Just had to deal with detached trim at top of garage window. As not rotten (rusted nails), I was able to replace using SS thin (3) screws. I now generally use stainless steel screws on outside jobs.

 

Hi I need to replace just the top part of an outdoor door trim which is starting to rot. Can i just take out the top piece or do i need to also take out the side trim pieces. If I can just remove the top piece what is the best way to do it.
(see image below)

Thanks.

Julian
View attachment 475760

You could do that however I would be inclined to replace all of it and use ground contact pressure treated wood. Unless you use Yellawood it should never rot again. Because it's probably an inch thick if you have a planer you could surface a 2x4 to the thickness needed. If you don't then it could be resawed. Using pressure treated if you can make the trim and install it and caulk it where needed and wait a month or so to paint it so it can dry out. The paint won't adhere very well to wet wood.

 

That trim is made in pvc now. I would just replace all three pieces with the pvc. The old trim may have some large staples in the miter joints. You should be able to pry it off starting with. Stiff putty knife or thin edged pry bar.
Mike Hawkins

 

Thanks everyone for your responses. I took off all the Brick Mould and in the bottom right hand side there is rot in the Door Jamb. The rest of the door jamb is solid. Watching videos it seems I should cut out the piece with a oscillating tool. At the bottom right I see some notches (see photos) in the door jamb piece. Some questions based on pictures:

1. How far up from the ground should I cut the door jamb piece, a foot or so above the rot, where it is hard ? Do those notches in the door jamb have any signifigance ?
2. What should i use to replace the door jamb piece I cut out. Should i try to use pressure treated wood ? I will use the PVC for the trim as @firehawkmph suggested.
3. I saw this one short video, is it a good idea to do it this way and use the wood epox. (

)
4. Should I add some more installation into the door (See pictures)

 

I'm guessing that door gets pounded by the rain and weather. I would get some 2 part epoxy

Use a paint scraper and scrape off the flaking paint and most of the rotted wood. You may not get all the rotted wood out. Mix the resin according to the instructions, and paint it on with a sponge brush. I would try to soak it into the wood. The resin should be clear and thin and soak in well. Then put on new brick mold. Calk any small gaps. Paint well with a good latex paint.

I don't think you need anymore insulation. Use caution if you use a spray in foam. Some of that stuff will keep expanding and push door jamb in.

The whole door frame may have to be replaced, some day. But what ever you can do to prolong it is money saved. As long as there's no structural problems, and it looks good to you. Or you can have the whole door frame replaced.
My opinion.
Roy

 

Thanks Roy, just to be clear, I would just use the resin on the rotted door jamb area only, or the whole door jamb ? Should i paint the door jamb where the wood is currently showing, that is strip on the door jamb where the brick mold was nailed into, currently it is not painted (see pic ) ?

 

You only need prime and paint. Bottoms, all.No direct contact with ground, deck, etc..

 

I wouldn't cut through the jamb, that would lead to more problems. If the jamb needs to be cut off I would take it all out and make a new jamb. If it's dry you might chisel off what is soft and fill it with an epoxy filler or bondo and sand it flush. Keep it painted and it will last for years.

 

I would paint it on all bare wood surfaces. Once it has dried it can be painted or calked over. Don't use a table top pour epoxy. It should be a thin slow setting epoxy. West Systems, RAKA to mention a few brands. Some ACE hardware stores carry West Systems epoxy. I wouldn't mix more than 6oz at a time. Use inexpensive plastic cup to mix in. I agree with Rebelwork, use a good primer before painting. Take your time with it and don't stress it. It'll look good when your done.

 

Hi I need to replace just the top part of an outdoor door trim which is starting to rot. Can i just take out the top piece or do i need to also take out the side trim pieces. If I can just remove the top piece what is the best way to do it.

EDITED:
Water is getting in behind the trim, so a flashing of aluminum above it would keep it out.
Install it before you replace the trim.

 

Does he have a soffit?

 

Ideally you'd be better off to replace all three pieces of brickmold at the same time. That way your miter joints will be tight and look the best. You can get brickmold in vinyl now so painting becomes a thing of the past. Just make sure to give a good shot of high quality caulking behind the pieces before fastening with stainless trim screws.