Michigan can have some very unpredictable weather; it can go from a nice 60 degree day, to snow literally overnight. As the weather changes and stuff starts to thaw, you’ll start noticing the outside of your house again. You may find that your home is in need of exterior painting. One major concern regarding homes when it comes to the preparation of painting is wood rot. Wood rot is not very appealing, and can do more future damage if not attended to right away.
Why does it rot?
Wood rot occurs mainly from aged wood that is exposed to the elements. It could be because it was not properly painted, or it was not properly sealed when installed. Sometimes, you may just have a problem area that sees a lot of rain and moisture. Other problem areas are areas hidden under moldings, gutters, or spouts. Perhaps, these items were not attached correctly, leaving room for moisture and mold to set in.
How do you fix it?
Fixing wood rot is fairly easy. The hard part is finding it all. You will not be able to discover it all until you clean, scrape and sand the house in preparation for exterior painting. Sometimes the wood will appear fine, but will feel soft on the outside and rotted on the inside.
The most important component is to replace bad wood when you see it and follow these three steps to ensure it lasts for years to come:
- Prime all four sides of the new board before you replace it.
- After installed make sure that it is sealed up and caulked all the way around to ensure that water does not seep behind it. We recommend a high-quality caulk (may be pricier for premium, but will save you time and money in the future)
- Apply two coats of paint or stain after installation (if stained, primer is not needed from step one).
We all take pride in our homes, following these steps will ensure that your home will be free of rotted areas, and will maintain your home’s curb appeal, for years to come.
If replacing wood rot on your home is not something you would like to do, or if you do not have the time, give us a call and we would love to help you with your project! Call Armor Tough Coatings at 1-888-PAINTING or, if outside of the 248 area code call (248) 716-0089.
