Trim + Caulking

Exterior Trim

Trim should be installed over all siding joints as well as the corners and around the door. Watch where you are nailing. Take care to nail so that nails go into framing members. Remember -- there is no exterior sheathing on these shelters.

Exterior Window Trim

Trim around window on the outside. While the corners can be mitered, often they are not. The horizontal pieces should run across and extend to the ends of the vertical pieces of siding.

First, boards should be ripped to width and cut for the frame of the window, called the jamb. Measure the boards so that there is the same reveal on the window all the way around the window. Then, use a finish nailer to nail this frame together BEFORE installing it.

Use shims to center the jamb on the window. Then use the finish nailer to secure the frame around the window. Nail only at locations having shims.

Like the door, interior casing should have a consistent reveal around the entire window jamb (typically 1/4"). Inside the shelter, window casing should be mitered. Cut the top and the bottom with some extra length so you can make adjustments later and not ruin a piece of wood.

Interior Window Trim

If outlet face plates are in the way, use the table saw and a sled to scarf out part of the edge so the window trim still has a reveal and is not flush with the window jamb.

Enclosing the Eaves

Soffit: the underside of a part or member of a building.

For the front soffit use a singular piece of Hardi siding.

For the side soffit cut long strips from the scrap siding.

For the back wall soffit you use three pieces.

Front Soffit

Back Soffit

Side Soffit

Caulking

Caulking needs to be applied to every joint and visible nail or screw inside and outside. It is unnecessary to put caulking underneath where the trim will be.

The key to good caulking is to take your time. Run a bead of caulk, and then use a finger to gently smooth the bead.

Clean your finger immediately or this method won't work so well on the next bead of caulking to be smoothed. Alternatively, use a different finger. Regardless, go clean your hands often. If you do not, your applied caulking will look horrible.

After a day or two, revisit all sites that received caulking. Inspect them for any holes or cracks and seal with more caulking as required.

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