Replacing Window Trim issues?

[Dave Mitton]

The face trim on a number of my house windows has rotted in a number of spots, due to poor flashing and caulking. So I'm working on repairing it. It appears to be plain 3.5" x 1" pine, I've pulled the nails that went into the house sheathing, but the pieces seem to be held on the internal frame quite tightly, maybe they were glued or braded in the factory. I want to get these pieces off with the least amount of damage.

Any ideas? Tips? (No I don't want to replace the whole window assemblies)

I don't own a router, but that idea just occured to me.

Dave.

[Colbyt]

How old is your house?

If you have 3.5" trim I am betting at least 50's construction. You may have missed a nail or two or the caulk and friction is holding this trim in place. On older windows the trim was nailed to the window and usually joined at the corners with joiners. The top portion is usually the easiest to remove and that aids in removing the sides. Go slow and pry gently. You could also try cutting the paint and caulk where the outside casing meets the jamb using a utility knife. As a general rule once you get the first piece out the rest is easy. Expanding on you router quark, just crosscut a section of the trim 6 inches high and work on getting that piece out. The rest will be easy.

[Dave Mitton]

1985. They are wooden double hung windows with plastic track fold-in action, on a neo-colonial style house with cedar clapboards. Typical New England. The wood is nothing special though, I suppose it's clear (hard to tell under the paint) but it's finger jointed in places.

Thanks, I'll try some of your ideas. The first board I tried moving had rotted away to the part connected. It was hard to get leverage on it. Maybe a lateral smack with a hammer will loosen it up, but I should try harder to get _all_ the nails out first.

Dave.