Reply to Builder wants window trim, architect says go trimless

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Reply to "Builder wants window trim, architect says go trimless — rowhome. What would you do?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Go with whatever is more waterproof.[/quote]

Yes, you're looking for ease of maintenance, not a fleeting trend.[/quote]

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.
[/quote]

bulk water management should be done by the cladding (siding/trim) not by the drainage plane, which is a backup that manages drying of bulk water and moisture on the backside of the cladding[/quote]

That's simply not true in modern homes.  The primary water management strategy is the drainage plane — i.e., the fully sealed ZIP-R layer behind a ventilated rainscreen. The siding and trim are part of a screened cladding system — they shed most bulk water, yes, but the actual waterproofing happens at the sheathing layer.

That’s why products like ZIP, Delta-Vent SA, or even Prosoco liquid systems are used with open-joint claddings and rainscreens. They’re built to handle water intrusion behind the siding and dry quickly, which wouldn’t be possible if the siding was expected to be watertight on its own.[/quote]

This is why modern stuff is terrible and doesn’t last.  The old, sturdier ways are better.  Modern is designed without practicality in mind, or to fail so you need to redo it in 20 years.  Avoid stupid errors like relying on marketing from product salesmen.[/quote]

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