Problem: Frequent exposure to water has caused some of the wood in your home to rot. You could replace the wood, but that could get expensive.
Solution: If the damage isn't severe, you can remove the rotten wood and repair it with wood filler.
Materials:
flat-head screwdriver
wood chisels
small large
hammer
wax paper
sandpaper
drill, with driver bits
paintbrush
disposable mixing tray
flexible putty knives and plastic spreaders
2-part wood patching compound
wood hardener
2" all-purpose screws
rags
safety glasses
rubber gloves
Steps:
- Use a screwdriver or chisel to dig out the rotten material (figure A) and expose the solid wood beneath.
* Hire a professional to repair damage to structural (load-bearing) wood.
* Try to reduce the amount of water that comes in contact with the wood. Otherwise, you'll be repairing the same wood over and over.
- Thoroughly coat the exposed wood with wood hardener. This will help protect the wood against future deterioration.
* Some wood hardeners are both toxic and flammable. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
- Drive several screws into the damaged area to help support the patching compound. The screws should be about an inch away from each other with the heads about 1/4" below the undamaged wood surface (figure B).
- Mix the patching compound to the consistency of peanut butter. When it's ready, it will dry within about 5 to 15 minutes.
- Fill the damaged area with patching compound. Use enough compound to overfill the hole; then smooth the area to reduce the amount of sanding you'll need to do later. In some situations, you can create a form to hold the compound in place as it dries. Just place a piece of wax paper over the compound and then clamp a flat board over it (figure C).
- After the compound dries, sand it smooth. Then prime and paint the compound, and replace any damaged trim.
* Some patching compounds can be stained, but it will probably be difficult to match the color with the surrounding wood.
)
)
)
)
