Builder wants window trim, architect says go trimless — rowhome. What would you do?
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Anonymous
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I'm planning to renovate a modern rowhome in DC and trying to keep a clean, high-end look to the back of the home. I am planning on large Marvin high end fiberglass or aluminum windows, and I’ll be using Boral TruExterior siding.
My builder is suggesting to use exterior trim around the windows, saying it’s easier to waterproof and "finishes" the look. But my architect strongly recommends going trimless for that sleek, modern aesthetic. Would love input from folks who’ve done something similar. Neighboring homes that are super low end have nothing (but they also have cheap vinyl windows), recent developer flips seem to having trim, and the more custom homes seem to be a mix of trimless and with trim. |
Anonymous
| Can you share pics of how it would look on your house? |
Anonymous
| Trim! |
Anonymous
| Go with whatever is more waterproof. |
Anonymous
Yes, you're looking for ease of maintenance, not a fleeting trend. |
Anonymous
OP here. About waterproofing — definitely agree that's priority #1. That said, my plans already call for: * ZIP-R sheathing (integrated WRB + insulation) * ZIP flashing system (tape and liquid flash) * Rainscreen assembly (drainage mat) So from what I understand, the actual waterproofing is handled at the sheathing layer, not the siding or exterior trim. The siding is essentially decorative and part of the outer cladding. The rainscreen adds a pressure-equalized drainage plane behind it. Wouldn’t trim vs. no trim mostly impact appearance and install complexity—not true waterproofing—especially if the flashing is done right? More than happy to hear pushback if I’m missing something. I’m starting to think the builder prefers trim because it hides imperfect siding cuts and makes installation easier, whereas a trimless approach is more technical but aligns with the clean, modern and luxury look. |
Anonymous
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It’s almost certainly easier for the builder but that doesn’t mean he’s wrong about problems.
Hear everybody out and just make a call. See if you can get them both on the phone to discuss it. |
Anonymous
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Builder wants what is easier for them.
They are guaranteeing their work - right? Why would there be water issues if they do it right? |
Anonymous
| Trim for areas that receive a lot of full sun exposure. |
Anonymous
OP here, is that to help with thermal bridging or something else? |
Anonymous
| Could share pictures of the look you're going for vs what the builder recommends? |
Anonymous
Cracking. Direct sunlight is hard on windows and seals. |
Anonymous
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If your builder isn't skilled enough to install it trimless and make it look good (and a lot of builders aren't, it's a more painstaking process), then you are better off with trim.
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Anonymous
This. Houses hate water. |
Anonymous
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Are you black-and-white-ifying a 100-yr old home, stripping it of its original look and period-appropriate embellishments?
If so, go with the trimless windows so your home will be on trend and look like every single other renovation in the District. High end or cheap flip, doesn’t matter as long as it has that look of a Monopoly house |