A Guide to Keeping Your Edge Trim Looking Its Best Year-Round

When it comes to enhancing your home’s curb appeal, Edge trim is a standout choice for its durability, timeless aesthetics, and premium quality. With multiple types of trim tailored for different use cases—Primed SPF (Solid Sawn), Premium Primed (Engineered), and EvoTrim™ (Engineered/Treated)—Edge offers solutions for a variety of projects. 

Each type of trim excels in specific conditions, making it easier to choose the right product for your home’s needs. But like any investment in your home, proper maintenance is the key to keeping it looking and performing its best for years to come. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about maintaining Edge trim, from routine cleaning to seasonal care.

Why Maintenance Matters

Your home’s trim serves more than just a decorative purpose—it’s a critical component that protects against the elements and ensures a polished look. Over time, exposure to sun, rain, and fluctuating temperatures can wear down even the most durable materials. 

The good news? With a few simple steps, you can preserve your trim’s beauty and integrity while avoiding costly repairs down the line.

A Quick Overview of Edge Trim

The Edge line of trim is designed with both form and function in mind. Known for its superior durability and high-quality finishes, it offers homeowners a premium product that’s built to withstand the elements. Here’s a closer look at the different types of Edge trim and how their unique features influence maintenance needs:

• Primed SPF (Solid Sawn): Made from solid sawn wood, this trim offers natural beauty but is more susceptible to expansion and contraction due to humidity changes. Maintenance focuses on repainting every 3-5 years and monitoring for warping or cracks.
• Premium Primed (Engineered): This engineered wood trim is designed for dimensional stability and a smooth, factory-primed surface. It requires periodic resealing of edges and touch-up painting to maintain its finish and protect against moisture.
• EvoTrim (Engineered/Treated): Treated for enhanced durability, EvoTrim resists rot and decay. Its maintenance involves protecting treated surfaces from scratches and ensuring exposed areas are resealed or touched up as needed.

By understanding the characteristics of your chosen trim, you can tailor your care routine to maximize its lifespan and appearance.

Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide

1. Cleaning Your Trim

• Frequency: Clean your trim at least twice a year, or more frequently in areas prone to dust, pollen, or pollution.
• How to Clean: Use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching delicate finishes, especially on Premium Primed and EvoTrim trims. You can use a mild detergent diluted in water, but avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
• Pro Tip: Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose to remove all soap residue and prevent streaking. For EvoTrim, its treated surface makes cleaning even easier compared to untreated wood.

2. Inspecting for Damage

• What to Look For: Regularly inspect your trim for cracks, peeling paint, mold, or signs of water damage.
• When to Inspect: Schedule inspections during seasonal changes, such as spring and fall, when weather extremes are more likely to have caused wear.
• Pro Tip: Use a flashlight to spot any hidden issues in shaded areas or along seams. For untreated wood trims, pay extra attention to edges and seams where moisture may collect. You’ll also want to ensure proper drainage around your home to reduce the risk of water pooling near trim areas.

3. Touch-Ups and Resealing

• Repainting Needs: If you notice peeling or faded paint, sand the affected area gently, then apply a compatible primer and exterior-grade paint.
• Sealing: Ensure all exposed edges and seams are sealed with high-quality caulking to prevent moisture infiltration.
• Pro Tip: Use UV-resistant paint or sealant to prolong the finish’s lifespan. EvoTrim requires touch-ups on scratches or cut edges to maintain its treated protection.

4. Addressing Repairs Quickly

• Minor Repairs: For small cracks or chips, use wood filler or touch-up paint to restore the trim.
• Major Repairs: If a section of trim is significantly damaged, consider replacing it promptly to prevent further issues.
• Pro Tip: Keep a small supply of the original paint or finish on hand for quick fixes. Primed SPF may require more frequent attention compared to engineered options like Premium Primed or EvoTrim.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Spring and Summer

• Check for any damage caused by winter weather.
• Remove debris, such as leaves or twigs, that may have accumulated around the trim.
• Reapply UV-protectant finishes if needed.

Fall and Winter

• Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent water damage near trim areas.
• Inspect for cracks or gaps that may let in cold air or moisture.
• Apply a weatherproof sealant before the first frost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a Pressure Washer: High-pressure water can damage the trim’s surface and force water into seams, leading to rot.
• Neglecting Small Repairs: Ignoring minor issues like chips or cracks can lead to more extensive (and expensive) problems.
• Skipping Seasonal Care: Failing to adjust maintenance routines for seasonal changes can leave your trim vulnerable to damage.

Long-Term Maintenance Hacks

• Invest in Quality Paint: High-quality, UV-resistant paints and sealants will reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.
• Mind the Landscaping: Keep bushes and trees trimmed back to prevent scratches or excess moisture from affecting the trim.
• Regular Cleaning: Establish a consistent cleaning schedule to keep grime from building up and causing damage over time.

Protect Your Investment

With its variety of high-quality options, Edge trim offers solutions for a range of applications. Whether you’ve chosen Primed SPF for its natural wood appeal, Premium Primed for its modern stability, or EvoTrim for its treated durability, understanding the specific maintenance needs of your trim ensures it will look great and perform reliably for years to come. 

By following these simple steps and staying proactive, you can ensure your trim remains a standout feature of your home. 

For help deciding which type of trim to choose for your project, check out our comparative trim guide as well as our installation and maintenance document for further reference.

Ready to take your projects to the next level? Find where to buy.