How to Replace Brick Molding around Doors and Windows

Over time, brick molding around the edges of your doors and windows can deteriorate, leaving the exterior of your home looking old and worn. It can also start to corrode, which just looks ugly. You also have a range of new styles available in brick molding, which can give your home a facelift, and add money to the value of your property, which is always welcome. Performing this task is hard work, but if you can get some help, or if you persevere, you should be able to get this job done within a day.

Step 1 - Remove the Old Brick Molding

Start by taking down the old brick molding which doesn't look very good. Start by using a chisel to knock away the caulk from around the edges of the molding, so that it starts to loosen. You may find that a utility knife is equally good for this, although you run more risk of cutting yourself. When you are cutting brick molding which is close to a siding, it is better to use the chisel in order to avoid scoring the siding. Once you have cut back the caulk, Use the claw of your hammer to pull out the nails in the corner of the molding. Stick a crowbar into the edge of the molding, and pull back. If you have a friend, you can pull the molding along both sides at once. Take the drip edge off of the top of the door.

Step 2 - Prepare New Brick Molding

Using your tape measure, mark out the area where you want the brick molding to go. Measure your new piece of molding, making sure that it is slightly larger than your measurements. Paint the molding into the colors of your choice, being careful to cover the area completely with even brush strokes. Place the molding into position, getting a friend to hold it securely, and then mark out the places where it needs to be mitered in order to fit. Use a miter saw to cut a 45-degree angle into the brick molding.

Step 3 - Add Brick Molding

Apply some caulk, and then press the molding into position. Nail through the brick molding at the corner. You should be able to nail the pieces together at the corners where the mitered pieces meet. Use a nail set tool so that your nail is driven into the wooden part of the molding, and doesn't bounce off of the decoration. Add more caulk, and fill in the holes caused by the nails. You can then add more paint over the surface of your brick molding to ensure that the whole thing looks even.