Gaps between window jambs and window trim

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Just put an addition on my house and noticed what seemed to be large/unacceptable (1/4" or so) gaps between the window jambs and window trim on a number of windows. I brought this to the attention of my builder and he says it's acceptable and the standard is to just caulk. I don't want to be unreasonable and he's made me feel unreasonable in my request find a solution other than caulk. My windows are being stained black and the trim is painted white. I just can't imagine any kind of caulk looking good, but maybe I am being unreasonable. Would appreciate any thoughts. A couple photos attached.

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Comments (6)

PRO
PPF.
4 years ago
Could you show the entire window so we have a better understanding of what we see in your two closeup pictures.
millworkman
4 years ago
Needs to be a piece of wood, call an extension jamb installed in that gap. Quite though for the gap to be that small. Are you certain the windows are set properly from the exterior?
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PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
4 years ago
That gap is larger than what would normally be considered acceptable IMO. Is this on all windows or just a few? Could be an incorrect measurement on the jamb depth, someone switched 1/2 to 5/8 sheet rock, a thicker sheathing used on the exterior, etc.

IF this is only on a window or two, and IF its all being painted, I could see some combo of filler/caulk possibly being used, but if this is consistent across the board, something is wrong.

A 1/4" thick piece of wood installed in there would be a better fix than caulking.
PRO
toddinmn
4 years ago
Looks like they might have went with a standard jamb depth vs custom. or just got it wrong. Pretty much aggreeing with Homesealed.
Debbie
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Thank you for the responses received. Here are two additional photos (per request from PPF) that show the two sets of 3 double hung windows on two different walls in my sunroom addition (one set has already been stained black). I can't really find any consistencies in gaps across these 6 windows. On one side of a window, the trim might be flush at the bottom of the window and then widen to a 1/4" gap at the top. The other side of the same window can be the opposite or completely flush. In some cases, the bottom trim is completely flush or a consistent 1/4" gap across or even flush on one side and then widening to 1/4" or so on the other side. I had all the windows replaced in the existing house and, of course, new windows installed in the addition. There are other areas (addition and existing) where the trim might be close to flush all the way around or have minor inconsistencies gaps, but it is these 6 windows and a couple others in the house that have gaps that are around 1/4". All the windows are or will be stained black and all the trim is or will be painted white.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 years ago
Wood jamb extensions, no caulk please.