Does Ottawa brick mould need replacing too?

Brick mould often needs replacing during a window or door swap, but not always — it depends on the condition of your existing brick mould and the scope of your project.

Brick mould is the exterior trim that frames your window or door where it meets the siding or brick veneer. In Ottawa's climate, it takes a beating from freeze-thaw cycles, ice, moisture, and UV exposure, so deterioration is very common — especially on homes more than 15–20 years old.

When you're replacing a window or door, your installer will remove the exterior casing to access the rough opening. At that point, it's the ideal time to inspect the brick mould closely. Signs it needs replacing include rot, cracking, paint peeling down to bare wood, gaps where it meets the masonry, or visible water staining behind it. Replacing it at the same time as your window is far more cost-effective than coming back later.

In Ottawa specifically, the combination of harsh winters, spring thaw moisture, and summer humidity accelerates wood brick mould deterioration faster than in milder climates. Many Ottawa homeowners are now upgrading to PVC or composite brick mould during replacement projects — it won't rot, holds paint better, and handles the freeze-thaw cycle without cracking or swelling.

Most window replacement quotes from Ottawa installers will include new brick mould as part of the package, but it's worth confirming this upfront. Ask whether the quote covers removal of old trim, new brick mould installation, and proper caulking and sealing at the masonry interface — that seal is critical for preventing water infiltration behind the frame.

If you'd like your brick mould looked at alongside a window or door quote, request one through Ottawa Window Pros and ask the installer to check the trim condition during the estimate visit.