---
title: "Understanding Exterior Options & Brickmould"
description: "Learn exterior finishing options for window and door installations, including brickmould, aluminum capping, J-trim, and trim selection tips for homes."
image: "https://auroradirect.ca/logotype-116x41-10.png"
---

Installation Guide

# The Perfect Finish: Understanding Exterior Options

A window installation is only as good as its finish. Learn how we seal the envelope of your home with modern PVC Brickmould or custom Aluminum Capping.

**The short answer:** we use **PVC brickmould** whenever possible — it's attached to the window at the factory, made of the same PVC as the frame, and delivers a watertight seal with zero painting or maintenance. **Aluminum capping** is the custom-bent alternative we use for patio doors, irregular openings, and tight spaces.

Exterior finishing is what seals the envelope of your home, protecting it from the elements while providing that clean, professional curb appeal. Here's how the two methods work and when each one is the right choice.

The Modern Choice

## 1\. PVC Brickmould: Seamless & Integrated

### What is Brickmould?

Brickmould is the exterior molding that covers the gap between your window frame and the exterior siding, brick, or stucco. Unlike older wooden trims, our modern brickmould is made from the same high-quality PVC as the windows themselves.

### Factory Precision

The brickmould is attached to the window frame directly at the factory. This ensures a watertight, hermetic seal before the window even arrives at your home.

### A Unified Look

Because it is made of the same material, the color and texture match your windows perfectly, creating a seamless, elegant border. It is weather-resistant, will not fade, and requires zero painting or maintenance.

![Close-up of factory-attached PVC brickmould providing a clean seal](https://auroradirect.ca/_astro/pvc_brickmould_detail.DrxzKQa-.png)

A close-up of our factory-attached PVC brickmould, providing a clean and uniform seal.

The Custom Solution

## 2\. Aluminum Capping

While PVC brickmould is standard, Aluminum Capping shines in specific scenarios like patio doors or irregular openings. It involves bending a durable sheet of aluminum to contour the wall.

### Patio Doors

Due to threshold and frame size, patio doors almost exclusively use aluminum capping for a robust finish.

### Irregular Openings

Perfect for older masonry or uneven exteriors where brickmould won't sit flush. We contour the finish to the wall.

### Tight Spaces

In areas where factory brickmould is too wide, capping allows for a slim, custom on-site profile.

## Summary: Which One Is Right for You?

PVC brickmould versus aluminum capping comparison
| Compare | PVC Brickmould | Aluminum Capping |
| --- | --- | --- |
| When we use it | Whenever possible — the integrated, modern standard for window installations | Patio doors, irregular openings, and tight spaces where brickmould won't sit flush |
| How it's made | Same high-quality PVC as the window, attached to the frame at the factory | Durable aluminum sheet, custom-bent on-site to contour your wall |
| Seal & finish | Watertight, hermetic factory seal; colour and texture match the window; won't fade, zero painting | Robust finish contoured to the opening; slim custom profiles where factory brickmould is too wide |

Rest assured, during our initial consultation and measurement process, our experts will evaluate your home's exterior and determine the best finishing method to ensure your new windows last a lifetime.

Expert Installation

## We Handle the Details

Our experts determine the perfect finishing method for your home during the measurement visit.

[Book a Free Visit](https://auroradirect.ca/book-a-visit)[Start Online Quote](https://auroradirect.ca/design-and-price)

More Information

## Related Guides

[

### Vinyl Construction

See how our windows are built

Read More →](https://auroradirect.ca/products/windows/vinyl-construction)[

### Installation Day

What to expect when we arrive

Read More →](https://auroradirect.ca/education/guides/installation-day-survival-guide)

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