How to Replace Rotted Wood in the Trim
Rotted wood trim is a common exterior repair for homeowners, as trim boards are exposed to the weather year-round. As the paint and seals around the trim boards become worn, moisture can penetrate the wood, causing rot. Small rotted areas can be repaired with wood epoxy if caught in time. Larger rotted sections of trim should be replaced to prevent larger water-damage problems from developing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paint scraper
- Wire brush
- Scratch awl
- Handsaw
- Flat bar
- Hammer
- Replacement trim board
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Miter saw
- Box, coated finish nails
- Sandpaper, fine-grit
- Primer/paint
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Scrape the rotted area of the trim board with a paint scraper to remove any loose paint.
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2
Brush the rotted area of the trim board with a wire brush to remove any rotted wood that might be loose.
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3
Push the tip of the scratch awl as far as you can into the damaged area to assess the extent of the rot. This will help you determine what areas of the board need to be replaced, as opposed to repaired with wood epoxy.
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4
Saw above and below the rotted area of the trim to remove a section of trim board, using a handsaw.
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5
Pry the rotted trim off the exterior of the house with a flat bar and hammer.
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6
Measure the length of rotted trim. Measure, mark and cut the replacement trim board to the length of the rotted section that you removed, using a miter saw.
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7
Brush the area behind the removed trim board with a wire brush to remove any debris. Press the replacement trim board into place.
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8
Hammer finish nails every 4 to 6 inches into the replacement trim board approximately 1/4 inch from each edge to fasten it in place.
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9
Sand the trim board along the joints until the replaced trim board is flush with the existing trim boards, using fine-grit sandpaper.
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10
Prime and paint the replaced trim. Allow at least four hours between coats.
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Tips & Warnings
Inspect your wood trim at least once a year and replace sections of trim as needed.
Wear eye protection when working with wood.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
