In 2021, home values rose over 50% and are estimated to keep rising due to expected home renovations. Home renovations are necessary to maintain the upkeep of your home and keep it looking fresh and modern. Although, one aspect most homeowners forget is the trim on the exterior of their home. Should you cap it or paint it? Don't worry; this guide lets you find out and decide what is best for you and your home. Now, are you ready to get started? Here's a quick look at capping vs. painting your trim.
Capping Wood Trim To cap the trim, aluminum is nailed down onto sound wood. However, here's the tricky part, if the wood isn't sound, it will loosen, and allow water in, later rotting the wood. The wood will even rot faster than a painted trim due to the excess moisture. Experienced professionals should only attempt capping. After all, if capping is done right, it can easily last over twenty years, more than double if you paint it. So, if you want your trim capped, hire a knowledgeable and experienced company like our team at All Side Contracting. We will help you turn your boring trim into fancy edging with our capping process. Painting The Trim Painting the trim is easy, efficient, and long-lasting. All you have to do is cover the wood with a wood primer, then paint it with a topcoat at least two times. That way, the wood is saturated with the colour enough to retain it. To paint the trim, the wood must be rid of rot or mould. If there are signs of either, those parts need to be cut out immediately and then sanded down to be even with the other pieces. If you apply the paint correctly, it should last between ten to fifteen years. Is Painting or Capping Cost Efficient? Capping your trim is easily more expensive than simply painting it. Generally, capping costs about $1,000 to $1,500 for a one-story home. However, if your home is bigger than one story, it can cost up to $2,000. You're not only paying for the supplies but also the labour time. Capping takes two times longer because siding professionals must bend the metal to the right shape. Painting your trim costs about $500 for an average-sized house. However, since paint doesn't last as long as capping, you'll likely have to get it retouched, costing another $300 to $500. While capping is more expensive upfront, you'll likely have to pay more in the long run if you paint your trim. Cap or Paint Wood Trim: Which One Is For You? Choosing between capping or painting your wood trim is difficult. Thankfully, we can help you decide what's best for you. If you want to change the look and style of your trim, choose to cap it. However, choose to paint your trim if you want a more straightforward solution that will last. We at All Side Contracting are here to help you with any questions or concerns. Contact us today for more information about wood trims.