How to Repair Small to Medium Areas of Rotted Wood

All it takes for wood rot to happen is wood, warmth and water. Even the most cared for homes are still susceptible to this problem. Your home’s exterior trim is particularly vulnerable because it is one of the most exposed parts of your house. Fortunately, you can repair a rotted trim.

Handyman Connection® of Winter Park explains more:

Find the Damaged Area
Use a screwdriver and poke areas that don’t drain well, like the drip cap or window sill. Other signs of moisture infiltration include cracked, peeling, or blistering paint and areas of wood that seem darker than their surroundings. Also, pay close attention to slow-drying joints and wood areas near dirt, concrete and masonry. If you can push the tip of the screwdriver easily into the wood, then that area might have wood rot.

Apply Wood Hardener and Filler

Once you have found the problem area, use a 5-in-1 or any sharp tool to remove the rotted wood. Begin by removing all the rotten parts. Next, coat the area evenly with a wood hardener then use a polyester wood filler to rebuild the rotted wood. Mold and shape the filler to match your existing wood profile. Polyester wood filler also paints well and can resist rot so you can easily match it to the rest of the trim. Mix the polyester filler and press it into the area with a putty knife.

Applying Finishing Touches

After you’ve repaired most of the damage, use a chisel to carve out the partially hardened sagging filler and add a second layer of the filler if necessary. Many medium repairs need at least two or more layers of filler for best results. Finish the wood repair by sanding, priming then painting the filled area.

For larger rotten areas of rotten wood, it’s better to ask a professional like Handyman Connection of Winter Park for help. We are an expert in carpentry, electrical work, painting and more. Call us at (407) 270-2348 or contact us here today to learn more about our services or for an estimate.