Where there is water, sun and weathering—there will be wood rot.

Especially if the wood is exposed to the elements and not protected by paint and caulking.

Our customers always ask- how can I prevent this wood rot from happening again?

After 34 years of wood rot replacement, we are happy to advise on wood rot so that you can beat mother nature and her wrath.

Identifying the Cause

When we go to a customers home to observe and advise on wood rot, the first question we ask ourselves is: How is water causing this wood rot in this spot?

Before we replace the rotted wood it is important to determine the source of the problem.

Some common examples are listed below—but cause of rotting we have found to be endless:

• Metal flashing above the area is leaking

• Window sills are holding water on the horizontal surfaces

• Moisture is being trapped between the roof shingle and the wood that is touching

• Builder installed nails were not caulked and the split wood at that point is rotting

• Caulking pulled away exposing a gap that water is getting behind

• Wood posts are touching the ground and moisture is wicking up at the bottom

• Deck boards fill with leaf debris and hold muddy water against the edge of the boards

Solving the water source issue first can prevent, delay or STOP future wood rot to your newly replaced wood!

What Materials Are Best to Replace Rotted Wood?

There are replacement options besides normal wood. First, we must match as best as we can the wood that is being removed.

There is texture like rough cut cedar boards to consider. There is the same size board that may have to be matched. Sometimes we even install a larger board to prevent water from penetrating in the future.

Here is a list of materials and options that we have been using since 1992:

• the same exact wood match as before

• pressure treated wood, in the industry this is called green wood and is chemically injected that will help repel moisture & delay future rot

• primed and sealed wood

• properly caulked and painted wood

• PVC board that are basically plastic (think a strong PVC pipe material) that will ‘never rot’ and can be painted like a regular wood board

• hardie plank, which is fiber cement board and much stronger than wood

The Process

Not all painters replace wood. It takes specialty knowledge, skills and tools. We are experts at replacing rotted wood.

Our team knows how to remove the wood, replace with the right material, seal it all up and paint it so it looks seamless and new.

• rip out old wood

• inspect behind to make sure the area is secure and dry

• prime new boards

• nail or screw with the proper fasteners so it is flush and doesn’t come loose over time

• caulk all the gaps, joints with paintable caulking that flexes when it gets hot and cold

• paint the new board your custom color

With this detailed process, the area is protected and looks like new—almost like there was no wood rot ever in that location.

Clean Up

You can expect wood splinters, debris, old nails and dust. We want your home to be safe and tidy. So we dispose of all trash and clean up the area. What once was a rotted wood mess is now a clean area on your home that will last for years to come.

You want to hire a turnkey painter who can locate and remedy all types of wood rot on your home. You want that painting company to replace rotted wood the right way with the right materials. We are that wood rot specialist company for you!

The wood boards are rotting from moisture being trapped between the wood and shingles.

Notice how the bottom of the boards are rotting and delaminating along the roof line.

This is brand new PVC plastic boards at the store we will match and purchase for install. This will never rot like wood in this problem area once we are done.

After ripping out the old rot, we replaced this area with new PVC boards, fasten secure, caulk and paint. Here we are in action!

About the Author: Joseph Steele

Hi, I’m Joseph Steele, with Sharper Impressions Painting. We proudly offer high-quality interior and exterior painting services for homes and businesses in Atlanta, Columbus, Orlando, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Nashville. From cabinet painting to deck and fence staining, we’re here to enhance your space. Learn more about us here.