The Right and Wrong Ways to Handle Wood Rot
How Can You Stop Wood Rot and Protect Your Home’s Exterior?
Wood is a common material used for many parts of a home’s exterior—whether it’s the siding, fascia, stairs, deck, window and door frames, or all of the above. Unfortunately, most of these wooden elements are prone to experiencing wood rot at some point, and understanding how to handle it properly can save you a lot of hassle and expense down the road.
So, what causes wood rot? It all comes down to two main culprits: moisture and sunlight. If wood stays wet for too long—say from rain, sprinklers, or a leak—it can start to rot in one way. But if it’s constantly exposed to sunlight, it can dry out, crack, and split, leading to a different type of damage.
The good news? There are ways to prevent wood rot from taking hold in the first place. Regular exterior painting and keeping your wood dry (no leaky gutters or poorly aimed sprinklers) can go a long way. A good coat of paint and caulking acts like a protective barrier against all the elements—sun, rain, ice, you name it—keeping rot at bay.
What Should You Definitely Avoid When Dealing with Wood Rot?
1. Ignoring It
The biggest mistake you can make is just pretending wood rot isn’t happening. Trust me, if you ignore it, it’ll only get worse. The rot will spread, water will keep getting in, and before you know it, you’re dealing with leaks, mold, and maybe even pests. It’s like letting a small problem snowball into a massive one.
2. Painting Over It
Sure, painting over rotted wood might hide it for a little while, but that’s all it’s doing—hiding it. The rot is still there, and water will keep seeping in, making the paint peel off faster than you can say “DIY disaster.” It’s a short-term fix with long-term consequences.
3. Using Cheap Fillers
I get it, it’s tempting to just slap on some filler or foam insulation to cover up the rot, but this is a recipe for disaster. Once the wood has lost its structural integrity, no amount of filler is going to help. The rot will continue to spread, and the wood will still be weak.
So, What’s the Right Way to Handle Wood Rot?
If the damage is minor, it’s actually pretty easy to fix. Start by applying a wood hardener to strengthen the wood. Then, fill in the damage with a quality wood filler. Once that’s set, apply a coat of primer and finish it off with some exterior paint. Simple, right?
But, if the rot is a bit more extensive, you’ll need to cut out the rotted section and replace it with fresh, healthy wood. If it’s just a small part of a deck board or trim, this can save you time and money compared to replacing the whole piece. It’s a great fix for minor to moderate rot.
Now, for the big stuff—if the rot is really bad, the best move is to replace the entire affected board. This ensures the new wood is solid and doesn’t have any hidden issues. Before you install the new piece, make sure to prime all sides and both ends to protect it from moisture. And don’t forget to paint it with two coats of quality exterior paint once it’s in place.
If you’ve got some wood rot at home or just need a little paint maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experts can take a look, help you figure out what needs to be done, and get your home back in tip-top shape—protected, restored, and looking great! So, don’t put it off—take care of your wood before it turns into a bigger headache.
Got wood rot? No worries! Give us a call at Lexington Gutters & Exterior, and we’ll help you take care of it. Our team will make sure your home stays protected, looking great, and free from future headaches. Let’s chat and get your home back in shape!