A garage door trim serves as a protective barrier against harsh outdoor elements. Also, it helps accentuate your door’s curb appeal, a nice touch that will impact your home’s resale value. However, wear and tear can take its toll, and garage door trim replacement can be a project you’ll need to undertake.
If your trim is cracked, warped, or just a little worse for wear, don’t panic. Replacing it is relatively simple, even for novice DIYers. This guide will help you not only remove and replace your garage door trim but also choose the best materials and add some flair to your home’s exterior.
However, if you want to be certain that the work is done perfectly, you can call us at Rock Garage Door Repair!
Now, let’s break down the process step by step!
Step 1: Understand the Importance of Garage Door Trim
It might be good to know just how big of a deal garage door trim is before diving into the replacement process. Garage door trims also provide a barrier around your garage door and ensure no gaps are left open that can allow drafts, moisture, and pests to get in. A good garage door trim seal can help regulate temperatures in your garage, so it is more usable throughout the year.
But function isn’t the only motivation for paying attention to your trim. With stylish garage door trim ideas, you can give your home’s curb appeal a big boost. From smooth vinyl garage door trim to decorative garage door frame trim, with just the right details your garage can be as soft and intentional as your home as a whole.
Step 2: Gather Tools and Materials
As with any successful project, preparation is key, and replacing your garage door trim is no different. Laying everything out and ensuring all the tools and materials are there can give you peace of mind that the job will go smoothly and that it can produce a professional quality finish. Here’s what you will need, and the reason each item matters:
Tools:
- Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements are essential if you want your clothes to fit snugly and look polished. Measure twice to prevent costly mistakes.
- Utility Knife: Handy for scoring old caulk and cutting trim materials when required.
- Hammer: A vital tool for hammering in a nail or pulling an old one out.
- Nails or Screws: Use rust-resistant hardware for durability outdoors.
- Drill: Uses a power drill to attach the trim faster and more securely, especially if screws are used.
- Saw (Miter or Hand Saw): If you are interested in clean corners and edges, a miter saw is perfect for angle cuts. For smaller adjustments, a hand saw does the trick.
- Pry Bar: The pry bar is invaluable for gently removing old trim without damaging the frame.
- Caulking Gun: This tool applies the sealant along the edges of the new trim, providing a weatherproof barrier.
Materials:
- New Trim: PVC garage door trim, vinyl, wood PVC, and vinyl are low-maintenance and moisture-resistant, while wood has a classic style but takes more upkeep.
- Paint or Stain: If you choose wood trim, protect it with an exterior-grade paint or stain to prevent weather damage and rot.
- Caulk or Sealant: Use a weather-resistant sealant to fill in gaps and prevent moisture, pests, and drafts from entering. This is crucial to ensuring garage door energy efficiency and structural integrity.
- Replacement Garage Door Trim Kit: This is a beginner-friendly option that includes pre-cut pieces and sometimes hardware.
Having everything ready before you start helps reduce interruptions and allows the project to flow uninterrupted. If you feel unsure and want your trim installed properly, you can hire Rock Garage for expert new garage door installation in Los Angeles.
Step 3: Remove the Old Trim
To get the frame ready for the garage door, you have to remove the old trim before the installation of the new garage door. Here are the steps to do it safely and correctly:
- Loosen the Trim: At one end, slide a pry bar between the old trim and the frame and gently pull it away. Then, wedge a pry bar between the trim and the frame and apply light-to-moderate pressure to avoid splitting the wood or damaging the structure.
- Remove Nails or Screws: Now that the old trim is off the wall or door, remove any nails or screws that may have been used to hold the trim in place. The key here is not to strip any screws or fray any edges.
- Score the Caulk: Run a utility knife along the seam between the trim and the wall to sever the seam of any caulk or paint that may be keeping the trim stuck. This will assist you in removing the surface and will also help in preventing the neighboring surfaces from peeling or breaking.
- Inspect the Frame: With the trim removed, inspect the garage door frame for rot, mold, or other damage. Use wood filler to patch up anything that is rotten. Sand down or replace the rotten areas before continuing.
Pro Tip: Keep your workspace neat by putting away any trim pieces you removed. It is also advisable to wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters or sharp edges .
Step 4: Measure and Cut the New Trim
Be sure to measure and make accurate cuts to ensure a clean fit and look. Here’s how to do this step:
- Measure Each Section: Get a measuring tape out and measure the bottom, sides, and top sections of the garage door frame. Make a note of each measurement to keep it accurate.
- Account for Angles: For corner joints, use an angle finder about a miter saw to make accurate cuts. A 45-degree angle at the corners makes for a clean, polished look on most trims.
- Mark the Trim: Use a pencil to mark the new trim material. Double-check these markings before you cut.
- Cut the Trim: Use a miter saw or hand saw to cut the trim pieces to the appropriate length. Take your time and work as precisely as you can to smooth the edges, as this will facilitate installation and give the trim a more finished look.
- Test Fit the Pieces: Lay the cut pieces out around the garage door frame to ensure a good fit before you attach them. This is the time to make any adjustments necessary.
Nevertheless, you should check carefully for alignment to ensure that no gaps or overlaps exist.
Step 5: Install the New Trim
With your new trim pieces cut and ready, it’s time to install. Here’s a fast and easy way to do it while still making sure that the result is safe and attractive:
- Position the Bottom Trim: Begin with the bottom trim piece. Place it against the bottom of the garage door frame and level it. Double-check the alignment with a level tool.
- Attach the Bottom Trim: Using either rust-resistant nails or screws, begin at one end and fasten the edging to the bottom course. To avoid warping, space the nails or screws evenly.
- Install the Side Trim: Next, lay the side trim along the vertical edges of the frame. Ensure that they meet the bottom trim with a clean, tight joint.
- Attach the Side Trim: Secure these pieces in place using the same method you used for the bottom trim. Be mindful of the alignment to keep a straight and level look.
- Add the Top Trim: Place the top trim piece along the top frame. Carefully align it with the side pieces so it looks seamless.
- Secure the Top Trim: Use nails or screws to fasten the top trim in place, making sure it is flush with the frame.
Seal the Edges:
- Apply Caulk: Use a can of weather-resistant waterproof sealant and a caulking gun to fill in the light gaps on the edges where the trim meets the frame. This layer is crucial for waterproofing and thermal insulation.
- Smooth the Caulk: Use your finger or a caulking tool to smooth the bead of the caulk for a tidy finish. Remove any excess using a damp cloth.
Installing the trim correctly is important because it serves both function and aesthetics, upgrading your garage door for the long term
Step 6: Finish the Trim
The final stage, after putting up new trim, is ensuring that it is adequately finished, both for an aesthetic and protective appearance. The specific finishing touches differ by the material you chose for your trim, but all are critical to the longevity and beauty of your garage door trim.
For Wood Trim:
If you’re using wood trim, finishing is important to protect the trim from moisture, UV rays, and weathering. Wood is a natural material that can begin to break down over time without treatment. Here’s how to complete the finish on your wood trim:
- Sanding: Sand the trim with medium-grit sandpaper (around 120 grit). Sand along the wood grain to smooth out rough edges and remove any splinters that might interfere with paint or stain. Use finer-grit sandpaper (about 220-grit) to finish off for a smoother surface.
- Priming: Apply a coat of exterior-grade primer. This step is especially critical if you’re employing a lighter hue for your paint since primer helps the paint stick and reduces the risk of stains bleeding through. Select a primer that is designed for exterior applications and apply that evenly with a brush or roller. Let the primer dry fully before continuing to the next step.
- Painting or Staining: After the primer dries, paint or stain.
- Paint: If you choose paint, use an exterior-grade paint meant to withstand the elements. Spread a thin, even coat with a paintbrush or roller. When it dries, sand with fine-grit sandpaper and apply a second coat for a smooth, durable finish.
- Staining: If you would like a more natural look, staining the wood can be a good option. An outdoor wood stain will enhance the natural grain. Use a cloth or brush to apply the stain, then wipe off the excess with a clean rag. You can put on a second coat to darken the color if you wish.
- Clear Coat: To protect your wood trim from the weather and prolong its life, use a clear weather-resistant polyurethane finish. This will make your trim look glossy and professionally installed and add an extra layer of protection from moisture, UV damage, and wear.
- Touch-ups: Once everything is dried, check your work to see if there are places where touch-ups are needed. Look at corners, edges, and seams, as those areas usually show wear first. Reapply paint or stain as needed to keep a uniform look.
For PVC or Vinyl Trim:
If you’ve chosen PVC or vinyl trim, these materials are low-maintenance and naturally weather-resistant, which means they don’t need to be painted or stained. But there are a few final touches that can improve their looks and durability.
- Cleaning: Start by cleaning the trim to remove dirt, dust, or grime that may have gotten there during the installation process. Use mild soap and water and a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the surface gently.
- Caulking: To achieve a more finished look and to fill any remaining gaps between the trim and frame, run a bead of paintable caulk along the edges of the trim where it meets the wall or garage door. Run your finger or a caulk tool through the caulk for a clean, even line. It will also help prevent moisture from getting behind the trim and possibly causing damage.
- Optional: Painting: PVC and vinyl trims are made to withstand fading, but some homeowners like the painted look, so they paint these materials. If you choose to paint your PVC or vinyl trim, be sure to use a paint specifically designed for plastic or vinyl surfaces. Select a premium top-coat exterior paint and apply it in thin, even coats.
- Final Inspection: Once everything is in place, examine the trim to make sure it’s securely attached, properly caulked, and finished to your personal satisfaction. Touch up any caulk, trim edges, or surface as required for a professional finish.
General Tips:
- Color Coordination: Regardless of whether you have gone with wood, PVC, or vinyl trim, you may want to coordinate the color of the trim with the rest of your home’s exterior. The trim should enhance the color palette of your house to create a finished look. Choose a trim color that compliments or contrasts the garage door for visual interest.
- Consider a Sealant: For any material, use an extra weather-resistant sealant after painting or staining, if applicable. Sealants help keep the color nice, keep it from cracking or peeling, and provide an extra barrier against water.
When you take the time to actually finish your garage door trim properly, you are not only going to make it look better, you are going to make it last longer, and you are going to keep your garage door functional and good-looking for years to come. Keeping your garage looking nice also positively impacts your home’s resale value should you decide to sell your property.
Transform Your Garage Door Trim Today with Rock Garage and Elevate Your Home’s Curb Appeal!
Replacing your garage door trim is a gratifying project that can improve your home’s appearance and utility. However, if you prefer not to stress out about doing the work yourself, you can call us at Rock Garage Door Repair for 24/ garage door trim replacements or repairs.
Rock Garage has everything you need, whether you require handy trim, professional assistance, or anything else. Our specialists will help you decide on the quality and style in order to make your garage door trim replacement a success. Feel free to ask for installation help or garage door repair in Los Angeles.
Improve the aesthetic and weather protection of your garage door with a new trim today! Call us now to learn more!
