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Windows Design Dilemma Exterior

How to get thick exterior window trim look with cedar impressions.

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Hello, we want to re-do our siding and put new construction windows in our home. We want to use certainteed cedar impressions and pvc exterior window trim. The problem is our contractor only wants to use a 5/4” j channel around the windows. I don’t like that look because the edges of the trim look thin and flimsy. Is there an easy way to get the look below on the trim

when your home has cedar impressions?

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Comments (5)

PRO
toddinmn
2 years ago
I assume you are not going to mount it on top of siding like in your picture? The look below is sometimes done when the siding has been done and there was not any trim before.

you could put something behind the pvc to fir it out such as a 3/4” board. Vinyl siding needs the j and often looks better with trim that is simpler Aluminum capped trim seems like more of a natural fit with vinyl siding and typically is what is used On the soffits and fascia.
Erika Lucchese
Original Author
2 years ago
I somewhat agree. Now considering hardie cedar impressions with hardie trim. However our contractor seems against it and says he doesn’t do a lot of hardie so I’m nervous for him to install.
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I have a similar dilemma! Can you all help me too? We just added the white framing and trim to all the windows. We cleaned and relaxed some cedar. I need to stain the cedar. I want to get rid of the red color in the brick and I saw a lime wash option. I am thinking grey tones for both but I’m not sure.
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Yes. Adding this trim around windows is doable for a diy project. I can't tell what they did in the photo but here's what i would do : 1) Don't make the butt joints close tolerance. Why ? Trapping of water = no evaporation and that leads to mold, not to mention wood rot A) All trim pc's around the window should not be adhered directly to the siding...they should have some stand offish so water is allowed to drain naturally 2) The top horizontal pc's should have a slight bevel on top. The bevel drains the water away from the house 3) The horizontal pc's should have a slight bevel also on the bottom...this bevel will act like a drip cap--> this prevents the water from creeping towards the house
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oh wow what a deceptive gem you have!!!! The rear elevations have so much more going on than the front. Cool. So since you want to go more modern, nix the shutter idea. I think the improvements you have made so far are spot on. I'm thinking the front body of the home can be a blue as it will coordinate well with the red/gray roof and accent brick color which you want to retain. Then I would leave the left wing bright white - which will come across as edgy and modern. Check out these gray/blues from Benjamin Moore: Hamilton Blue, Normandy and Montpelier from their Affinity Collection. Don't forget to take into account how much light the front of your home gets; morning, noon, night and seasonally. That will effect your choice. I will look for inspiration images for you. Best.
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You. Ugh the want to consider the type of cedar, how it will be treated or maintained and then picture what it will look like in a few years if untreated. Cedar siding is more of a purist’s choice, not necessarily for cosmetic reasons. There’s more here than what it would look like new with white trim but how will it age with the house. With white you’ll draw attention to the window size and may leave you deflated if the windows don’t look as large or brand as you’d like. Just a thought. Best of luck with your build!
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PRO
toddinmn
2 years ago
when in doubt, go with your gut.

what windows are going with?
Erika Lucchese
Original Author
2 years ago
Pella proline
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
2 years ago
If you contractor seems nervous, I would not want to push him out of his comfort zone. I would much rather have LP than Hardie for the record and if he doesn't have a guy that works with a solid board siding, I wouldn't want to be the first.

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