Shimming Harditrim around windows
user-141375
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I need to shim out under 1×4 harditrim around windows about an 1/8 inch to make up for the thickness of the vinyl window flange and roofing nails so that the trim does not look like it is leaning. I am looking for something in 1/8 inch thick strips. I could rip PT lumber into strips but would rather find something requiring less work. I was also thinking about two layers of strips of 90 wt roll roofing. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Replies
we use strips of granular ice & water.. one or two thicknesses , depending on the need, right where the nails will go...
it's very easy, won't split, and seals around the nails
here's a pic... you can just see small tabs of the granular sticking out from behind the 5/4 trim
View Image
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Edited 9/30/2007 10:58 pm ET by MikeSmith
Great idea.
Thanks
I am trimming the window similar to what you show in the picture, with 1x4 harditrim at the head. I will be installing a metal drip edge, and tucking it in under the house wrap. Should the drip edge go on top of the harditrim, or over the top of the window, and then install the harditrim ?
on top of the trim..
do you use painted coil stock ?... what kind of metal window cap are you going to use ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I forgot to mention my head flashing. I had mine custom made at a local sheet metal place out of galvalume (sp??). He made a generous (about 3") leg that tucks under the head flashing and added a little kick out over the face of the Hardi.
So, it was esentially a "Z" shape flashing with a kick out.
Jim
I will also be using galvanized Z flashing from sheet metal shop similar to what Rockford described.
I just rabbet the backside of the trim on the tablesaw to get it to lay flat. I've been wanting to try Mike's method of firring out with strips of I&W but haven't convinced myself that it's any quicker than running the trim through the saw. Plus, I'm concerned that any firring that sticks out past the trim will be an annoyance when the siding goes up. I just installed nine large Andersen's, total time spent rabbeting four pieces of trim was maybe five minutes per window. Probably the same amount of time it would take to lay down some I&W strips. I have one more window to do, maybe I'll time myself and see which method is faster.
I did my entire house (about 50 windows!) with Hardi trim and I just used pre-cut wood shims. I liked the shims because it was easy to bring the sides level with the head by just tapping them in. We had to break most of the shims to get down to the fat part, but that was no big deal.
I predrilled everything and used 16d galvanized finish nails, then set them all and Bondo'd all the nail holes.
Have fun!