Is your garage door seal losing the battle against cold drafts, or have you noticed that the trim just looks a little worse for wear? It might be time for a little garage update. Instead of searching for a contractor, you might be able to DIY with a garage door trim kit. These kits can be purely practical or an opportunity to create a distinctive garage space. Whether for aesthetics or not, these kits are a convenient way to get a finished product fast.
Benefits of a Garage Door Trim Kit:
- Protects your garage against drafts and helps keep water from flooding the garage floor.
- A variety of garage door trim styles can update the aesthetic by changing to a wood trim, a brick moulding, or a new accent color against vinyl siding.
- Seals gaps to improve energy efficiency.
- Extends the life of your garage door.
- Simple installation that can be done over a weekend.
Why Many Consumers Choose a Kit
Garage door trim kits turn a tricky task surprisingly simple process. Thus making them perfect for homeowners who like a little DIY, but not too much.
- Convenience: Everything you need comes pre-packaged, so there’s no running back and forth to the hardware store only to inevitably end up dealing with excess materials.
- Precision: The trim boards are cut to exact dimensions, eliminating the need to measure and saw.
- Easy instructions: Garage trim kits typically come with detailed step-by-step instructions designed for people who aren't contractors by trade.
- Time-saver: Without the need to source materials or create your own cuts, you can focus on the actual installation.
Best Practices for Installation
To ensure your garage door trim kit installation goes smoothly and lasts a long time, follow these best practices:
- Prep the area: Make sure the surface is clean and dry. Remove any old or damaged trim before starting.
- Measure twice, cut once: Even though the trim pieces are pre-cut, double-check your door’s dimensions to ensure accuracy. For any essential modifications, cut straight, clean edges.
- Use the right tools: Have a utility knife, caulk gun, screws or galvanized nails, and a drill on hand. Most kits list required tools, so double-check before starting.
- Seal gaps with caulk: After you’ve installed the trim, use a weather-resistant exterior caulk to seal any remaining gaps. This ensures water and drafts stay out.
- Check for a snug fit: Make sure the trim fits tightly against the door to prevent air leaks.
- Follow the instructions: Every kit has its quirks, so don’t skip over any instructions or diagrams that come with it.
Hire a Pro or DIY?
When it comes to using a garage door trim kit, this project often falls into the DIY-friendly category, especially for those who enjoy tackling home improvement tasks.
DIY is a good fit if:
- You’re comfortable with basic tools like drills, nail guns, saws, and caulk guns.
- Your garage door is relatively standard in size and the jamb boards won't need modification to fit complex framing or unusual angles.
- You are used to doing other garage door tune-ups.
- You have a free weekend to dedicate to the project and want to save on labor costs.
Hire a pro if:
- Your garage door frame has irregular dimensions, which might make even a pre-cut kit difficult to fit.
- You notice structural damage that needs more than the garage door trim solution.
- Maybe your garage door panels need work, and the window trim is leaking, the weather stripping is torn, and it's time for your annual garage door track maintenance. When the list piles up, a contractor can be worth it.
- You prefer the peace of mind that comes with professional installation, ensuring everything is perfectly aligned and sealed.
- Time is tight. There's never any shame in hiring help if you need it.
