How to Trim an Exterior Window | This Old House

Most of the new windows are in at the Arlington house. Tom Silva is starting to trim the windows using a PVC product. He shows Kevin his special technique of using a rabbet joint to connect the top and side casings
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Tom Silva shows Kevin O’Connor how he’s trimming the new windows on the exterior at the Arlington house. PVC trim of over 1-inch thick is used as flat stock around the window. To make a nice joint, he makes a rabbet cut in the top head casing and then a rabbet cut in the side casing so the pieces lock together. He extends the window sill out on either side of the side casings for a nice traditional look. The side casings are glued and screwed to the sill with pocket screws. The frame is assembled and then Tom runs a bead of caulking around the top and sides of the window where the frame will go. Tom and Kevin place the entire window frame over the glue and screw it into place.
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This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes-one step at a time-featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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How to Trim an Exterior Window | This Old House
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[@StruanJennings]

Tom Silva seems like such a kind hearted gentleman. He is dedicated to his work and passionate about everything he does. His family are very lucky to have him! He doesn't look 74 either! Never miss an episode with Tom in it.

[@theothqueenofengland]

The show should be called This New House. Brett Waterman from the show Restored would be having a heart attack.

[@borys444]

The trim looks great and u won’t have to worry about rot. Can’t go wrong there.

[@unebonnevie]

I have been watching this great show (since PBS days) for 20 years! Have learned A LOT! THANK YOU!

[@Allen-by6ci]

Tommy always gets an upvote.

[@pointedspider]

Thanks Tom. I have a job just like this to do tomorrow! Those notches will only take a few extra minutes! Thanks so much!

[@jamiemills954]

I love the idea of the back and face routing in order to limit water intrusion. Awesome "flashing" technique. Thank you for the content.

[@JohnSmith-ji1hl]

finally putting pics of the finished image NICE!

[@davidwoods8135]

Thanks Tom

[@antsmi1104]

Absolutely beautiful. That is craftsmanship. Work like that is expensive.

[@bruce-le-smith]

Nice video, thanks!

[@pointedspider]

Tom's right! Once in a while u get lucky!!!

[@robertbamford8266]

Interesting. PVC expands and contracts. Thanks for the video!

[@user-ne9wp8ve5u]

Look into “Boral”. Never rots, expands or contracts. It may be a little more pricey but it’s worth it.

[@leeannluigi1644]

Excellent video!!!!

[@lukescott1993]

You were so confident in your measurements

[@alonzojohnson7955]

Cool show

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

Great explanation

[@SteveVi0lence]

I love my side piece 😍 0:28

[@peteawest]

I thought you should never caulk the bottom of a window so water can drain? Or is that just when you install the window to the interior framing and it’s okay to caulk the bottom of the trim casing?

[@MrIluvhead]

This man is a genius

[@heroknaderi]

Nice 👍

[@pcdubya]

Tommy! is the man

[@arayahomes4308]

It's a great install - but one key point for viewers - DO NOT, caulk the bottom of the window trim, or the bottom of the window flange. That is a standard practice and the reasoning is to allow water to drain out, there is no need whatsoever to caulk the bottom of the window flange or trim, it doesn't provide any air sealing benefits whatsoever. Things like rod and caulk and proper interior window sealing techniques deal with the bottom of flange and trim being open and providing drainage. Do not follow the advice of caluking the bottom of a window or bottom of trim if you are looking for the best practice that makes sense. Otherwise, the video is great and they did a great job. Surprised these guys don't know that.

[@maksiodzidek1]

King of Wood

[@joseenriquez9508]

What kind of tool are you using for screwing and counter sinking the screw at the same time

[@lenn55]

I bet 9 out of 10 contractors are too lazy to do the rabbits.

[@rafaelvazquez7465]

More like 9/10 owners won’t want to pay for it

[@spydirty2530]

Rafael Vazquez, exactly!

[@user-ne9wp8ve5u]

@@rafaelvazquez7465 thank you for the response! Some people don’t understand the cost. Wine taste with beer budget.

[@manillafresh57]

@@rafaelvazquez7465 They probably would if given the option. Many contractors just assume everyone is cheap so their default approach is to do things cheap and quick. The default approach should be to do it right, and modify the plan the homeowner needs it done cheaper.

[@GrahamDIY]

@@rafaelvazquez7465 there’s not a huge cost (in time) doing that. And it prevents complaints later when the butt joint opens up.

[@bellyisis]

Can orig wood brick molding & sill be removed easily to replace with the pvc versions? My Cape was built either 1923 or 32(found pennies under a couple studs)& the entire wood around windows (including storm) are really bad.

[@larrymoore6640]

Wish Tommy would have installed our replacement windows. I have come to the conclusion that there aren't many good contractors and if you do find one you're on a long....waiting list.

[@pointedspider]

I started a general contractor business because it seemed no one wanted to work. Now, I'm going behind people who are pricing jobs and not showing up, half way doing things (literally, only half a roof). No one wants to work!

[@larrymoore6640]

@@pointedspider That's the truth they want the money but doesn't want to do the job. Would like to have someone like you as one of our contractors but like a 4 leaf clover its hard to find.

[@timf5963]

I finally found a good window company but the owner didn't want to proceed because the siding wasn't installed correctly. He recommended a company that specializes in siding as well as windows. I appreciated his honesty, but it's all a crap shoot.

[@daviddavis9653]

A lot of info missing for diy'ers. depth setting for pocket screws due to rabbet joint? rabbet joint depths?

[@conniedlawson]

What wood is used for this?

[@bakedbean3211]

What size rabbet bit ? Thanks

[@tinysand3517]

Tommy gets lucky all the time doesn't he

[@betseysherman5346]

Where can you purchase the window lower sill piece?

[@user-ik8kx7yw2p]

Called Historic sill....Buy it by the foot any place that carries Azek PVC trim

[@Alexanderbuilds2001]

How expensive is PVC trim?

[@billgoldenmusic]

Can you paint the PVC?

[@EricRohlfs]

First great video. Question would water (rain) really get up to the top of the window with those gables? I could see water near the bottom with a heavy wind. Seriously asking, would it get that high?

[@trucksguns6898]

People hose down their house siding to get the dirt off especially if they live in a dusty environment. Even if you don't the next person who lives there might do that.

[@abefrohammer3105]

Whats the point of doing the rabbit if you glue and screw it together? How much could it possibly move after doing that?

[@htownironman]

What brand is that pocket hole jig?

[@borys444]

Kreg, it’s actually on sale for Black Friday right now at Home Depot for 80 bucks versus the normal 100.

[@adamguymon7096]

I noticed that you put calking on the bottom of the windows and I thought that you weren't supposed to do that because if water got behind there it would go back in?

[@bruizzz13]

Not a carpenter at all but maybe it was for air drafts?

[@cattigereyes1]

Just learned how to fire a poor contractor! This is a important step and should be followed of professionalism is required

[@RJG772]

I would think such a tight fit does not allow for the natural expansion/contraction. so it will break and delaminate I would think... . Am i right?

[@Tangue0]

I was thinking the same thing. There were a few details in this that I would think you'd want to do differently. However, these dudes know their stuff and I'll leave it at that.

[@petemiller519]

Good video. You should use the Blue Kote screws rated for the exterior. The screws used at 4:02 are not exterior rated screws.

[@skylark4901]

Knowing Tom, those were more than likely stainless steel. (I just feel like I know Tom 😀)

[@steve_main]

you can really see the dirt and holes on that. Do you sand and paint these after install?

[@skylark4901]

You should clean up the PVC and wash your hands before you put the plugs in, also it's a good idea to put a piece of tape on the hammer to keep from transferring the dirt, I've found that cleaning your hammer isn't good enough, also find a hammer that isn't "marred". I don't think you need to sand, that's really not my thing, I do know you can paint

[@user-ik8kx7yw2p]

Use a waffle head hammer...that really looks good....Lol@@skylark4901

[@JM-yx1lm]

Can't paint that stuff where it will last though.

[@angelahorak1542]

Hi could you tell me what type bit you are using in the router?

[@rickteeden8656]

1/2 rabbet bit

[@danthedewman1]

dont think waters a problem with the over hang

[@rayray8757]

He doesnt use a Kreg often.. need to hit bottom and pull up before spinning that baby or you will ruin bits quick

[@barbherman2545]

Hardly board window trim

[@djfremen]

Safety first gang! PVC dust is a very well known carcinogen. A quick google search: Specifically, PVC has an association with a rare kind of liver cancer called hepatic angiosarcoma. Prolonged exposure to PVC could also result in a condition commonly called vinyl chloride disease. The symptoms of this condition include numbness in the hands, joint pain and skin changes, including changes in color, thicker skin and edema.

[@EricRohlfs]

I think that is why they are using it on the outside. PVC is especially nasty if it catches on fire. But it is more rot resistant than wood. Wood is great if you want to re-paint every few years.

[@KBOSGroundAgent]

You bonded the casing with pictures cement. Its not going to expand and contract at any joint. It's welded.

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello John how are you doing

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

first comment

[@demagab]

@Corat I hope the claws are at least three quwootah of an inch, because the money is in the detail

[@Mizzle420420]

Ive specialized in windows and doors for the last 8 years installing mostly residential replacement vinyl windows, patio doors, and wood/aluminum entry doors. I cant say I've ever seen anyone trim windows like that or trim anything with those kind of joints. I mean it makes sense for the Mulls but just seems unnecessary. Personally I trim all my windows and doors by capping with custom bent aluminum trim coil, with or without fresh wood going on first and being wrapped with aluminum, that depends on the situation some times the wood isnt necessary..

[@louf7178]

I have to agree, but it is great to see fundamental issues addressed. (Another that should be addressed is saw-cut concrete joints - a radiused edge will not have the stress concentration that 90 degree saw-cut joints do, especially at intersection corners. Check them out; all new driveways chip away at these places, and this is why.)

[@MOONRAK3R23]

I’m sorry but why do they keep posting the same videos I’ve seen before!!

[@4212daniel]

then go to there website and watch the rest of them simple as that

[@spydirty2530]

*their website It’s as simple as that

[@Yorkie285]

Glue all over the trim, looks like crap