Where rot usually shows up
- The bottom of exterior door frames and brick molding, where splash-back and pooled water sit.
- Window sills and the lower corners of window trim.
- Fascia and rake boards behind gutters that overflow or pull away.
- Porch post bases, column bottoms and trim that touches the ground or a roof surface.
Look for the water first
Rot is a symptom. If a gutter dumps water onto a door frame, a sprinkler hits the same corner every morning, or caulk has failed along a joint, replacing the wood without changing that leaves the new piece exposed to the same conditions. Mention anything you have noticed about how water moves around the damaged area.
What to photograph
- A wide shot showing where the damage sits on the house.
- A close-up of the soft area, with something for scale.
- The gutter, downspout or roofline above it, if relevant.
What affects scope
How far the damage extends, whether the trim profile can be matched, and whether paint is part of the job all change the work. Concealed damage behind trim or siding cannot be ruled out from outside, so expect that to be part of the conversation. Structural framing repairs are not promised on this website.
Related: caulking and weatherstripping often goes hand in hand with rot repair, and exterior painting protects new wood once it is in place.
Common questions
Can rotted wood just be filled and painted?
Small, shallow areas are sometimes repaired with filler, but wood that is soft deeper down usually needs the damaged section replaced. Which approach fits depends on what is found once the area is opened.
How do I know if it's rot or just peeling paint?
Press gently with a fingertip or a key. Paint that flakes off sound wood is a finish problem; wood that dents, crumbles or feels spongy is a condition problem.
Where TLC Repairs offers wood rot repair
Based in LaGrange and serving communities within about 30 miles, including: