At the Loctite 2nd Chance House, the Habitat team is wrapping up final finishes before painting. Fine Homebuilding Pro Tyler Grace walks through his precise window casing installation process, using Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive with zero-second instant grab to eliminate excess fasteners and create a durable, professional finish.
Window casing is more than trim — it’s protection. When done right, it prevents air leaks, stabilizes the structure, and ensures a seamless look for years to come. But small mistakes add up fast:
- Gaps around the frame let in drafts, raising heating and cooling costs.
- Trim movement from seasonal expansion causes misalignment over time.
- Visible seams require constant caulking and maintenance.
- Improper sealing leads to rework — wasting materials and time.
Tyler makes sure these issues never happen by sealing every gap before trim installation begins. This step prevents costly fixes later and ensures a long-lasting, professional finish.
A great casing install starts long before you apply the trim. The key to long-term stability is proper sealing and precision prep. Tyler follows a simple but critical process to ensure every window is airtight and structurally sound before moving forward.
1. Seal perimeter gaps for an airtight fit. The first step is sealing the window completely to prevent air leaks and long-term shifting. Tyler uses Loctite Tite Foam Window & Door spray foam insulation between the window and rough opening — this eliminates gaps that could lead to expansion and contraction over time.
2. Pre-assemble extension jambs for a perfect fit. Instead of adjusting pieces on-site, Tyler pre-builds his extension jambs.
This approach:
- Ensures precise measurements for a tighter fit
- Reduces adjustment time during fastening
- Leads to a cleaner, more uniform installation
3️. Wet-shim the bottom jamb with Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty. A stable base makes everything easier. To keep the bottom extension jamb perfectly level, use Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive as a wet shim — its zero-second instant grab locks the jamb in place before fastening. This technique:
- Minimizes the need for excessive fasteners
- Prevents movement after installation
- Creates a seamless, flush fit
4. Final insulation before casing installation. Once the jambs are secured, a second round of spray foam is applied between the jamb and the rough opening. This step ensures no gaps are left behind before the casing goes up.
Once the foundation is set, it’s time to install the trim. A proper fit means tight, consistent spacing and minimal fasteners.
Mark a 1/4-inch reveal for perfect alignment. A consistent reveal ensures that the trim sits evenly around the window, preventing irregular gaps. To achieve this, Tyler marks a precise 1/4-inch reveal on all the jambs before fastening. "I marked a quarter-inch reveal on all these jambs to make sure that my casing lines up perfectly," he explains.
Apply adhesive for precision and flexibility. Instead of nails doing all the work, Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty holds the casing securely while allowing for minor adjustments.
- Cut the nozzle at a 3/8-inch opening for controlled application.
- Apply a thick bead behind the trim — not on the edges — to prevent squeeze-out.
- Float the casing into position before pressing it down.
This method allows for perfect placement before the adhesive sets — preventing mistakes that lead to gaps or visible seams.
Minimize fasteners for a cleaner finish. Since Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty has a strong initial tack, only a few fasteners are needed to hold the trim while it cures. This minimizes:
- Unnecessary nail holes
- Extra patching before painting
- The risk of movement over time
A pro-level finish means no visible seams, no movement, and no last-minute fixes. Tyler takes extra steps to make sure everything sits perfectly flush before final fastening.
Secure trim joints with adhesive. Even when pieces are cut precisely, they don’t always sit perfectly flush. To ensure a coplanar finish, apply an extra bead of Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty, which delivers a zero-second instant grab to lock trim joints in place immediately.
Check alignment before fastening:
- Run a hand over the trim to detect subtle misalignment.
- Make minor adjustments while the adhesive is still workable.
If gaps or uneven surfaces aren’t fixed now, they’ll show once the paint goes on.
With the trim installed, one last quality check ensures a smooth, paint-ready finish.
- Apply a small bead of Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty to transitional molding — ensuring a seamless connection between the casing, ceiling, and built-ins.
- Run a hand over the trim one last time to detect any uneven spots.
- Make micro-adjustments before the adhesive fully cures — avoiding extra sanding or filling later.
Taking a few extra steps during installation pays off in the long run. Proper sealing, careful alignment, and using the right adhesive mean fewer repairs, a flawless finish, and long-term durability.
Tyler’s approach ensures that every window casing install is built to last. Sealing gaps, precise alignment, and using the right adhesive lead to fewer repairs, a flawless finish, and long-term durability. With Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty, you can get a pro-level fit the first time — without relying on excess fasteners or caulking.