Repairing Small Areas of Wood Rot in 3 Easy Steps

Wood decay occurs when dry wood comes in contact with moisture in an unventilated area. Faulty plumbing, rain leaks, and leaky downspouts are some of the common sources of moisture. While your initial reaction might be to completely replace the wood, why not try repairing it first? Replacing wood is an expensive and time-consuming project, so be sure to exhaust all available options first. Handyman Connection of Novi explains how:

Determine the Rotten Area

Locate the problem areas by focusing on places that don’t have proper drainage. Slowly push the tip of a screwdriver into wood areas that are in contact with dirt, concrete, or masonry. If it goes in easily, then the area may be rotten. Other signs of damage include peeling, cracked, or blistering paint and areas of wood that are darker than others.

Apply Hardener and Filler

When you’ve located the rotten areas, remove the damaged wood with a 5-in-1. Make sure that you remove all the rotten parts completely to ensure a successful repair. Afterward, coat the area with a wood hardener and apply a polyester filler to rebuild the rotten wood.  We recommend a polyester filler because it can be easily molded, it paints well, and it has excellent resistance to rot. Mix the filler and press it evenly into the area using a putty knife.

Finish the Area

Once you’ve repaired the damage, carve out any sagging filler with a chisel and add a second layer if necessary. Most repairs require two or more layers of the filler so add as much as required. Finish your repair by sanding and priming the filled area. When done, paint it to match the current wood profile.

Find the area too big or difficult to repair? You can turn to Handyman Connection of Novi for emergency services. We provide various home improvement and maintenance services to keep your home in top shape all year round. Contact us today at (248) 697-9600 to request an estimate.