Here we are, just getting into summer. October’s weather is only three months away. If we ignore our homes’ exteriors now, we’ll be unprepared for the fast-approaching bad weather.
The best way to start the process is to walk around your home. Don't just look at the siding because that might be the last place a potential water damage issue (rot) will present itself. Look at the boards just under the roofing (barge boards) and the boards your gutters are attached to (fascia boards). Look at the downhill points on the barge boards and any exposed roof rafter tails.
Next, check all your window trim and windowsills. If the siding goes right up to the window and there is no trim, you don't have to worry about trim. If the window is wood, then please check the window frames. All wood trim is not created equal. "Whitewood," which comes primed to help protect the wood from rot, doesn't last long after the water has penetrated the wood. It's an economical wood that saves money. The best option is primed cedar. Even if water gets through the primer, cedar has natural qualities that fight off rot and insects longer than white wood.
When checking your doors, know that the trim around the door is most commonly whitewood. This is usually because the "brick mold trim" isn't readily available. Since the door trim rests close to the ground, failure usually begins low, where water splashes up on the wood, or someone incorrectly installed the trim. Touch the floor surface. If it acts like a sponge, then there is water damage.
Early detection is key. If you catch any issues early, you may be able to clean up the area. Let it dry out, and then paint the area until you're ready for a full exterior paint job. However, let me stress that you do not want to paint wood that is holding water because if you paint over it, you will trap the moisture, which will speed up the rot/decaying process.
When surveying your home, you may see areas where the paint looks bubbling or cracking and the wood looks wavy. This is where you most likely have a rotting issue. Sometimes, you can push on it with your finger and tell it's rotting because of the spongy texture mentioned above. If you want a better idea of the extent of the rot, test how far you can push a small screwdriver into it.
The best way to deal with rot is to remove it. Some products on the market can treat the area, but you must fill it in with a hardener and putty. In some cases, this is a good choice. The best way to deal with rot is to remove all the rot to eliminate the possibility of leaving some rot behind that begins to decay and cause new problems.
Remember, you're not alone in this. Anywhere along this process, Shirey Home Pro, your personal home contractor, is here to help you protect your home. If you're a DIYer who is comfortable handling little things, that's great! However, if you find something more concerning that you know your DIY skills won’t be able to solve, know that we're here to help. If you’re definitely not a DIYer and need help from the start, you can ask us for assistance through the entire process.
One last thing: If your chimney has siding around it rather than brick or stone, there are many possible rot issue areas that should be looked at, some of which require a ladder.
As a contractor we are proud of our work, and we think you will agree.
