Trim Options for Proud windows?
I am in the process of residing my house and would like to improve the look of the trim around a couple of vinyl replacement windows that the previous owner installed into the original openings. I can’t come up with any great ideas though.
The primary issue is that the windows sit proud of the exterior sheathing by 1-1/2″. Also note that the front of the window is roughly in line with the front of the window sill, also limiting trim options. See first photo.
The original trim is a standard piece of brick mould 1-1/4″ x 2-1/4″ and the window installers added filler strips that butted up to the side of the vinyl windows. See second photo for a picture of the trim with filler strip. The filler strip makes up the additional 1/2″ from the edge of the sill to the window. See third photo.
I think it looks pretty shabby with the windows stick out from the trim rather than being recessed. However, I can’t come up with any options that won’t look odd in some other way. My best idea is this:
1. Cut a new “sill” that slots over the old sill and under the window sticks out by an extra 1″.
2. Build up the area where the brick mould will be installed by 1″.
3. Install a piece of brick mould + filler that is 3″ wide with the filler rabbited on the back so that it overlaps the window by 1/4″. This would leave the window recessed 1/4″ inside the trim. The cumulative effect of steps 2 and 3 is shown in the fourth image.
The disadvantage is that (a) there will be a lot of trim revealed where the lap siding buts up against the brick mould and (b) it sounds like a lot of work. Any better ideas?
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Replies
First off
What keeps you from pulling the window into the opening (inside the house)?
The stop they used to hold it in the old frame?
Maybe dealing with it inside would easier and more pleasing to the eye.
Fear and trigonometry
These windows are big (6'x8') and there are three of them. So I have been hesitant to yank them out and investigate this possibility, but I'm willing to consider it. My concerns are
1. I need to tear out the interior trim and turn the two rooms in my house that we were done remodeling (before the siding project became a necessity) into construction zones. In addition, the interior sill (which is nice and deep) would become significantly smaller and none of the blinds would fit anymore.
2. At some point I would like to put wood windows back in and I am hesitant to re-muddle the opening any more than it was messed with by the installers. A window that is 2" deep would slide up against the original stops and be flush with the sheathing. This window is 3-1/2" deep.
3. I'm a little bit worried that it won't go all the way back in. The sill is at 15 degrees roughly and I would need to push it back by 2" which would mean I'd also have to raise it up by 1-1/2" x sin(15 degrees) = about 3/8" assuming the back corner is sitting on the sill. However, there is only a 1/4" gap at the top of the window so it can't go that high. At best I could push it back an inch. While any extra depth would be an improvement for the exterior trim work, this starts to sound like a lot of work to end up with a less extreme version of the same problem that I already had.
Are concerns 2 and 3 valid?
All your concerns are valid.
I'm not there to look around and give you all the options that might be available.
The blind question you know.
Sliding back in and running out of room is certainly a valid concern.
One thing I would advise, whatever you do, try to detail the proper flashing for your application. Caulk is not a long term flashing.
I see the gap around the windows. You should be able to install a flexible peal and stick (VINYL compatible) flashing around and on to the window to give you a first line of defense. In addition, a head flashing on top of your trim.
Best of luck.
Sill Extension
I'm attaching a photo of how I would imagine extending the sill.