Once the protective barriers fail, the exposed wood absorbs moisture. The timeline from finish failure to rot can be surprisingly short.
Insects Exploit Weakened Wood
You might not notice your wood trim rotting, but you can bet that carpenter ants, termites, and wood-boring beetles will have their senses tingling early on. They tunnel through damaged sections and create extensive networks that further weaken trim structure.
Recognizing Rot Before It Spreads
Regularly reapplying protective coating and finishes is maintenance 101, but vigilance is always advisable. Catching trim damage early makes repair manageable and affordable. Wait too long, and rot spreads to fascia, soffit, wall sheathing, and structural framing.
So, keep your eyes peeled for apparent signs of trouble, including but not limited to:
- Paint peeling or bubbling in specific areas
- Discoloration or dark staining on wood
- Visible cracks or splits
- Pieces of trim that appear warped or deformed
- Gaps opening between trim and house surfaces
Moreover, get in the habit of performing physical tests. Press firmly on trim with your thumb. Solid wood resists pressure. Rotted wood feels soft, spongy, or gives. You can also use a screwdriver to probe suspect areas. If it sinks into wood easily, then rot has compromised the structure.
What Professional Trim Repair Involves
Fixing rotted exterior trim involves more than cutting out bad wood and nailing in new pieces. Comprehensive trim repair addresses both the damage and its causes. At Mr. Handyman, we get at the root cause.
When you bring in a uniformed handyman from Mr. Handyman, our pros will inspect the full extent of damage to identify moisture sources causing the problem. This could be anything from roof leaks and missing caulking to poor drainage or failed paint.
Rotted sections must be cut out completely, but before installing new trim, our handymen in Carrolton, TX identify and fix the source. This might mean repairing roof drainage, improving caulking, correcting grade issues near foundations, or ad
dressing structural problems.
We don’t just slap on any old trim, either. New trim must match existing profiles, be primed and sealed properly, get attached securely, and blend seamlessly with then remaining original trim.
The Cost of Waiting
Trim repair costs a fraction of what extensive carpentry work runs after rot spreads to fascia, soffit, and wall framing. It’s not uncommon for a $500 trim repair to turn into a $5,000 reconstruction project.
Moreover, good luck trying to sell a home with rotted trim. Properties with obvious exterior damage sell for less and sit on market longer.
Plus, why postpone trim repair when Mr. Handyman offers quality and reliable service with a 1-year workmanship guarantee? Call or message Mr. Handyman today to get started with a consultation.
