Can I recaulk this trim?


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Old 09-24-22, 01:11 PM
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Can I recaulk this trim?

Hey There,

I'm not sure what is going on with this piece of wood on the side of our garage but it looks like the gap is getting bigger over time. The gap size is about a pinky width. Is this an acceptable size that can simply be recaulked or is the gap considered too large or should the wood be replaced and redone all together?

Also, is wood like this supposed to be secured to the brick wall in some way? If so how is this done and what is it called?



 
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Old 09-24-22, 02:07 PM
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It's possible that there isn't anything to anchor it to. You have the brick, which it barely overlaps (so you can't anchor to the mortar) then there is an air space behind the brick (about 1") and if there is no guarantee there is wood behind that. So they might have just glued it, with minimum fasteners. You could try to anchor it better... you could also stuff backer rod in and just caulk it, and hope it holds.
 
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Old 09-24-22, 02:44 PM
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Not uncommon. Besides with time and sun and cold the caulking will begin shrink and dry out. You might be able slip a thin piece of wood to take up the gap. But all in all, just re caulk and it'll be fine.
 
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Old 09-24-22, 03:48 PM
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A house is a breathing / moving entity and will forever be breaking permeant seals.
Just a normal maintenance item.
 
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Old 09-24-22, 04:53 PM
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Rather than caulk, you might use a construction adhesive. Gorilla contruction adhesive is white and might hold better than any old caulk.
 
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Old 09-24-22, 08:36 PM
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Although it will work, I would suggest not using the construction adhesive. That trim material is a replaceable item. Even though it seems you will never have a need to replace it, I would opt to side on the possibility to replace it if it gets hit or damaged. And if you ever replace the garage doors, that trim piece is typically replaced also. I've had three garage door replacements in my lifetime and every time they replaced the trim as part of the total package.
Just a thought.
 
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Old 09-25-22, 03:26 AM
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I'd push backer rod into the wider gaps and then caulk, it takes a bit of skill to caulk against brick and keep the brick clean. If you aren't confident in caulking cleanly you could nail up shoe mold or something to cover the crack.
 
 

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