So much goes into door installation and designs. Door installers know what’s best for your doors, but you may not know what the parts are called or their function. Some of us know bolts and hinges and nothing else. If you are wondering what is a brickmold on a door? Here is your answer
Brickmold is an exterior door case used to seal the openings of exterior doors. Although a no brickmold door is cheap and easy to install, a brickmold door will add to the aesthetics of your home. Brickmolds are made from materials such as wood, metal, PVC, etc.
As a homeowner, a time will come when you want to replace a door or add beauty to it. This article will answer some of your questions concerning a brickmold door and how to install one.
Contents
What Is Brickmold On A Door?
Brickmold (also called brickmould) is a thick frame that surrounds a window or door. It is usually used on exterior doors, windows, and garages. It can also be called trim or architrave. Brickmold on a door acts as a protective seal on the door. It beautifies and makes the door stronger and more durable.
Brickmolds are made in different materials such as wood, vinyl, PVC, and metal. A no brickmold door is not very common, so brickmold doors have been in existence since the 1850s, and woods were the major brickmold material then.
What Is Brickmold Made Of?
Brickmolds are made with durable materials such as vinyl or metal. Metal brickmolds provide the strength needed to withstand the force of the door slamming against the frame. Plastic is used in areas where the wood may be exposed to moisture or other elements.
Brickmolds are available in a variety of colors and styles to match your home’s exterior. If you want to change the color of your brickmold, you can paint it with latex paint or use brickmold sealant for long-lasting results. Here are common materials for making brickmolds.
Wood
Wood is a common material used for brickmolding. It was the first material that was used to build a brickmold. Brickmold can be made from both hard and softwood. Brickmold mold from hardwood is durable, but softwood does not last. Pine, oak, or fir woods are used to build brickmolds.
Wood brickmolds are highly prone to rotting, moisture, and decay. Due to its vulnerabilities, wood brickmolds are painted or stained for longer durability. Wood brickmolds are expensive to maintain.
Vinyl
Vinyl materials are becoming more used than other materials because they are improved wood’s disadvantages. Vinyl is waterproof; impervious to insect infestation, mold, and mildew. It does not rot; unlike wood, it does not split or crack.
It can be painted with acrylic paint or be used the way it is. Vinyl brickmold has tendencies of scratching, and it is more expensive than wood.
Composite Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Composite material is a combination of the best wood and vinyl material. PVC brickmold has the same attributes as vinyl brickmold in terms of weather resistance, invulnerability to insects, and moisture. PVC brickmolds complement the aesthetic features of a door or window.
Metal Brickmold
Unlike wood, vinyl, and PVC, metal brickmolds are not rampant. Metals vary in thickness, size, composite, and weight. The aluminum metal makes an excellent brickmold material. Although installation costs are high, it is slow to decay and offers one more layer of protection.
What Is The Difference Between Brickmold And No Brickmold?
A clear difference between a brickmold door and a no-brickmold door is the thick frame surrounding your exterior door or window, which acts as protection to your door. Brickmolds prolong the lifespan of your door. They are weather resistant and can prevent rotting or insect attacks on your door.
Doors without brickmold are not common because people prefer to bear the cost of installing a brickmold for the many benefits accrued to it than to bear the maintenance and replacement cost of a no brickmold door.
Brickmold is visually appealing. It adds beauty to your door, and you can decide on the type of brickmold design you want. A no brickmold door does not have this advantage.
A casing on your door will cause your door to remain strong and stable. Brickmolds act as additional security to your door by causing it to be more firm. A no brickmold door is prone to damage from wind forces.
No-brickmold doors are less expensive; they cost less and save time while installing. A brickmold door, on the other hand, is the opposite. It is costly and time-consuming.
Is Brickmold Necessary For My Door?
Brickmold is not necessary but they seal your exterior door or window and give it an additional layer of strength and a longer lifespan. Brickmolding makes your home look more beautiful and luxurious. You can buy a prehung door with brickmolds or have a door installer get it done.
You can bypass installing a brickmold on your door or window; that will mean that your door or window will be left without a seal, or you will use a different mold. You can use the following in place of a brickmold:
- Steel trim
- Fiber-cement trim
- Aluminum trim
- Vinyl trim
How Do You Install An Exterior Door Without Brickmolding?
Installing an exterior door without brickmolding is relatively easy. You have to be familiar with the tools and are good to go. Below is a detailed step on installing an exterior no brickmold door:
- Place the exterior door on the door frame and the door hinges on the side you like. Mark the locations of the screw holes on the hinge.
- Go ahead to drill the marked locations and screw the exterior door to the door frame with 3-inch screws. To ensure that the screws are properly drilled, lightly tighten the screws and swing the door. If there is any error, make sure to correct it.
- Next is to attach the door face plate. First, place the door face plate where the door latch is attached to the frame. Mark the face plate screw location and then drill in the screws with a 1-inch screw.
- Use a weather strip adhesive to strip the exterior door or a carpenter stapler.
How Do You Install Brickmold On A Door?
Installing a brickmold on your door is a wise thing to do because you will be enjoying its benefits. Brickmolds seal and secure your door. The following are tools you will need to install a brickmold around your door:
- Utility knife
- Philips and standard screwdrivers
- Pry bar
- Measuring tape
- Hammer
- Putty knife
- New brickmold kit
- Caulk for door trim
- Ladder
- Clamps
- Nails
- Paint and brush
Procedure
- Measure the head of the door frame casing from the inner top right-hand to the inner top left door jamb. Write down all the measurements in a notebook.
- Measure the top right-hand side of the casing to the down of the door frame. Subtract about half-inch of the right-hand side length and write it down.
- Do the same for the left side door casing by measuring it from the top left-hand corner to the down.
- Measure the brickmolds width.
The installation:
- Pair the modeling to the door. Use the hammer to nail the mold tightly; start from the center of the head casing.
- Use 3 to 4-inch nails for the inner side of the edge and trim. Place the casing on the jamb hand-in-hand.
- Work with the same 3 to 4-inch nails on the outside edge of the trim and pair them with the head casing and jamb.
- Apply a little glue to the whole corner ends of the head casing. Push both corners to fix it firmly so it can attach to the head.
- Add the nail to the door jamb and casing every 15 to 15-inch distance.
- Use a 5-inch nail to fix the casing to the wall.
- To secure the lock corners, use a 3-inch nail for the head and side casing.
- Caulk the nails and spread the caulk smoothly until it dries.
- Paint after 2 hours, if need be.
How Do You Repair Rotted Brickmolding?
The frame around your door or window is prone to rot, especially the down part because it is the part that is easily affected by water. You can repair the rotted part by following these guidelines. Here are the tools you’ll need:
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Tape measure
- Nail set
- Paintbrush
- Back saw
- Miter box
- Utility knife
Step 1: Measure And Mark Brickmold
Measure the brickmold with a measuring tape. If the rot is on both sides, measure the two sides and mark the place where the rot begins and ends.
Step 2: Cut The Brickmold
Cut out the rotted part of the brickmold with a saw or knife.
Step 3: Remove The Brickmold
Caulk the lines around the part you want to remove with a utility knife. Use a 5-in-1 painter’s brush to carefully remove the rotted piece away from the wall and jam.
Step 4: Measure For A New Piece
Measure the new piece with a measuring tape and take note of the measurement.
Step 5: Cut For New Pieces
Use a PVC brickmold for your replacement parts to prevent rot and decay. It is easy to cut with a miter saw.
Step 6: Attach New Pieces
Test the new pieces and ensure it fits before nailing it in with a 2-inch nail.
Step 7: Caulk New Piece
Apply a bead of caulk around the replaced pieces. Force the caulk into every gap.
Step 8: Finishing
Allow the caulk to set overnight; then, you can prime and paint to blend with the previous part.
Frequently Asked Questions On Brickmold On A Door
Why Is It Called Brickmold?
The exterior casing or frame on a door is not made of bricks. It is called bricks because bricks were the most used home exterior materials at the time bricks mold began. It all began in the 1850s when brickmold production started, and machines were developed to manufacture it in different shapes and sizes. The Greeks first recognized the benefits of brickmold on doors and windows. Today, you can use other materials such as wood, vinyl, and metal for brickmold.
What Is A Brickmold On A Window?
A brickmold on a window is a frame that surrounds the exterior part of the window. Window brickmolds surround it like a picture frame. It covers the space between the window frame and the home’s exterior. Window brickmolds can be made in wood, vinyl, and PVC.
What Does A Door With No Brickmold Mean?
A door with no brickmold means a door with no exterior frame or casing or a door with another type of seal or mold. A no brickmold door is seal-less; there is no protective frame on it. A no brickmold door has a simple and sleek effect. Although it is not durable and does not add to security, it is less expensive and easy to install.
Do Prehung Doors Come With Brickmold?
Brickmolds are usually pre-installed on a prehung door. Brickmold comes in many different styles and sizes. You can buy a prehung door without any brickmold and install it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
What Is Vinyl Brickmold?
Vinyl brickmold is a modern brickmold material simulating the traditional material – wood; vinyl is an improved material on the weaknesses of wood. It is water-resistant; invulnerable to insect infestation, rot, and moisture. Vinyl brickmold material appeals to guests and adds value to the house. They are expensive, yet they are durable and slow to decay.
Do You Need Brickmold For Exterior Doors?
Yes. Your exterior door requires a brickmold to save it from rot and decay. Brickmolds act as a protective case on your doors; you wouldn’t want to risk leaving your door to termites and water. Brickmolds give your house a beautiful look, depending on your brickmold design.
Conclusion On Brickmold On A Door
Brickmolding is a versatile decorative trim that adds visual appeal, definition, and a finished look to almost any project. The popular trim is made from vinyl or hard composite plastic that can be painted. It’s also water-resistant and easy to clean. For easy installation, purchase prehung doors with brickmold. Brickmolds are an essential part of your exterior door.