Abstract:
A surround molding assembly is disclosed for a doorway window or window of a structure such as a residential home or commercial building. The surround molding assembly may include various embodiments of pilasters, end and corner members, and mantel members that may be fastened to one another or the structure with limited use and visibility of external fasteners. In one embodiment, a decorative molding strip includes a base strip and a decorative strip interconnected by a living hinge. The decorative strip may be pivoted about the living hinge to a closed position over the base strip to hide internally located fasteners. In another embodiment an extension cap is interconnected between a corner member and a decorative molding strip or pilaster without external fasteners. As a result, the molding assemblies of the present invention simplify assembly while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance free of external fasteners.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of presently U.S. Ser. No. 08/969,257 filed Nov. 13, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,481 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/770,396 filed Dec. 20, 1996, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/379,716 filed Jan. 27, 1995, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention relates to decorative molding assemblies for framing doorways or windows of residential or commercial structures, and more particularly to a decorative surround molding apparatus for decoratively framing a doorway, window, garage door opening, etc. of a residential or commercial structure. 
     2. Discussion 
     Molding assemblies are used in a variety of applications to frame or “surround” doorways, windows, patio doors, garage doors etc., to thus provide a decorative, aesthetically appealing framing for such doorways, windows or areas of a structure. In recent years, these surround molding assemblies have been manufactured from plastics such as high-density polyurethane. In general, plastics provide significant advantages over natural wood. For example, door surround molding assemblies or components thereof manufactured from plastic are low in maintenance when compared with natural wood molding assemblies. Plastic molding assemblies are not susceptible to moisture and therefore will not decay, warp or splinter like natural wood. Advantageously, plastic surround molding assemblies or components thereof can be sawed, drilled, glued or nailed just like natural wood. Still further, during the manufacture of plastic molding assemblies, plastic can be tinted with dyes or other materials to provide molding assembly components which are of desired colors, thus obviating the need for painting prior or subsequent to installation on a structure. 
     Prior developed door surround molding assemblies have typically required the various components comprising the assembly to be secured directly to the structure via nails, threaded fasteners or other like securing implements. Most typically, the various components have been provided with one or more flanges including a plurality o f apertures through which the nails or other like fastening elements are driven to secure each molding sub-component to the structure. While generally effective in securing the various door surround molding components to the structure, the requirement that nails or other like threaded fastening elements be used can sometimes add to the time and expense associated with installing the complete surround molding assembly. Once installed, should one component of the surround molding assembly need to be removed or replaced, the use of threaded fasteners or nails can sometimes complicate the task of removing and replacing the sub-components of the molding assembly. Also, there are times when flanges cannot be used and the molding components must be fastened to the structure in another manner such as fastening through the exterior face of the molding. However, because these fasteners are visible from the exterior face of the molding further work may be required to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a surround molding for a doorway, window or other portion of a building to provide a decorative and aesthetically pleasing appearance, while hiding the fasteners that attach the molding to the support structure. 
     It is a further object to provide a versatile molding that can accommodate various other trim components that may abut the molding. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a surround molding assembly for a doorway, window, archway or other portion of a structure which provides a decorative, aesthetically pleasing appearance, and in which the components of the surround assembly include interlocking portions adapted to interconnecting two or more molding components together. In this manner, the decorative molding components of the assembly could be securely, yet releasably held to the structure, while reducing the use of nails, threaded fasteners or other like fastening elements. 
     Accordingly, it is another object of the present invention to provide a surround molding assembly for a doorway, window or other portion of a building to provide a decorative and aesthetically pleasing appearance, while enabling one or more sub-components of the molding assembly to be secured to the structure in a secure, yet releasable fashion, without the need for a large plurality of nails or threaded fasteners to be employed. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a surround molding assembly for a doorway, window, archway or other portion of a structure which provides a decorative, aesthetically pleasing appearance, and in which each of the components of the surround assembly include one or more securing portions adapted to releasably engage with one or more hanger members fixedly secured to the structure. In this manner, the decorative molding components of the assembly could be securely, yet releasably held to the structure, without the use of a large plurality of nails, threaded fasteners or other like fastening elements. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a surround molding assembly adapted to be secured to a structure to surround a doorway, window, archway, etc., where the apparatus includes a pair of vertical molding members each including a securing portion which is releasably securable to a hanger member fixedly secured along vertical portions of the doorway or window, and an independent mantle molding member having a securing portion which is releasably securable to a hanger member secured to the structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above and other objects are provided by a door surround molding apparatus and method of assembly in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. A decorative molding strip comprises a base strip having spaced inside and outside edges and a plurality of apertures for attaching the base to a support structure. A decorative strip is spaced from the base strip and has spaced inside and outside edges for covering the base strip. A sidewall interconnects the inside edges of the strips and a living hinge interconnects the sidewall and the decorative strip. The sidewall also interconnects the base strip. The decorative strip may be pivoted about the living hinge to a closed position over the base strip to hide the apertures. A support member removably interconnects the base strip and the decorative strip for supporting the decorative portion in a spaced relationship to the base strip in the closed position. A retaining mechanism retains the decorative strip over the base strip when the decorative strip is in the closed position. 
     The present invention also provides a decorative molding surround assembly for a door or window comprising a first decorative molding member having a first appendage, a second decorative molding member having an outer surface, and a third decorative molding member disposed between said first and second members. The third member interconnects the first and second members without external fasteners. The third member has a second appendage for receiving the first appendage for holding the first member in abutting, relationship. The third member also includes an opening for retaining the outer surface of the second member. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the door surround molding apparatus, in one preferred embodiment, comprises at least one vertical molding, member which is positioned closely adjacent a vertical portion of a doorway or window, and an associated hanger strip which is fixedly secured to the structure closely adjacent the vertical portion. The vertical molding member includes a securing portion which is engageable with its associated hanger member to enable the vertical molding member to be releasably secured to the structure without the use of nails or threaded fasteners extending through any portion of the vertical molding member itself. 
     The above-described preferred embodiment of the apparatus further includes a mantle molding member having a length sufficient to extend at least partially over, and preferably completely over, the doorway or window. The mantle molding member also includes a securing portion which engages with a mantle hanger member fixedly secured to the structure over at least a portion of the doorway or window. The securing portion of the mantle molding member is releasably engageable with the mantle hanger member to thereby allow the mantle molding member to be at least partially secured to the structure by the mantle hanger member. In this manner, the assembly of the vertical molding members and mantle molding member are simplified considerably through the reduction in the number of nails or threaded fasteners which must be used to effect assembly of these components to the structure. 
     In the preferred embodiment described above, the apparatus further preferably includes an upper corner member associated with each one of the vertical molding members which is used to provide an aesthetically appealing interface or connection between upper terminal end portions of each of the vertical molding members and the terminal, length-wise end portions of the mantle molding member. In this manner, the upper corner members, when fixedly secured to the structure, provide the molding apparatus with a decorative, continuous-looking appearance which surrounds the doorway or window without any gaps or discontinuities between the various components of the apparatus which detract from the overall aesthetically pleasing appearance provided by the apparatus. 
     In the preferred embodiment described above, a pair of decorative base molding members are further preferably included for covering lower terminal end portions of each of the vertical molding members. The decorative base molding members thus provide an aesthetically appealing means for terminating the lower terminal end portions of the vertical molding members without significantly complicating the assembly of the overall molding surround apparatus. 
     In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention a molding member is disclosed which incorporates an enlarged lip portion extending along at least a major portion of the overall length of the molding member opposite longitudinal edges of the molding member. An alternative preferred embodiment of the hanger member is also disclosed which incorporates a pair of semi-circular channels adapted to receive the enlarged lip portions of the molding member when the molding member is secured to the hanger member. The hanger member further includes a plurality of upstanding support portions for providing support to the molding member such that the molding member will not readily flex if pressure is exerted against it after it is installed to the hanger member. To aid in installing the hanger member, an installation tool is also disclosed which permits the hanger member to be secured to the exterior surface of a building in a precise orientation. 
     Also disclosed are upper and lower installation supports adapted to be inserted within portions of a mantle molding member to provide support to the outer surfaces of the mantle molding member. 
     The apparatus of the present invention also includes an internal corner member for draining away water collected on top of the mantle molding member so that the water does not enter behind any portion of the siding on the building. The internal corner member includes a channel which receives water draining from an outer surface of the mantle molding member and directs the water away from the doorway opening in the exterior surface of the building. The internal corner member is easily covered by a decorative, outer corner member, which can be secured thereover. 
     In an alternative embodiment a window header assembly is disclosed which is adapted to be secured to an exterior flat surface of a structure, such as brick, or prior to the installation of siding on the structure. Another alternative embodiment of the window header assembly is securable directly over siding on the exterior surface of the structure. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art by reading the following specification and subjoined claims and by referencing the following drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door surround apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with directional arrow  3 — 3  in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a representative portion of a vertical hanger member used to secure a vertical molding member of the apparatus against the wall of the structure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of a doorway illustrating a pair of vertical hanger members secured along vertical portions of the doorway and a mantle hanger member secured to the wall of the structure along a top portion of the doorway; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a representative portion of the mantle hanger member shown in FIG. 5; 
     Alternative embodiments are also disclosed. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in accordance with section line  7 — 7  in FIG. 2 showing the left vertical molding member releasably secured to the vertical hanger member; 
     FIG. 7A is a view of an alternative preferred form of the vertical molding member shown in FIG. 7 which includes a foam block substantially filling an interior area of the vertical molding member to provide even further structural rigidity and support; 
     FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view in accordance with section line  8 — 8  in FIG. 2 showing the mantle molding member and a mantle hanger member secured to the wall of the structure; 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of the upper left corner member; 
     FIG. 10 is a right side view in accordance with directional line  10 — 10  in FIG. 9 of the upper left corner member shown in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the upper left corner member shown in FIG. 9 in accordance with section line  11 — 11  in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an optional cover member adapted to engage within the recess of a corner member; 
     FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the upper left corner member shown in FIG. 9 in accordance with directional line  12 — 12  in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 13 is a top view of the upper left corner member shown in accordance with directional line  13 — 13  in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the upper left corner member shown in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional end view of the upper left corner member and mantle molding member taken substantially in accordance with section line  15 — 15  in FIG. 2 showing the orientation of these components when assembled together; 
     FIG. 16 is an enlarged front view of the left base molding member of the apparatus; 
     FIG. 17 is a top view of the base molding member shown in FIG. 16, taken in accordance with directional line  17 — 17  in FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 is a right side view of the left base molding member taken in accordance with directional line  18 — 18  in FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18A is a right side view of the right base molding member shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view taken in accordance with section line  19 — 19  in FIG. 16 of the left base molding member; 
     FIG. 20 is a front view of a portion of the door surround assembly shown in FIG. 1 showing an optional dentil mantle component secured to the mantle molding member; 
     FIG. 21 is a right cross-sectional side view of the optional dentil mantle component secured to the mantle molding member, as taken in accordance with section line  21 — 21  in FIG. 20; 
     FIG. 22 is a front view of a window mantle molding assembly in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 23 is a side view of the left upper corner member of the window mantle molding assembly shown in FIG. 22; and 
     FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the window mantle member in accordance with section line  24 — 24  in FIG.  22 . 
     FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a portion of a molding member in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of a hanger member in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a portion of another alternative preferred embodiment of a hanger member suitable to be secured to exterior surfaces covered with brick rather than siding; 
     FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an installation tool used to install the hanger member illustrated in FIG. 26; 
     FIG. 29 is a side view of the installation tool of FIG. 28 showing the tool positioned over a section of the hanger member during installation of the hanger member; 
     FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a portion of the hanger member of FIG. 26 showing a portion of the molding member of FIG. 25 secured thereto; 
     FIG. 31 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a portion of a mantle member in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, and further illustrating a portion of a dentil molding insert secured thereto; 
     FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an installation support used with the mantle member of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a lower installation support also used with the mantle member of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 34 is an end view of the mantle member shown in FIG. 31 illustrating the installation support members positioned within upper and lower cavities of the mantle member; 
     FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an internal corner member of the present invention; 
     FIG. 36 is a top view of the internal corner member of FIG. 35; 
     FIG. 37 is an end view of the internal corner member of FIG. 35; and 
     FIG. 38 is a view showing the internal corner member positioned adjacent one end of the mantle member and further illustrating how the internal corner member drains away water captured within a channel of the mantle member; 
     FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a window header apparatus in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 40 is a cross sectional side view of the apparatus in accordance with section line  40 — 40  in FIG. 39; 
     FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an upper installation support used with the apparatus of FIG. 39; 
     FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a lower installation support used with the apparatus of FIG. 39; 
     FIG. 43 is a side view of another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention adapted to be installed on a flat surface or structure after siding has been secured to the structure; 
     FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the hanger member shown in FIG. 43, 
     FIG. 45 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 43 secured to an exterior surface of a structure; 
     FIG. 46 is a front view of a door surround utilizing the decorative molding of present invention; 
     FIG. 47 is a front view of a window surround utilizing the decorative molding; 
     FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the decorative molding in a close position; 
     FIG. 49A is a cross-sectional view taken along line  49 A— 49 A of FIG. 48 with the decorative molding in the open position; 
     FIG. 49B is cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 49A but with the decorative molding in an closed position; 
     FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 49A with a first trim portion removed from the flange; 
     FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 49A with a second trim portion removed from the base strip; 
     FIG. 52 is an exploded view of a part of the door surround assembly shown in FIG. 46; and 
     FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of an extension cap taken along line  53 — 53  of FIG.  52 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a door surround molding apparatus  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated immediately that while the apparatus  10  is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a decorative door surround molding apparatus, that the apparatus is equally well suited to be used in archways, to surround windows and on various other portions of residential and commercial structures, as will be discussed further in the following paragraphs. 
     With further reference to FIG. 1, the apparatus  10  is secured to a wall  12  of a structure  14  such as a commercial building or residential dwelling. The apparatus  10  forms a door surround for a doorway  16  to provide a decorative, aesthetically appealing framework for a door  18  of the structure  14 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus  10  generally includes a pair of vertical molding members  20  and  22  which are essentially identical in construction, and sometimes referred to in the art as “pilasters”. An upper left corner member  24 , an upper right corner member  26  and a mantle molding member  28  together form a mantle which has the appearance of being integrally formed as a single piece component. Each of the upper corner members  24  and  26  are positioned to partially cover upper terminal end portions  20   a  and  22   a  of the vertical molding members  20  and  22 , respectively, so that the apparatus  10  surrounds the doorway  16  without any visible discontinuities or gaps. 
     With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a left decorative base molding member  30  and a right decorative base molding member  32  are secured to the wall  12  to partially cover a lower terminal end portion  20   b  of the vertical molding member  20  and a lower terminal end portion  22   b  of the vertical molding member  22 , respectively. The base molding members  30  and  32  are further positioned such that they rest on or very closely adjacent a floor portion  34 , which typically is a concrete porch. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, the door surround molding apparatus  10  further includes a hanger member  36  which is used in connection with one of the vertical molding members  20  or  22  to secure the molding member to the wall  12  of the structure  14 . Hanger member  36  includes a main body portion  38  and a pair of securing portions  40  formed longitudinally along opposite sides, widthwise, of the main body portion  38 . Each securing portion  40  includes a channel  42 , a corner portion  45  and a lip portion  44  depending from each corner portion  45 . Each securing portion  40  further extends preferably along the entire length of the hanger member  36 . The main body portion  38  further includes a first row of apertures  46  and a second row of apertures  48 . The apertures  46  are further staggered or offset from the apertures  48  such that no two apertures  46  and  48  are perfectly horizontally or perpendicularly aligned with one another. 
     With reference to FIG. 5, the hanger members  36  are shown secured along vertical wall portions  50  of the doorway  16  such that the hanger members  36  are positioned generally parallel to the vertical portions  50  of the doorway  16 . Each of the vertical hanger members  36  are secured via conventional nails or threaded fasteners through the apertures  46  and  48  in each to the wall  12  of the structure  14  such that the lip portions  44  of each hanger member  36  project outwardly away from the wall  12 , and the main body portion  38  rests flush against the wall  12 . The staggered apertures  46  and  48  allow the hanger members  36  to be held securely against the wall  12  in a manner which ensures that the hanger members  36  follow the contour of the wall  12  even if the wall  12  includes slight undulations. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, the door surround molding apparatus  10  further includes a mantle hanger member or strip  52  for supporting the mantle molding member  28  (FIGS. 1 and 2) securely against the wall  12  of the structure  14 . The mantle hanger member  52  includes a main body portion  54  having a plurality of apertures  56  spaced there along and a securing portion  58  extending preferably along at least a major portion of its length, and more preferably along the entire length of the member  52 . The securing portion  58  includes a channel  60 , a corner portion  61  and a lip portion  62  depending from the corner portion  61 . 
     With further brief reference to FIG. 5, during installation of the door surround apparatus  10 , the mantle hanger member  52  is secured by a plurality of fastening members  64  in the form of nails or threaded screws along a horizontal top portion  66  of the doorway  16 . The mantle hanger member  52  is secured closely parallel to the top portion  66 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, the interengagement of the vertical hanger member  36  and the vertical molding member  20  can be seen. Also clearly apparent are a plurality of spaced apart grooves  68  formed in a front surface  70  of the molding member  20 . It will be appreciated that the vertical molding member  22  is identical to the vertical molding member  20  in construction, but is rotated 180° from the position it is placed in on the left side of the doorway  16  shown in FIG.  2 . The vertical molding member  22  includes an identical plurality of grooves so that the two molding members  20  and  22  provide a uniform and symmetrical appearance along the opposite vertical sides  50  of the doorway  16 . 
     With further reference to FIG. 7, the vertical molding member  20  includes an inverted T-shaped base portion  72  including a planar flange  74  and a first securing portion  76  in the form of an inverted V-shaped shoulder. The flange  74  helps to form a channel  73  extending along the length of the molding member  20 . A second securing portion  78 , also taking, the form of an inverted V-shaped shoulder portion, is formed at a terminal end of a sidewall portion  80  of the molding member  20 . The vertical molding member  20  may be formed from a variety of manufacturing techniques and materials, but is preferably extruded from polypropylene. Alternatively, the molding member  20  could be extruded from polystyrene which would enable the molding member  20  to be readily painted or stained prior, or even subsequent to, installation. 
     With further reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, when the vertical molding, member  20  is to be secured to its associated hanger member  3   6 , the second securing portion  78  is first urged into engagement with the securing, portion  40  of the vertical hanger member  36  positioned closest to the doorway  16 , along the entire length of the securing portion  40 . Once fully engaged, the securing portion  78  rests within the channel  42  of its associated securing portion  40  and is held against the wall  12  by the corner portion  45  of the lip portion  44 . The curvature of the lip portion  44  helps to urge the corner portion  45  gradually away from the wall  12  as the securing portion  78  is urged in the channel  42 . Since the vertical hanger member  36  is relatively thin in cross-section, preferably having a thickness within the range of about 0.050 to about 0.080 inches, it is able to flex slightly along its main body portion  38  to help allow the securing portions  40  to be urged away from the wall  12  temporarily when the vertical molding member  20  is being secured thereto. The slight flexibility of the hanger member  36  also enables each securing portion  40  thereof to exert a biasing force towards the wall  12  to help releasably secure the molding member  20  to the wall  12 . The hanger member  36  is preferably extruded from polypropylene. 
     With further reference to FIG. 7, once the second securing portion  78  is releasably engaged within its associated securing portion  40  of the hanger member  36 , the first securing portion  76  may be urged into engagement with the other securing portion  40  of the hanger member  36  by pressing inwardly along the length of the channel  73  until the securing portion  76  engages within the channel  42  along the entire length of the channel  42 . When fully engaged, the first securing portion  76  rests within the channel  42  and is held against the wall  12  by the corner portion  45  of its associated securing portion  40 . From the above, then, it will be appreciated that the entire vertical molding member  20  is held against the wall  12  firmly, yet releasably, by the interengagement of the securing portions  76  and  78  with the securing portions  40  of the hanger member  36 . Accordingly, there is no need for any external fasteners such as nails or threaded screws to be secured through any portion of the molding member  20  itself, which might be visible and require further components or assembly steps to cover from view. The releasable interengagement of the vertical molding member  20  with the hanger member  36  further enables the molding member  20  to be more quickly and easily removed from the wall  12  if disassembly of the molding member  20  is required for any reason after initial assembly of the door surround apparatus  10 . 
     With reference to FIG. 7A, it will also be appreciated that the interior area of the vertical molding member  20  could be partially filled with a foam block  79  or one or more interior ribs (not shown) which provide even further structural rigidity to the molding member  20  when the molding member  20  is secured to the wall portion  12 . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7 in phantom, a conventional 2″×4″ stud  81  could simply be placed in the interior area of the vertical molding member  20  or alternatively secured to the wall  12  directly over the main body portion of the vertical hanger member  36 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, the mantle molding member  28  is shown secured to the mantle hanger member  52 , which is in turn secured to the wall  12  via the plurality of fastening elements  64  such as nails or threaded screws which extend through the apertures  56 . The mantle molding member  28  includes a top portion  84  having a U-shaped portion  86 , a front face portion  88  having a planar support surface  90  and a bottom portion  92  having a securing portion  94  in the form of an angled lip  96 . The front face portion  88  further includes a pair of spaced apart channels  98  formed adjacent the planar support surface  90 . The U-shaped portion  86  further includes a mounting flange  100 , also shown well in FIG. 2, which includes a plurality of elongated slots  102  formed there along which enable the mounting flange  100  to be secured to the wall  12  via a plurality of fastening elements  104  such as nails or threaded screws (with only one fastening element  104  being shown in FIG.  8 ). 
     With specific reference to FIG. 8, an important feature of the mantle molding member  28  is that the top portion  84  is formed such that it slopes downwardly towards the wall  12 . This helps significantly in aiding water run-off from the molding member  28  which otherwise might run-off toward the front face portion  88  of the molding member  28  if the top portion  84  was not sloped downwardly towards the wall  12 . The mantle molding member  28  is preferably extruded from polypropylene, polystyrene or any other suitably rigid yet lightweight plastic. Since the top portion  84  naturally assumes a slightly sloped orientation (because of being molded as such), there is no need for the individual installing the mantle molding member  28  to remember to urge the top portion  84  into a slightly downwardly sloped orientation relative to the wall  12  before securing the mounting flange  100  to the wall  12 . 
     With continued reference to FIG. 8, when the mantle molding member  28  is secured to the mantle hanger member  52 , the angled lip  96  of the securing portion  94  is first urged underneath the corner portion  61  of the securing portion  58  of the hanger member  52 . Since the mantle hanger member  52  is relatively thin in cross-section, preferably about 0.050 to about 0.080 inches, it is slightly flexible and operates to exert a slight biasing force against the wall  12  to help hold the securing portion  94  firmly against the wall  12 . Once the entire length of the angled lip  96  has been secured within the channel  60  of the mantle hanger member  52 , the mounting flange  100  is then secured via fastening elements  104  to the wall  12 . The elongated slots  102  allow for a small degree of longitudinal adjustment of the mantle molding member  28  prior to the fastening elements  104  being driven through the slots  102  into the wall  12 . The slots  102  further allow for thermo-expansion of the mantle hanger member  52  after it is secured to the wall  12 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 9-14, the construction of the upper left corner member  24  is illustrated. With specific reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the corner member  24  includes an upper portion  105  and a lower portion  106 . The upper portion  105  includes a recessed area  107  having a pair of apertures  108 . With brief reference to FIG. 11, each of the apertures  108  is formed within a generally circular recess  110  having a boss portion  112  extending therefrom. 
     With continued reference to FIGS. 9-11, the corner member  24  includes a top portion  116  which has a U-shaped portion  118  depending therefrom. The U-shaped portion  118  includes a flange  120  having a plurality of spaced apart, elongated slots  122 . With specific reference to FIGS. 10 and 14, the corner member  24  further includes an inner side wall  124  having a cutout portion  126  which has a profile identical to an outer surface  128  of the upper portion  105  of the corner member  24 , and further identical to the profile of the front face portion  88  of the mantle molding member  28  (shown in FIG.  8 ). The cutout  126  is further of a size to allow a portion of an end of the mantle molding member  28  to be inserted therein. With brief reference to FIG. 15, the mantle molding member  28  is shown positioned within the cut-out  126  illustrating how the front face portion  88  of the mantle molding member  28  forms a contour which is identical to the contour of the cut-out  126 . It will be appreciated that the specific decorative contour of the corner members  24  and  26  and the mantle molding member can vary widely, and that the contours shown are merely for illustrative purposes. 
     Referring now to FIG. 12, the left upper corner member  24  includes a lower wall portion  130  having a plurality of spaced apart, semi-circular portions  132 . The spaced apart portions  132  engage within the grooves  68  (FIG. 7) of the front surface  70  of the left vertical molding member  20  such that the upper terminal end portion  20   a  of the molding member  20  can be partially received within the interior area  133  of the corner member  24 . An outer side wall  134  includes an interior wall portion  136  which fits within the channel  73  (FIG. 7) of the molding member  20  and over a portion of the flange  74  to help hold the left vertical molding member  20  securely against the wall  12 , and also to act as a water shed. It will be appreciated that the construction of the upper right corner member  26  is a mirror image of the upper left corner member  24 , and therefore will not be described. 
     The upper left and right corner members  24  and  26 , respectively, arc both secured to the wall  12  after the vertical molding members  20 , 22  and the mantle molding member  28  are secured to the wall  12 . The upper left corner member  24  is positioned such that the interior wall portion  136  of the corner member  24  engages the channel  73  of the vertical molding member  20 . A pair of threaded fasteners are then inserted through the apertures  108  and the boss portions  112  and advanced into fixed engagement with the wall  12 . When assembled, the upper corner members  24  and  26  form a decorative, aesthetically appealing means to join the vertical molding members  20  and  22  with the mantle molding member  28  to produce a continuous appearing surround structure for the doorway  16 . With reference to FIGS. 11 and 11A, a plastic corner plate  111  having tabs  111   a  is preferably included and sized to fit within the recessed area  107  and to engage behind tabs  113  shown in FIG.  9 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, the construction of the lower left base molding member  30  will be described. With specific reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the base molding member  30  includes a front base portion  138  having a rectangular recessed portion  140  which includes a pair of circular recessed portions  142  each having an aperture  144 . With brief reference to FIG. 19, each of the apertures  144  opens into a boss portion  146 . The recessed portion  140  is also preferably covered by a cover member such as member  111  of FIG.  11 A and secured via tabs such as tab  113  in FIG.  9 . 
     With specific reference to FIG. 17, the base molding member  30  includes an upper wall  148  having a cut-out portion  150 . The cut-out portion  150  includes a plurality of spaced apart, semi-circular portions  152  which are aligned so as to engage within the grooves  68  (FIG. 7) in the vertical molding member  20  when the base molding member  30  is secured to the wall  12 . The base molding member  30  also includes an inner sidewall  153 , and an outer side wall  154  having, an inwardly protruding wall portion  156  and a flange portion  158 . The inwardly protruding wall portion  156  is also shown in the side view of the right base molding member  32  in FIG.  18 A. The inwardly protruding wall portion  156  engages within the channel  73  (FIG. 7) of the vertical molding member  20  to help secure the molding member  20  to the wall  12 , and also to act as a water shed. It will be appreciated that the left and right base molding members  30  and  32  are constructed as mirror images of each other. 
     With specific reference to FIGS. 16 and 19, once the molding member  20  is secured to the wall  12 , the base molding member  30  is secured to the wall  12  via a plurality of external fastening elements such as nails or threaded fasteners (not shown) which extend through the apertures  144  and the boss portions  146  (FIG. 19) to fixedly engage the wall  12 . 
     During assembly of the apparatus  10 , the flange  74  of the vertical molding member  20  is positioned behind the interior wall portion  136  (FIGS. 11 and 12) such that water is prevented from running behind the flange  76 . This creates a vertically downward surface which helps to channel away water from the interior area of the vertical molding member  20 . 
     With specific reference to FIG. 19, the interior area of the base molding member  30  could even be filled with a foam (not shown) or additional internal walls included to provide even further structural rigidity to this component. The member  30  may be manufactured from a wide-variety of techniques, but is preferably injection molded from a suitably high-strength yet lightweight plastic such as polypropylene. Alternatively, the member  30  may be molded from polystyrene to provide a component which is readily paintable or stainable. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, an optional dentil mantle component  160  is shown secured to the mantle molding member  28 . The dentil mantle component  160  includes a plurality of dentil teeth  161  which even further add to the aesthetically appealing appearance of the mantle molding member  28 . With reference to FIG. 21, the dentil mantle component  160  is secured to the planar support surface  90  (also shown in FIG. 8) such that a lowermost longitudinal edge portion  162  and an uppermost longitudinal edge portion  164  are held within the channels  98 . In this manner, no external fastening elements are needed to secure the dentil mantle component  160  to the mantle molding member  28 . 
     If the dentil mantle component  160  is to be included, then the component  160  is slidably inserted into the channels  98  of the mantle molding member  28  immediately after securing the mantle molding member  28  to the wall  12 . The upper left and right corner members  24  and  26 , respectively, may then be secured to cover the outermost left and right longitudinal ends of the component  160 . Alternatively, if the overall longitudinal length of the dentil mantle component  160  is just slightly less than the longitudinal (i.e., widthwise) spacing of the corner members  24  and  26  after the corner members  24 , 26  are secured against the wall  12 , then the dentil mantle component  160  may be secured to the mantle molding  28  by first inserting the upper longitudinal edge  164  within the upper one of the channels  98 . The installer then pushes upwardly, in accordance with directional arrow  166 , against several of the dentil teeth  161  to urge the lowermost longitudinal edge  162  upwardly slightly to clear a planar surface portion  168  of the molding member  28 . The lowermost longitudinal edge  162  can then be urged rearwardly toward the planar support surface  90  until the edge  162  drops into the lower channel  98  adjacent the surface portion  168 . 
     Accordingly, this arrangement provides the flexibility of enabling a dentil mantle component  160  to be added to the mantle molding member  28  even after the entire door surround apparatus has been installed. Later on, if it is desired to remove the dentil mantle component  160  and replace it with a different decorative molding component, the component  160  can be easily removed by reversing the above-described steps. The dentil mantle component  160  is preferably injection molded from polypropylene or polystyrene. 
     Referring now to FIG. 22, a window mantle molding assembly  170  is shown in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The window mantle molding assembly  170  is essentially identical to the mantle assembly formed by the upper left and right corner members  24 , 26  and the mantle molding member  28  of FIG.  1 . The only difference is that the window molding assembly  170  includes only an upper left corner member  172 , an upper right corner member  174  and a window mantle member  176 , with the corner members  172  and  174  being slightly shorter in overall vertical height than their corresponding counterparts of the door surround apparatus  10 . The corner members  172  and  174  are similarly molded, and preferably injection molded from polypropylene, but may be alternatively molded from polystyrene to provide a readily paintable or stainable surface. The window mantle member  176  is also preferably extruded from polypropylene or alternatively from polystyrene. 
     With brief reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, it will be noted that the upper left corner member  172  includes a bottom wall portion  178  without any cut-outs or other openings therein which would otherwise be provided if a vertical molding member is being used. It will be appreciated, however, that in some applications it may be aesthetically desirable, such as with large rectangular windows, to incorporate vertical molding members with the window mantle molding assembly  170 , such as vertical molding members  20  and  22  shown in FIGS. 1-3. It will also be appreciated that an additional decorative insert member  160  could be incorporated into the window mantle molding assembly  170  in accordance with the teachings herein. 
     It will therefore be appreciated that the various preferred embodiments described herein provide a relatively low cost, easily constructed and easily assembled decorative molding apparatus for partially or completely surrounding either a doorway or window of a structure. The preferred embodiments further provide for controlling water run-off without the need for separate members to be installed above the doorway or window for this purpose, and also eliminate the need for caulking and to fill nail holes which are required with prior developed surround assemblies. The various preferred embodiments require less external fastening elements such as nails or threaded fasteners during assembly, thus decreasing the overall cost associated with adding a door or window surround apparatus to a doorway or window, and further easing the manner in which these surround molding assemblies may be installed. 
     The various preferred embodiments described herein may be installed quickly and easily without the need for special tools or extensive experience on the part of an installer. The various preferred embodiments, being manufactured from plastic, provide performance benefits over natural wood moldings in that they are not susceptible to moisture and therefore will not decay, warp or splinter. Since the various component parts of the preferred embodiments are all manufactured from high-strength, lightweight plastics, each of the components is further easily handled by a single individual during installation. The plastic construction further allows the length of the vertical molding members  20 , 22  the hanger members  36 , 52  and the mantle molding member  28  to be easily shortened by simply cutting same with a utility knife, a pair of cutting shears or a suitable saw such as a hacksaw. 
     Referring to FIG. 25, there is shown a vertical molding member  200  in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The molding member  200  is similar to the molding member  20  and includes a plurality of spaced apart, semi-circular decorative grooves or channels  202  and a securing portion  204  along each longitudinal edge of the member  200 . Each securing portion  204  includes an enlarged lip  206  extending longitudinally along preferably a major length, and more preferably the full length, of the member  200 . 
     Referring to FIG. 26, a vertical hanger member  208  in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vertical hanger member  208  includes a plurality of upstanding support portions  210  which are spaced apart such that uppermost surfaces  212  are spaced apart to rest against planar surface portions  207  (FIG. 25) of the molding member  200  when these two components are secured together. The hanger member  208  also includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures  214  formed in each lowermost support surface  216 . The lowermost support surfaces  216  are positioned against the exterior surface of the building and therefore rest generally flush against the exterior surface. Threaded screws, nails or like securing fasteners are placed through the apertures  214  to secure the hanger member  208  securely to the exterior wall of the building. 
     It will be appreciated that the hanger member  208  also includes a channel  218  formed along one longitudinal edge. The channel  218  receives a portion of the siding after the hanger member  208  is secured to the exterior surface of the building. The overhanging edge portion  220  covers the cut edge of each strip of siding which extends into the channel  218  to produce a clean, finished looking appearance once the molding member  200  is secured to the hanger member  208 . 
     With further reference to FIG. 26, the hanger member  208  also includes securing portions  222  integrally formed therewith. Each securing portion  222  includes a support wall  224  and a semi-circular channel portion  226 . Each semi-circular channel portion  226  is sized to accept an associated one of the enlarged lips  206  of the hanger member  200 . It will be appreciated that the channel portion could be formed in other shapes provided the shape selected can engage the lip portions  206  in a manner to captively secure the lip portions  206  therein. 
     With brief reference to FIG. 27, an alternative embodiment  227  of the hanger member of the present invention is shown. The hanger member  227  is identical to the hanger member  208  with the exception that hanger member  227  does not include the channel  218  formed tong one longitudinal edge thereof. Hanger member  227  is instead adapted to be secured to buildings where the exterior surface of the building is covered by brick rather than siding. It will be noted that the upstanding support portions  210 ′ are not as tall as those of hanger member  208 . This is because with an exterior surface covered by brick, the hanger member  227  can be secured directly to the exterior surface of the brick, and therefor no additional height (as represented by the width of channel  218 ) is needed to clear the siding. 
     Referring now to FIG. 28, an installation tool  230  for securing the hanger member  208  to the exterior surface of a building is shown. The installation tool  230  is a single-piece, preferably injection molded plastic component having a slot  232  formed therein. Slot  232  is large enough to allow an individual to grasp the tool  230  by extending preferably two or more fingers through the opening  232 . The tool  230  also has a plurality of spaced apart portions  234  which have an outward shape or contour to allow the spaced apart portions  234  to engage between the upstanding support portions  210  of the hanger member  208  when the tool  230  is placed over the hanger member  208 . The installation tool  230  is used to hold the upstanding support portions  210  in a precise, spaced-apart orientation while nails or threaded screws are driven through the apertures  214  to secure the hanger member  208  to the exterior surface of the building. Since the hanger member  208  is quite flexible before installation, if the hanger member  208  was secured to the exterior surface without the installation tool  230  holding the hanger member  208  in a desired orientation, the hanger member  208  might be “stretched out” too much to enable the molding member  200  to be secured to the securing portions  222  (FIG.  26 ). Accordingly, by placing the installation tool  230  over the hanger member  208  as the hanger member  208  is secured to the exterior surface of the building, it is insured that the lowermost support surfaces  216  of the hanger member will be secured to the exterior surface of the building in a manner which will enable the molding member  200  to be easily secured to the securing portions  222 . In FIG. 29, the installation tool  230  is shown positioned over the hanger member  208  to position the upstanding support portions  210  and the support walls  224  in a desired orientation which will allow the molding member  200  to be easily secured to the hanger member  208  once the installation tool  230  is removed. 
     FIG. 30 shows the molding member  200  secured to the hanger member  208 . The enlarged lip  206  along each longitudinal end of the molding member  200  is secured within a corresponding one of the semi-circular channels  226 . The molding member  200  is also supported by the uppermost surfaces  212  such that if pressure is applied against the molding member  200 , the member  200  will not be able to flex but will feel solid and well supported. 
     Referring to FIG. 31, a mantel molding member  238  is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The mantel molding member  238  is similar to the mantel molding member  28  shown in FIG. 8 with the exception that it does not require any form of separate hanger member to aid in securing it to the exterior surface of a building or other like structure. The mantel molding member  238  includes a planar flange portion  240  having a plurality of elongated slots  242  formed therein, a channel portion  244 , an upper wall surface  246 , a central mounting wall portion  248  and a lowermost section  250 . Also shown is an independent dentil molding insert  252  which is slidably inserted into opposing channels  254  integrally formed with and extending longitudinally along preferably the entire length of the mantel molding member  238 . 
     With reference to FIG. 32 an installation support  256  is illustrated. The installation support  256  is formed or contoured so as to fit within a cavity  258  (FIG. 31) formed underneath the upper wall surface  246  of the mantel molding member  238  when the member  238  is secured against an exterior surface of a building wall. The installation support  256  is designed to support the upper wall surface  246  and a decorative front surface  247  (FIG. 31) when the mantel molding member  238  is secured to the exterior surface of the building. The installation support  256  is a one-piece member which is preferably injection molded from a suitably high strength plastic such as polypropylene. 
     With brief reference to FIG. 33, a lower installation support  260  is illustrated. Support  260  is shaped or contoured to fit within a lower cavity  262  (FIG. 31) formed just above the lowermost section  250  of the mantel molding member  238 . The lower installation support  260  is also formed as a one-piece component and preferably injection molded from polypropylene or another suitably strong plastic. In FIG. 34 both of the installation supports  256  and  260  are shown in position. Preferably, a plurality of installation supports  256  are slidably inserted into the cavity  258  and spaced apart along the cavity  258  before securing the planar flange portion  240  and the central mounting wall portion  248  to the exterior surface of the building via threaded screws or nails inserted through slots  242  and  248   a , respectively. A plurality of supports  260  are also preferably included and spaced apart along the lower cavity  262  before the mantel member  238  is secured to the exterior surface of the building. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 35-37, an internal corner member  266  for channeling away water collected within the channel  244  (FIG. 31) is shown. The internal corner member  266  is formed with symmetrical water channels  268  extending at a slight angle, for example, about 5°-25° from an imaginary horizontal plane away from each other. Each water channel  268  includes an upwardly extending lip  270 . A mounting flange  272  is integrally formed with the channels  268  and has a plurality of spaced apart, elongated slots  274  which permit nails or threaded screws to be placed therethrough when securing the mounting flange  272  to the exterior surface of a building. The water channel  268  also includes planar wall portions  276   a  and  276   b , with wall portion  276   a  having an angled corner portion  278  which channels water received within channel  268  downwardly away from the mounting flange  272 . 
     In FIG. 38, the internal corner member  266  is shown in position ready to be secured against an exterior surface of a building adjacent one end of the mantel member  238 . During installation, a pair of internal corner members  266  are positioned against the exterior surface of the building and secured thereto by suitable fasteners a desired distance apart, depending on the overall width of the doorway  16  (FIG.  2 ). The mantel member  238  is then measured and cut to a length which is preferably slightly less than the overall distance between the corner members  266 , and secured against the exterior surface of the building. A corner portion  266   a  is positioned behind edge  238   a  of the mantel member  238 . Edge  238   a  abuts a wall portion  280  of the internal corner member  266 . Water trapped within channel  244  (FIG. 31) is able to run downwardly along water channel  268  and is directed away from the exterior surface of the building, and further away from the opening forming the doorway in the exterior wall surface. Upstanding wall portion  276   b  prevents the water from simply flowing out of channel  268  before the water is sufficiently far away from the mantle molding member  238  to ensure that the water will not enter behind the mantle molding member  238 . The path of the flowing water is indicated by line  282 . The overall outer dimensions of the internal corner member  266  permit it to be easily covered by a decorative corner member such as corner member  24  shown in FIG.  9 . Once covered by a suitable corner member, no portion of the internal corner member  266  is visible. It will also be appreciated that since the water channels  268  are arranged symmetrically to each other, the internal corner member  266  can be rotated 180° and used at the opposite end (i.e., the left end) of the mantle molding member  238 . 
     Referring to FIG. 39, there is shown a decorative window header member  300  in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The window header  300  is particularly well adapted to be used with new construction and/or re-siding applications where it is desired to incorporate a decorative window header over a window such as window  302  in FIG.  39 . The window header  300  is also easily installed on virtually any flat exterior surface such as on brick. 
     With specific reference to FIG. 40, the window header assembly  300  includes an upper flange  304 , a front face portion  306 , a lower front face portion  308  and a lower flange  310 . Between the face portions  306  and  308  is a relatively large channel or cavity  312  which includes a pair of opposing smaller channels  314 . The lower flange  310  also includes a protruding flange  316 . The protruding flange  316  is adapted to abut a header  318  extending horizontally above the window. A suitable number of nails or threaded fasteners are used to secure the lower flange  310  to the header  318 . Likewise, a suitable number of nails or threaded fasteners are used to secure the upper flange  304  to an outer wall  320  of the dwelling or structure. 
     With further reference to FIGS. 40-42, positioned within the window header  300  is one or more upper installation supports  322  disposed behind the front face portion  306 , and one or more lower installation supports  324  disposed in the area behind the lower front face portion  308 . Installation supports  322  and  324 , like supports  256  and  260  in FIGS. 32 and  33 , are shaped to generally conform to the interior surfaces of the window header  300  and to provide rigidity to the window header  300  when same is installed over a window of a dwelling or other structure. Generally speaking, the supports  322  and  324  are preferably installed about every 12 inches along the length of the window header  300 . 
     Referring further to FIG. 40, the window header  300  also preferably includes a slidably insertable decorative insert  326 . The insert  326  has dimensions permitting it to extend into the channels  314  which not only helps to provide a decorative appearance to the window header  300  but also helps to impart structural rigidity thereto. As will be appreciated, the insert  326  could be provided in the style of a dentil molding or any other of a wide variety of decorative styles to help provide a unique appearance to the window header  300 . 
     The window header  300  is preferably extruded from a high strength plastic such as polypropylene. The window header  300  enables a unique, decorative appearance to be provided adjacent the windows on the exterior surface of a building and is quickly and easily attached to the exterior surface of a building without complicated assembly plans, complicated tools or special fasteners requiring specialized tools. 
     Referring now to FIG. 43, a window header assembly  400  is illustrated in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The window header assembly  400  includes a header member  402  and a backplate or hanger member  404 . The window header assembly  400  is particularly well adapted to be secured above a window and over vinyl or aluminum siding on the outside wall of a dwelling or structure, where the vinyl or aluminum siding has a sawtooth or otherwise uneven contour which would make securing a conventional hanger member thereto difficult. This feature will be discussed further momentarily. 
     With specific reference to FIGS. 43 and 44, the hanger member  404  includes an upper hook portion  406 , a wall portion  408  and a lower hook portion  410 . On a front surface  412  of the wall portion  408  is formed a pair of guide flanges  414  having a predetermined spacing therebetween. At least one opening  416  is formed in the wall portion  408 , and preferably a series of openings  416  are performed along the length of the hanger member  404 . On a back side  418  of the hanger member  404  are formed a pair of flexible depending arms  420   a  and  420   b . The depending arms  420   a  and  420   b  preferably extend the entire length of the hanger member  404 . In this manner the entire hanger member  404  can be extruded as a single piece component. 
     With further reference to FIG. 43, the header member  402  includes an upper J-channel  422 , an upper face portion  424  and a lower face portion  426 . Between the upper and lower face portions  424  and  426  is a relatively large channel  428  having a pair of opposing smaller channels  430  longitudinally in line with one another. Positioned within the channels  430  is a decorative insert member  432 . The insert member  432  may have a dentil design or any other decorative design and is slidably inserted into the channels  430  during installation. 
     With further reference to FIG. 43, adjacent the lower face portion  426  is a lower J-channel  434 . The upper and lower J-channels  422  and  434 , respectively, are adapted to be engaged with hook portions  406  and  410 , respectively, of the hanger member  404 . When so engaged, a wall portion  436  which partially defines the channel  428  rests within the guide flanges  414 . The guide flanges  414  help to provide structural rigidity to the window header assembly  400 , as does the insert member  432 . Wall portion  436  also includes a plurality of spaced apart, elongated openings  436   a , the function of which will be described momentarily. 
     Referring to FIG. 45, it is an important advantage of the window header assembly  400  that the hanger member  404  is able to be positioned against siding  438  on the outer surface of a building  440  and to make contact with the siding  438  at least at two points. This contact is provided by the flexible depending arms  420   a  and  420   b , which are able to flex slightly when the outer surface  418  of the hanger member  404  is positioned against the siding  438 . Without the flexible depending arms  420   a  and  420   b , in many instances it would not be possible to position the window header assembly  400  such that same is generally perpendicular to the ground. Put differently, in many instances, securing the outer surface  418  of the hanger member  404  directly to the siding would result in the hanger member  404  being tilted or angled slightly such that same is not generally parallel to the siding  438 . With the hanger member  404 , preferably one or a plurality of nails or suitably long threaded fasteners  442  are incorporated at spaced apart locations along the wall portion  412  to secure the hanger member  404  to the outer surface  440  of the dwelling or structure. The arm portions  420   a  and  420   b , being flexible, flex as needed to provide at least two points of contact against the siding  438 , and in some instances even three points of contact. Most importantly, the arm portions  420   a  and  420   b  enable the hanger member  404  to be secured relative to the siding  438  such that it extends generally parallel to the siding  438  and generally perpendicular to the ground. If one or the other of the flexible arms  420   a  and  420   b  are too long such that the banger member is not resting generally parallel to the siding  438 , then one or the other of the arms  420   a  or  420   b  can be cut with a utility knife. 
     With further reference to FIG. 45, optionally, but preferably, a plurality of upper installation supports  444  and a plurality of lower installation supports  446  are included to provide further structural rigidity to the window header assembly  400  when same is installed. The window header assembly  400  is preferably installed by first assembling the hanger member  404  to the header member  402 . This involves sliding the installation supports into the areas behind the face portions  424  and  426 , respectively, of the header member  402 . The upper and lower J-channels  422  and  434  are then slid onto the hook portions  406  and  410 , respectively. Wall portion  436  will then be resting within the guide flanges  414 . No threaded external fasteners are required to attach the header member  402  to the hanger member  404 . The assembly  400  is then placed as desired against the siding  438  with the insert member  432  removed. External fasteners can then be inserted through the elongated openings  436   a  in the wall portion  436  and through openings  416  to secure the assembly  400  to the siding  438 . Lastly, the decorative insert member  432  is slidably inserted within the channels  430 . 
     Each of the embodiments of FIGS. 39 and 43 could also be used with the internal corner member illustrated in FIG. 38, as well as the corner members  172  in FIG.  22 . It will be appreciated immediately, however, that the window header assembly  400  could be secured with little or no modification above a doorway to form part of a door surround in the event siding extends over the doorway. Thus, the window header assembly  400  is not limited to just installations involving windows. 
     FIG. 46 depicts a door surround  510  similar to the surround  10  in FIG.  1 . However, additionally shown in FIG. 46 are extension caps  540 , 542 , 544 , 546  that may be used at the terminal end portions  520   a , 520   b , 522   a , 522   b  of the molding strips  520 , 522  to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     A surround  550  for a window  552 , as shown in FIG. 47, is constructed similarly to the door surround  510 . Instead of base molding members  530 , 532 , square corner blocks  536 , 538  may be used to abut the terminal end portions  520   b , 522   b , respectively. Further, a molding  548 , similar to molding strips  520 , 522 , may be disposed between the square corner blocks  536 , 538 . It is contemplated that the molding strips  520 , 522 , 548  be constructed from an extruded plastic. 
     Referring to FIG. 48, a decorative molding strip  520  is shown in a closed position. The molding strip  520  comprises a base strip  561  having spaced inside  564  and outside  566  edges. The base strip  561  further includes a plurality of apertures  568  for attaching the base  561  to the support structure  14 . Nails or threaded fasteners may be used to attach the molding strip  520  to the support structure  14  via the apertures  568 . 
     The molding strip  520  also includes a decorative strip  570  that provides a pattern that is visually appealing for covering the base strip  561 . In the embodiments shown, the decorative strip  570  includes a plurality of spaced apart grooves  560  in front surface  562 . However, any type of pattern may be formed on the decorative strip. As depicted in FIGS. 46 and 47, the molding strips  520  and  522  include an identical plurality of grooves so that the two molding strips  520  and  522  provide a uniform and symmetrical appearance along the opposite vertical sides of the doorway  16  and around the window  552 . 
     The decorative strip  570  has spaced inside  572  and outside  574  edges. A sidewall  578  interconnects the inside edges  564 , 572  of the base  561  and decorative  570  strips. A living hinge  580  interconnects the sidewall  578  and the decorative strip  570 . The living hinge  580  permits the decorative strip to be folded or rotated toward the base strip  561 . In this manner, the base strip  561  may be attached to the support structure  14  and the decorative strip  570  may be pivoted about the living hinge  580  to the closed position over the base strip  561  to hide the apertures  568  and the adjacent fasteners (not shown) that attach the molding strip  520  to the support structure  14 . 
     Reference will now be made to FIGS. 49A and 49B when discussing the internal structure of the molding strip  520 . The molding strip  520  has support structure for supporting the decorative strip  570  relative to the base strip  561  so that decorative strip  570  cannot be substantially deflected inward toward the base strip  561 . This insures that the molding strip  520  has a comparable structural rigidity to a similar molding strip constructed from wood. To achieve this end, a support member  584  removably interconnects the base strip  561  and the decorative strip  570 . In other words, the decorative strip  570  is supported in a spaced relationship to said base strip  561  when in the closed position while still permitting the decorative strip  570  to be rotated away from the base strip  561 . 
     In the embodiments shown, the support member  584  has a cup-shaped portion  586  that receives a back side of one of the grooves  560  of the decorative strip  570 . It is to be understood, however, that the decorative strip  570  may be supported in any manner in which the support structure is hidden when the decorative strip is in a closed position. Additionally, the support member  584  may be attached to the decorative strip  570  instead of the base strip  561 . 
     The molding includes a retaining mechanism  590  for retaining the decorative strip  570  over the base strip  561  when the decorative strip  570  is in the closed position. The retaining mechanism  590  includes a male member  592  and a female member  594  for interlocking the base  561  and the decorative  570  strips. In the preferred embodiment, the male member  592  is attached to the decorative strip  570  and runs the length of the decorative strip  570 . The female member  594  has an annular groove for receiving the male member  592  is attached to the base strip  561 . The female member  594  runs the length of the base strip  561 . Thus, when the decorative strip  570  is rotated into the closed position the members  592 , 594  are in alignment and interconnect. 
     The molding strip is adaptable to various applications by having portions that are trimmable. For example, the molding strip may be used prior to the installation of siding (FIG. 50) or may be installed in abutting relationship to a structure that is already present (FIG.  51 ), as discussed below. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 49B and 50, the molding strip  520  comprises a flange  598  opposite the sidewall  578  that extends along the outer edge  574  of the decorative strip  570  and toward said base strip  561  when the strips  561 , 570  are in the closed position. The flange  598  includes a thickness that is uniform throughout the flange  598  and a weakened area  600  that is less than the thickness. The weakened area  600  defines a first trim portion  602  that is removable along the weakened area  600 . 
     The weakened area  600  may, for example, be scored with a knife and the first trim portion  602  broken off, or the some other cutting tool may be used to remove the first trim portion  602  along the weakened are  600 . With the molding strip  520  secured to the support structure  14 , siding  604  may be installed with the siding edges  606  overlapping the base strip  561 . When the decorative strip  570  is rotated and secured by the retaining mechanism  590  in the closed position, the edge  606  of the siding  604  is hidden thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     Referring to FIGS. 49B, the outside edge  566  of said base strip  561  extends beyond the flange  598 . The base strip  561  includes a thickness that is uniform throughout the base strip  561  and a weakened area  608  less than the thickness. The weakened area  608  defines a second trim portion  610  that is removable along the weakened area  608  such that the base strip  561  no longer extends substantially beyond the flange  598 . With the second trim portion  610  removed, as shown in FIG. 51, the outside edge  574  and the weakened area  608  of the molding strip  520  may be installed in abutting relationship to a structure  612 . Thus, the trimmable first  602  and second  610  portions permit the molding strip  520  to be more adaptable for various applications. 
     Referring now to FIG. 52, a portion of a surround molding assembly from the door surround in FIG. 46 is shown at  620 . The corner molding  524  and base molding member  530  are secured to the structure  14  in accordance with applicant&#39;s copending application Ser. No. 08/969,257, or any other suitable method. Further, the molding strip  520  is secured to the structure by fasteners and the decorative strip  570  is closed as discussed above. However, any type of molding strip may be used with the extension caps  540 , 544 . The extension caps  540 , 544  are disposed between the molding strip  520  and corner member  524  and base molding member  530 , respectively, and interlock all of the components  520 , 524 , 530 , 540 , 544  of the assembly together. Only on of the caps will be discussed below as all of the caps are of a similar configuration. 
     As best seen in FIG. 52 and 53, the extension cap  540  tapers from a first end portion  624  to a second end portion  626 . The second end portion  626  has an opening with a plurality of spaced apart, semi-circular portions  632 . The spaced apart portions  632  engage within the grooves  560  of the outer or front surface  562  of the molding strip  520  such that the lower terminal end portion  520   b  of the molding strip  520  can be partially received within the interior area  634  of the extension caps  540  and  544 . 
     The first end portion  624  includes a U-shaped channel  638  that is adapted to receive a leg  640  from the corner member  524 . In this manner the extension cap  540  and corner member  524  are arranged in an interlocking and abutting relationship. It is to be understood that instead the channel may be a part of the corner member and the leg a part of the extension cap. Further, any interlocking feature that does not need external fasteners is within the scope of the invention. 
     Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification and following claims.