How to Repair Wood Rot

Rot occurs whenever water gets into cracks or penetrates a wood finish and can't dry out. Seal these cracks and maintain the finish to protect wood's beauty and integrity. Consult a pro for structural rot repairs, but you can tackle small ones yourself. Rot itself, is actually caused by fungus. These fungi spores can remain active in the wood for long periods of time and can reactivate when they get wet. It is imperative, when rod is noted, to find any source of water that may be causing this rot. After the source of water is taken away it is recommended to repair the wood rot areas as follows:

1. Use a wood chisel, an electric drill with a spade bit, or another tool appropriate for the situation to remove all wet, loose and unsound wood.
2. Probe the surrounding area with an awl. If it feels as solid as unaffected areas, drill numerous closely spaced holes of 1/8-inch (3-mm) diameter in the wood and inject a liquid wood hardener as directed by the manufacturer.
3. Mix two-part epoxy or polyester wood filler as directed. Mix only what you can apply and shape in a few minutes. Once the material hardens--and it does so quickly--you must throw it away.
4. Fill the hole or build up the affected area with the wood filler, using a putty knife or flexible plastic spreader. Press hard to work the initial layer into the surface for a good bond.
5. Clean off the applicator and mixing container immediately.
6. Use a rasp tool to roughly shape or level excess filler as soon as the filler sets up, but before it dries completely.
7. Use medium or coarse sandpaper to further shape and blend the patch when the filler is completely dry. On flat surfaces, use a rubber sanding block or power sander. On contoured surfaces, use wood dowels or other appropriate shapes to back the sandpaper.
8. Blow off the dust and apply freshly mixed filler to fill any remaining depressions or pinholes, or to build up more material as needed to attain the desired shape.
9. Use medium, then fine sandpaper to smooth the patch and feather it into the surrounding wood.
10. Touch up the patched area with primer and paint.

Following these steps will help in the repair of small areas of rot.