Signs of Rot and Where to Look for It

Rot starts where water sits. Knowing where to look saves a lot of repair work.

The Usual Spots

Window sills, door thresholds, the bottoms of porch columns, fascia boards, deck ledgers and the edges of steps collect water and stay damp. Peeling or bubbling paint over wood is often the first sign.

Check after rain and in shaded corners.

The Screwdriver Test

Press the tip of a screwdriver into suspect wood. Sound wood resists, and rotted wood is soft, crumbly or lets the tool sink in. Dark staining and fungus are warning signs too.

Probe a few inches beyond what you can see, because rot often runs further inside.

What Repairs Last

Small spots can be cut out and filled, but larger areas need to be replaced with matching or rot-resistant material. Caulk, flashing, primer and paint seal the repair, and fixing the water source stops it from returning.

Ask for the cause to be fixed, not just covered up.