Re/Max Masterpiece Realty
Joffre Navas, Re/Max Masterpiece RealtyPhone: (772) 201-2392
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What to do if your home has rotted wood

by Joffre Navas 12/25/2023

Among the various maintenance issues you may encounter as a homeowner, rotted wood is one of the most common. In regions with high humidity and wet weather, your home runs a greater risk of sustaining damage from wood rot.

However, if you find rotted or damaged wood, don’t worry. There are options for replacing or repairing rotted wood to keep your home safe.


Preparation & patching

Removing rotted wood involves two steps: preparation and patching. Throughout the prep phase, you should take out all the rotten wood as much as possible. During the process, consider whether the wood can be restored or if it should be replaced completely. 

To patch the wood, you’ll need to coat problem spots with a two-part elastomer. First, an epoxy wood gel is applied to clean wood. The second step involves molding epoxy to fill in the missing wood. 

After drying and polishing, the patch should match the wood surface texture. However, you may need to paint or stain.


When should I replace rotting wood?

When rotting wood is found on an old porch, decking or siding, it is important to know if it needs repairs. Rotted wood poses potential health risks and liability issues if not addressed. You’ll know wood should be replaced if at least 15% of the mass is rotten.

Rotted wood may be repaired with the removal of rot on the original boards and beams. Afterward, you may apply wood or polyester filler. 


Should I replace or repair rotted wood?

In some cases, it’s easier to just replace damaged timber instead of trying to repair it. 

However, if aspects of your home have personal or historical significance, you might prefer to repair rather than replace. The comparative cost can vary greatly depending on the wood and its purpose - for example, whether it’s structural or cosmetic. 

To keep your home safe and structurally sound, it’s crucial to address rotted wood as soon as possible. While it’s possible to repair and replace rotten wood on your own, you should always consult a professional engineer or contractor before getting started.

About the Author
Author

Joffre Navas

Knowledge and Experience You Can Count On! For most families the decision to buy a home or sell their home is an exciting and complex adventure that involves a lot of preparation and work. It can also be very time-consuming and costly if you're not familiar with all aspects of buying or selling a home. I can provide you with the best information and resources to help make this experience an enjoyable one. One of my specialties is representing the best interests of St. Lucie County and Martin County FL areas.

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My top priority is to provide you with comprehensive, high-quality service. So when you decide to buy or sell your home, please contact me and let's get started! The secret to the success of Keller Williams is in the quality of its people and the relationships that they have with the communities they serve. Customers appreciate the depth and expanse of local knowledge the company’s career-oriented agents work hard to maintain. The company focus has expanded to offer our clients a full spectrum of real estate related services.