Started window replacement / siding job, and found many of windows with wooden brickmold have the brickmold rotted out. I’d like to keep the windows I can, and replace the brickmold, preferably with a non-wooden product. Some questions:
1) Anybody know of a good vinyl combo brickmold/J-channel?
2) On the windows I am only replacing trim, I’d like to use the above dual purpose molding to replace the trim. However, the windows are mounted using the brickmold – the brickmold was used like a nailing fin during installation. So, I need something “structural” to keep the windows in, not just a vinyl brickmold. I’ve thought of routing out a 1/2 x 1/2 all along the back of the brickmold to make it have a channel to receive the siding, but worry about rot. I could put a 1×1 in possibly around the window to hold it in, then frame that in the vinyl brickmold, but might look bad.
Any suggestions? I’m trying to get away from the “re-siding” look of j-channel everywhere. Cement board siding (my choice) not possible because it ain’t my house and they didn’t choose it!
Replies
If you want to do it right, don't touch the brikmold until you get the windows anchored. I'd pull the casing inside and shim & nail so you're holding everything by the jambs like it's supposed to. Trim screws are a good option also. I've never heard of a combo of BM & J channel, but its probably just as well. You'll want to caulk around the BM after it's in, and you can butt the j channel up to it tight after its on. Might suggest putting 30lb felt in around the window if you can get enough access for that, behind the channel & siding. Only reason I say do it from inside is I replaced the BM on an octagonal window once where the flippin idiots did the "framing nails through the trim & walk" installation and after pulling half of the trim off, I had a window in my lap. About 20 ft up on an extension ladder. That was funny, not. If you were going with a hard product (hardi plank, for instance) then I've seen the back of the BM rabbeted quite frequently, but I don't know that it makes any more sense than a regular butt & caulk installation. I think doing it with vinyl is asking for water.
I saw the brickmold/j-channel on an apartment complex. Just like 2 1/2 inch wide j, or casing for windows, except a brickmold profile molded in the front. Looked pretty good, IMHO.
It's probably too late but you could just cap the brickmold (they sell profile makers which bend the aluminum into the brickmold shape) and make an integral j channel with the same piece.
Richie