Giving your garage door a fresh look isn’t just about painting or repairs; sometimes, it’s the trim that needs attention. Replacing trim around your garage door can enhance your home’s curb appeal and protect against the elements. In Minneapolis, where weather can take a toll on exterior woodwork, keeping your garage door trim in good shape is essential.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Garage Door Trim
Trim serves both decorative and protective roles, lining the edges of your garage door to seal out moisture and drafts. Over time, trim can suffer from rot, wear, or pest damage. If you notice crumbling wood, flaking paint, or if the trim feels soft and spongy, it’s time for a replacement.
Choosing Your Materials
Selecting the right material for your new trim is key. While wood is traditional and can be painted or stained to match your home, composite materials offer increased durability and resistance to rot.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Garage Door Trim
1. Removal: Carefully pry off the old trim using a flat bar, being careful not to damage the surrounding areas. It’s important to remove all nails or fasteners left in the frame after the old trim is removed.
2. Measurement: Measure the old trim pieces or the space around the door to cut your new trim to the correct size. If the old trim was a good fit, you can use it as a template to measure and cut the new pieces.
3. Cutting: Cut the new trim pieces to length, ensuring each piece fits snugly against its neighbor for a seamless look. It’s important to ensure each piece fits snugly against its neighbor and the corners meet precisely for a seamless and professional appearance.
4. Installation: Attach the new trim using galvanized nails or screws that won’t rust or corrode. For best results, you might pre-drill holes for the nails or screws to prevent the wood from splitting.
5. Sealing: Apply caulk around the edges of the trim to seal any gaps, protecting against water and air infiltration. Use an exterior-grade caulk for durability and effective sealing.
6. Finishing: Once the caulk is dry, paint or stain the trim to match your garage door or home exterior. Ensure the paint or stain is appropriate for exterior use to withstand weather conditions and UV exposure.
Additional Maintenance
While replacing your garage door trim, it’s a great opportunity to inspect other parts of your garage door, such as the extension springs.If you notice wear or damage, it’s important to replace garage door extension springs to ensure the smooth and safe operation of your door.
Garage Door Trim Replacement: A Comprehensive Checklist
| Task | Tool Needed | Tip |
| Removal | Flat bar | Be gentle to avoid extra repairs. |
| Measurement | Tape measure | Double-check for accuracy. |
| Cutting | Saw | Use sharp blades for clean cuts. |
| Installation | Hammer or drill | Pre-drill to prevent splitting. |
| Sealing | Caulk and caulking gun | Smooth out for a professional finish. |
| Finishing | Paint or stain | Apply evenly for best results. |
When to Seek Professional Help
While replacing garage door trim is a manageable DIY project, some scenarios may call for professional assistance. For example, if you need to replace garage door extension springs, it’s a task that can be dangerous due to the high tension in the springs. Always consult a professional if you’re not fully confident in performing a task. All you have to do is to contact us; our representative will be there to help you in the easiest way.
Supreme Garage Door Repair: Your Home Improvement Partner
At Supreme Garage Door Repair, we understand that details like trim can make all the difference to your home’s appearance and functionality. We’re proud to serve the Minneapolis community, offering those services that require a professional touch, like when you need to replace a garage door extension spring, or if you prefer expert craftsmanship for replacing garage door trim, look no further than Supreme Garage Door Repair.
Our dedicated team is committed to providing service that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.