Replacing Rotted Wood Before Painting
When it is time to paint your home’s exterior, it is important to inspect for damaged and rotting wood. Any wood that looks questionable should be replaced. Most likely places to check for rot are trim, siding, window sills, fences, decks, and railings.
Wood usually rots due to moisture and poor air circulation. Rotting wood not only looks unsightly but promotes pest infestation and mold growth. Painting over rotten wood only hides the problem. It ignores the underlying causes that can lead to severe issues down the road. Keep in mind, painting does not stop wood deterioration but it can help protect uncompromised wood and delay the process of the wood falling apart.
ADVANTAGES TO REPLACING ROT BEFORE PAINTING
1) To Protect The Home’s Structural Integrity:
Rotting wood can compromise the structural integrity of a home, and can also indicate deeper issues, like mold and pest infestation. Professional painters can inspect the rotted wood structure to identify minor issues and replace the wood before the problem worsens.
2) To Provide a Long-Lasting Paint Job:
Painting over rotted, wet wood is usually a waste of time, money, and hard work. If homeowners do not replace it, the paint won’t adhere well to the wet and damaged wood surface. It is tough to achieve a beautiful paint finish on damaged wood surfaces, and the paint will crack, bubble, fade, and peel much sooner.
3) To Prevent Mold Growth:
Moisture eventually leads to mold growth. Mold can be a severe health hazard and painting over it only worsens the situation. Both dry and wet rot are ideal for mold growth and the wood should be replaced before painting to stop mold from multiplying.
4) To Protect From Termites And Other Pests:
Termites can cause damage to wood and impact the safety of the home’s structure. These pests feed on wood and if you have rotted wood they will be attracted to the location. Inspecting the area for pests will allow for proper extermination and help to ensure the safety of your home’s structure.
TIPS ON PREVENTING WOOD ROT
Periodically inspect wood and caulking for failure.
When wood is near the ground make sure all six sides of the wood have been painted. This will deter water from prematurely penetrating the wood.
If paint is chipping or blistering and raw wood is exposed water will penetrate these areas. Apply a fresh coat of paint after proper preparation of the wood.
The installation of gutters will help to divert water from areas it should not be.
Before you get the exterior of your home painted be sure to inspect for wood rot. Cobb Brothers Company can help you identify rot and fix or replace any wood that is compromised before your next paint job. Contact us today 508-655-7910 or info@CobbBrothersCo.com