Rotted Trim in New England aka Wood Rot

They sure do not make them like they use to………………Wood Rot seems to be everywhere.

The famous saying by “the ld timers’ her in new England but i wonder if we will be saying that in a few more years.

We often hear these words from home owners that have to replace or repair their wood siding or trim on their homes.  As it just seems like the wood on the homes do not hold up like they use to in years past.

We have terms when it comes to wood that was used:

• particle board
• finger jointed
• number two or three grade pine

These options are often used when cost is more important that quality.  The Major problem that we see that occurs over time with the above options is premature FAILURE often referred to as WOOD ROT.

How to prevent or delay wood failure:

1. prime and paint all six sides of any piece of wood that is being installed which will result from water
   

   wood rot in Andover

   or moisture penetration.

2. When cutting a piece of wood to fit, make sure the cut side is coated with a primer.
3. Use a superior caulk that has flexibility to it and caulk all seems to hinder water penetration.The difference between a “cheap’; cost and an expensive tube of caulk is approximately $ 3 dollars per tube.
4. Divert water run off or splash back from all siding with gutters or rain diverter.
5. When you notice paint failure, scrape, sand and coat sooner than later. this will protect the wood.
6. Carpenter bees and wood peckers seem to like wood that is bare or needs painting.  Fresh paint all not proven seems to deter these critters.
7. Fences and exterior posts: We find when people trim their grass they often scratch the bottom for these posts over time which removes the paint and allows water to penetrate (see number 5)

We have found more people have chosen to use the composite wood which others refer to as AZEK, which is actually the name brand of a popular type of this material.

If you would like to see the definition of composite wood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood-plastic_composite.

All though composite wood is more expensive to purchase than “real” wood it lasts longer and could save your money in the long run over time.

If I can answer any questions regarding your next project, please feel free to contact me at Ron@Ramsdenpainting.com.