What is Brick Mold? A Complete Guide to This Essential Door Trim

When shopping for doors or planning a home renovation project, you might come across the terms "brick mold,” "brick molding" or simply “exterior door trim.” This seemingly simple component plays a significant role in both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your entryway. Let's explore what brick mold is, why it matters and how it affects your door installation.

Brick mold is simply the trim that goes around the outside of your door frame. It creates that nice, finished look where your door meets your exterior wall. And despite its name, you don't need to have a brick house to use it. Brick mold works great with all kinds of siding and exterior finishes. While it’s traditionally made from wood, today's brick mold options include:

• Vinyl
• PVC
• Composite materials
• Aluminum
• Fiberglass

Why Your Door Needs Brick Mold

Brick mold isn't just there to look pretty (though it does that too). It serves some important purposes:

Weather Protection
The primary purpose of brick mold is to create a weather-tight seal between your door unit and the exterior wall. It helps prevent water intrusion and air infiltration around the perimeter of the door.

Pest Barrier
Brick mold seals the gap between the door frame and the wall, helping keep insects and other unwanted pests from getting inside.

Aesthetic Appeal
Brick mold adds that finished touch to your entryway and gives your door some depth and character to enhance the look of your home.

Installation Buffer
When putting in a new door, brick mold creates a helpful buffer zone between the door frame and your walls, making it easier to get everything lined up and sealed properly.

Popular Brick Mold Styles

While the standard exterior door trim profile is approximately two inches wide with a slightly curved outer face, you have options to match different architectural styles:

• Colonial Brick Mold: Features decorative details and curved moulding that’s perfect for traditional homes.
• Modern Brick Mold: Features cleaner, simpler lines that are ideal for contemporary houses.
• Custom Options: Available when you want something unique for your home's style

Maintenance Tips

To maintain your brick mold, give it a quick check each year for any damage and touch up the paint when needed. If you notice any sections that are starting to rot, it's best to replace them before the problem spreads. Also, remember to wipe it down now and then to keep it clean and looking fresh. A little regular attention goes a long way in extending the life of your brick mold.

Picking the Perfect Brick Mold for Your Home

When selecting brick mold for your doors, consider:

• What style matches your house
• What weather conditions your door is exposed to
• How much maintenance you're willing to do
• What colors would look best with your home

Brick Mold vs. Casing

It's easy to mix these up, but here's the simple difference: brick mold goes on the outside of your door where it meets the exterior wall, while door casing goes on the inside of your door where it meets your interior wall. Think of brick mold as your door's outdoor jacket and casing as its indoor outfit.

Brick mold might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in how your doors look and function. Whether you're putting in a brand-new Larson door or fixing up what you have, understanding this exterior door trim helps you make smart choices for your home.

Looking for a door with quality craftsmanship and the right finishing touches? Find a Larson dealer here.