Wood Rot & Exterior Painting:

When beginning an exterior painting project, it is important to know the condition of the wood before starting any work. Since wood rot begins long before it is visible to the eye, many paint jobs fail due to improper preparation. Any type of bare wood that has been exposed to the elements for several weeks is considered weathered wood and should be treated as such. Even the wood used in new construction is considered weathered once it has been exposed to the elements for more than a week. Therefore, thorough surface preparation is critical before applying paint.

There are two types of wood rot; dry rot, which consists of crumbly sections, and wet rot which consists of soft soggy spots. Both are caused by fungus that thrive in damp conditions and easily penetrate weathered wood. All loose and peeling paint should be removed and all other areas to be painted should be inspected for rotting wood. If wood rot is found, it must be removed completely to ensure a quality paint job that will last. Small areas can often be repaired with wood filler, but larger areas should be removed and replaced completely. Any mildew found should be treated with mild bleach, rinsed thoroughly, and allowed time to dry. Caulking corners, joints, seams, and other areas where water can penetrate can prevent future wood rot.

Once repaired, all areas to be painted must be thoroughly sanded to create a smooth working surface. This is a crucial step in preparation. The final step is to apply a top quality latex or oil-based primer (allow it to cure for twelve hours) followed with a top quality exterior latex paint. This will guarantee the best possible sealing of the surface being painted.

The most important elements to a beautiful and durable exterior paint job are proper surface preparation and quality products.