Custom Woodwork - Floors - Doors - Windows - Siding - Roofing - Concrete
__________________________________________________________________________________
Water Damage
Most of the time, damage to exterior trim is the result of insufficient sealing. Lumber needs to be primed on all sides, and particularly at the ends. A wood board is like a bundle of straws. It will wick water especially at the ends, like a straw in a glass. If you seal the board on all surfaces with primer and paint, you can greatly reduce the rotting process. Paint does not stop moisture exchange in lumber completely, so boards not rated for exterior are a poor choice even when painted.
Examples of species that do well outside (even when not painted) are; Cypress, Cedar, Redwood, Teak, and some varieties of Mahogany.
I have repaired or replaced many jamb legs on exterior doors, and rarely do I find a board that's been sealed at the end. Many times I find that the board has only been painted on the surfaces that show. Water gets behind caulk joints - it will find a way. If the caulk joint is not perfect to begin with, or if it is old and failing, water gets trapped behind and eventually rots the unsealed surface of the trim. Sometimes it's because of contractors cutting corners, mostly it's ignorance of the properties of wood. PVC trim is becoming more available, it's plastic and can't rot. But if you prefer woodwork, insist that it's installed correctly.
Two examples of damage here.
--------------
Recent cabinet installation, just before the backsplash went up.
Base and shoe on the same job.
  
Unusual trim, I did not do the crown.
It was like a picture rail, and meant to disguise the "fold" in the wall.
  
This is how it's done by hand. Hinges also.
Drilling for the knob was unavoidable, but that's not much to clean up.
  
|
