Wood rot is one of your home's most deadly foes. Here are two common causes of the scourge, as well as practical ways to limit the threat.
One common cause we encounter is gutters filled with leaves. When they don’t drain correctly, gutters not only keep the facia and soffit wet, but can deposit decaying leaves on wood which can trap moisture, intensifying the problem. We even see the edges of roofs rotted. Put in the money or labor to keep gutters clean before you have a bigger problem on your hands!
Did you also know that wood can suck up moisture like a rose in a vase? Any place that you have wood ending at concrete, or another source of moisture (like a metal threshold), it is imperative that it be maintained to avoid rot. I have a door casing that rotted inside of a nice thick paint layer, because we could not get to the lowest point. If you can get to the end, soak it with primer and paint several times. Keep everything well caulked. Repairs can be done by removing the whole piece (difficult when it is the door jamb), cutting out the rotted piece and splicing in a piece to match (preferably with a composite such as PVC), or with Bondo® type products like body putty for cars.
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