Garage Door Trim Replacement

Garage doors are completely exposed to the elements which cause water damage through cracks and the splitting of the wood that makes up your trim. If you have noticed those signs mentioned above, there’s a good chance that its time to replace your trim.

Painting garage door trim without first replacing it can lead to several issues in the long run. For that reason, if you’re thinking of repainting your garage or selling your home, updating your garage trim is an easy way to up your curb appeal.

In this article, we’ll teach you what to expect when a professional painter comes to repair your trim and updated your garage color. Let’s take a look!

Replacement

If you are having a professional painter come to replace your garage door trim before they start painting, they will have a step-by-step process to complete it successfully. This is what it should look like.

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Remove Current Trim

Replacing old or damaged garage door trim is not just about aesthetics; it’s also essential for the protection and longevity of your home’s exterior, particularly for homes with stucco finishes commonly found in places like Arizona. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:

Removing the Damaged Trim:

Cutting Through Caulking: The process starts by cutting through the old caulking. Using a sharp blade ensures the stucco or exterior material isn’t damaged during the removal. This is crucial for stucco housing, as it can be more susceptible to cracks or chips.
Prying Away the Old Trim: With the help of tools like a cat’s paw or a flat-head screwdriver and a hammer, professionals will begin to gently pry the trim away from the garage’s facade. While this might cause minor superficial damage, the subsequent steps will ensure these are taken care of.
Understanding the Underlying Structure: As the trim is removed, it’s not unusual to find a rubber or composite layer underneath. While older homes might have wood backing, modern homes often use composite materials, which are more durable and weather-resistant than wood.

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Installing the New Trim

Garage door trims serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, acting as a finishing touch and providing a seal against elements. However, replacing them requires precision and an understanding of how garage structures work. Here’s a comprehensive look at how the process unfolds:

1. Initial Prep Work: After the removal of the old trim and a thorough pressure washing of the garage, a fresh coat of paint is applied around the perimeter where the new trim will be installed. This strip of paint, approximately two to three inches wide, acts as an extra layer of protection.

2. Allowing Time for Drying: The painted strip requires a few hours to completely dry. It’s essential to ensure the paint has dried thoroughly before moving on to the next step. This precautionary step ensures that even if the garage shifts over time due to structural movements or other factors, there won’t be an unsightly white line exposed. Instead, the revealed color will seamlessly blend with the rest of the garage.

3. Precise Measurements: The next step is crucial. Measurements are taken starting from the top, ensuring accuracy. Once the top trim piece is in place, they’ll measure the sides. If the top piece wasn’t set first, the side measurements could be off by a quarter to a half-inch, which can significantly impact the fit.

4. Cutting and Installing the Trim: Using a miter saw, which ensures clean and precise cuts, the new trim is tailored to the previously taken measurements. The trim pieces are then temporarily affixed in their positions using an electric nail gun and finishing nails.

5. Proper Adhesion and Nailing: For added stability and to prevent any future movement, a heavy-duty construction adhesive is applied, particularly to the bottom sections of the side trims. This ensures a robust bond between the trim and the garage surface. Subsequently, finishing nails are strategically placed every four or five inches to secure the trim in its position.

6. Sealing with Caulk: To ensure there are no gaps where the trim pieces meet the garage or each other, a bead of caulk is applied along the junctions. This caulk not only offers a smooth, finished look but also acts as a barrier against moisture, preventing potential damage. The caulk is pressed firmly into the cracks, ensuring it fills any gaps.

7. Drying and Final Touches: The freshly applied caulk needs about 24 hours to set and dry thoroughly. It’s recommended not to disturb the trim or expose it to heavy moisture during this period. Once dried, the garage door trim is now properly installed, sealed, and ready to withstand the test of time and elements.

Painting Garage Door & Trim

The installation of new trim is a transformative addition to your garage door. But, the next step is crucial: painting. A fresh coat of paint can not only protect the trim but also elevate the aesthetics of your home’s exterior. Let’s delve into the considerations and options you have.

1. To Paint or Not to Paint the Trim: While the natural allure of a white trim can be quite enticing, providing a crisp contrast to the garage door’s color, there’s also the practical aspect to consider. White, especially in areas exposed to dirt, moisture, or heavy traffic, can become stained or discolored over time. If you’re aiming for a low-maintenance choice, you might lean towards painting the trim in a color that doesn’t show dirt as easily.

2. The Power of Contrast: If you decide to paint, consider the visual impact of contrasting colors. A boldly colored garage door paired with a neutral trim, or vice-versa, can make your home stand out. This choice depends on whether you prefer your garage door to blend seamlessly with your home’s exterior or be a focal point.

3. DIY vs. Professional Painting: You can approach the painting project in two ways:

DIY: If you’re feeling adventurous and have the necessary tools, you could paint the trim yourself. This gives you the freedom to pick your pace and make changes as you go. However, remember that DIY requires patience, the right materials, and attention to detail to ensure an even and smooth finish.
Professional Painting: For those who prefer a hassle-free approach or are unsure about their painting skills, hiring professionals is the way to go. They not only bring expertise but also have the right equipment to ensure an impeccable finish. Plus, they can provide valuable input on color choices and finishes based on your home’s architecture and your personal preferences.

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Professional Painting

We will come to your home to scope out the project and develop a plan. Then we will draft up a proposal based on the size of the job and what you are needing. For example, they may need to replace your trim as we talked about above.
If you would like, we can have our professional color consultant come out to help you make your decision. We are even able to give you digital renderings of your home.
Another bonus of a professional color consultant is that they can work with your HOA. Often, HOA’s have specific regulations of what color they allow for your home or even garage.
Once you’ve selected your color, your crew leader will go over all the details of your proposal with you. You’ll receive a preproduction inspection report from the project manager after that.
The crew will then start their preparation including pressure washing and any repairs you discussed. This is when they would be replacing your garage door trim.
The next part of the process is when the painting will begin. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of days to complete a garage door project.

Final Thoughts

Covering up damaged or worn garage door trim with paint will only delay the replacement of the trim. Replacing garage door trim is a straight forward process that should be considered when you are preparing to have your home painted. Contact Crash of Rhinos Painting to get a free proposal to paint your home.

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