What Is Brickmould?
You hear the installer say:
“We need to remove the old brickmould.”
What exactly are they talking about?
Brickmould is an exterior trim profile installed around many:
- Windows
- Entry doors
- Patio doors
It helps create the finished transition between the unit and the surrounding exterior wall.
Pella and Andersen both offer brickmould as an exterior trim option for windows and doors.
Is Brickmould Part of the Window?
It is associated with the opening, but it is not the glass or operating sash.
Think of it as the exterior frame-like trim surrounding the installed unit.
Different installation systems may use:
- Brickmould
- Flat exterior casing
- Aluminum trim
- Other profiles
Why Is It Called Brickmould?
The name comes from its traditional use creating a finished transition between window or door frames and masonry openings.
But brickmould can also be used with other exterior finishes.
Why Does It Matter During Full-Frame Replacement?
On some full-frame replacement projects, the existing window or door and its exterior brickmould are removed together.
Pella’s current installation guidance specifically includes replacement methods where old brickmould or trim is removed before the new unit and exterior trim are installed.
Can Brickmould Be Aluminum or PVC?
Yes.
Exterior trim products can be made from:
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Cellular PVC
- Other low-maintenance materials
The best option depends on the selected window or door system and exterior design.
Does Brickmould Replace Flashing?
No.
Brickmould provides exterior trim and finishing.
Proper installation still requires the opening to be:
- Sealed
- Flashed
- Integrated with the wall
Trim should never be mistaken for the water-management system behind it.
The Window Is the Product. Brickmould Is Part of How That Product Meets the House.
Envirotech Exteriors can explain which exterior trim and installation method fits your replacement windows or doors so the finished opening looks intentional and performs properly.