Exterior trim installation isn’t just about looks — it’s about durability. On the Loctite 2nd Chance House, Fine Homebuilding Pro Tyler Grace is reinforcing porch columns and the front entry with precision. Using Loctite PL Premium MAX — our strongest, most durable construction adhesive — he installs moldings, baseboard trim, and a reinforced kickboard, creating a seamless, weatherproof bond built to last.
Exterior trim does more than enhance curb appeal — it protects against the elements and reinforces structural stability. Installed incorrectly, moisture, temperature changes, and fastener stress can cause:
- Gaps that allow water infiltration, leading to wood rot
- Trim movement due to seasonal expansion and contraction
- Loose fasteners over time, causing structural instability
To prevent these issues, Tyler recommends a measured, professional approach, choosing materials that last and applying Loctite PL Premium MAX for maximum durability.
Unlike mechanical fasteners alone, this high-strength adhesive:
- Forms a permanent, 100% solid weatherproof seal that withstands expansion and contraction
- Reduces the need for excessive nails and screws, maintaining a cleaner finish
- Provides a high-strength bond for trim, columns, and threshold reinforcements
Columns define the character of a porch, but their trim details must be precise for a professional, long-lasting finish. Tyler uses a 1⅜-inch OG-style base cap to match the home’s aesthetic. This effectively balances historic charm with durability.
1. Perfecting the layout: precision first. Before installing the moldings, you want to ensure exact spacing. Tyler uses gauge blocks to mark out precise reveal lines, maintaining even alignment across all columns. This eliminates guesswork and prevents visual inconsistencies that can throw off the entire look.
A measured layout is the difference between trim that blends in and trim that elevates the entire structure.
2. Applying Loctite PL Premium MAX for a secure bond. To secure the moldings, apply a 3/8-inch continuous bead of Loctite PL Premium MAX to the back of each piece. As it cures 100% solid, it creates an unyielding bond that keeps moldings in place for the long haul. This gives you a durable, weatherproof bond while minimizing squeeze-out.
- High initial tack keeps the molding in place without sliding.
- Flexible adhesion allows for slight adjustments before setting.
- Minimal fasteners mean fewer visible nail holes for a clean, professional finish.
The top trim on porch columns ties the structure together and prevents long-term shifting. For this project, Tyler selects a 3-inch baseboard that matches the lower trim for an architecturally consistent look.
Handling uneven surfaces for a perfect fit. Not every structure is perfectly level, and this porch ceiling was slightly out of alignment. Instead of forcing the trim into place, Tyler scribes the tops of the boards — a technique that ensures a flush, seamless installation, even on uneven surfaces.
When the ceiling isn’t perfectly level, you don’t want to fight it — scribe the trim so it follows the line of the structure without forcing it into place.
Applying Loctite PL Premium MAX for maximum hold. To ensure a strong, weatherproof bond, apply a 3/4-inch zigzag bead of Loctite PL Premium MAX directly to the column rather than the back of the trim.
This method:
- Distributes adhesive evenly across the bonding surface
- Prevents squeeze-out while maximizing surface contact
- Allows for slight adjustments before securing the trim
Using adhesive as the primary bonding agent minimizes the need for fasteners while creating a long-lasting, professional-grade hold.
The front door is one of the most heavily used parts of a home — constantly exposed to foot traffic, shifting weight, and weather fluctuations. Without proper reinforcement, the threshold area can loosen over time, leading to movement, moisture damage, and premature wear.
To prevent this, Tyler installs a solid kickboard beneath the door sill, securing it with Loctite PL Premium MAX for a 100% solid, load-bearing bond that won’t fail under pressure.
Creating a stable foundation with adhesive as a wet shim. Not all surfaces behind a kickboard are perfectly flat. Small voids or inconsistencies in the sheathing can cause gaps, which may lead to flexing or instability. Instead of relying solely on fasteners to bridge these imperfections, Tyler applies a thick bead of Loctite PL Premium MAX as a wet shim before fastening the board into place.
This:
- Fills gaps and voids behind the board for solid support
- Prevents movement once secured
- Creates a uniform backing for the trim screw to drive into
Tyler advises: “Using an adhesive as a wet shim lets me create solid backing behind the board, so when I drive the trim screw in, it won’t just pull the material in with it.”
Securing the board without excess fasteners. A strong adhesive bond eliminates the need for over-fastening, which can weaken the board over time. By using Loctite PL Premium MAX to distribute pressure evenly, Tyler ensures that the kickboard remains firmly in place — without relying on excessive screws. This provides the following benefits:
- High initial tack prevents shifting during installation
- Permanent, weatherproof adhesion for long-term performance
- Reduces fastener use, preserving the integrity of the trim
Precision matters in exterior trim work. Whether it’s securing moldings to porch columns or reinforcing a high-traffic threshold, your installation should stand up to time, weather, and daily wear. A solid bond eliminates the need for constant rework, saving time and materials.
Tyler Grace knows that small details make a big difference. By using the right adhesive in the right places, he ensures every trim component stays locked in for years to come — without excess fasteners or risk of movement.
With a professional-grade adhesive like Loctite PL Premium MAX, you get a high-strength, weatherproof hold.