weather resistance, fiber cement can absorb water, so make sure it’s properly sealed with paint and caulk to boost its lifespan and maintain its appearance.
Aluminum cladding is typically shaped with a brake machine and installed with aluminum trim nails. This cladding is particularly effective for covering existing wooden home features and creating a water-resistant barrier. Installers must take into account contraction and expansion with temperature changes to keep the cladding from warping or pulling away from the structure.
