How to repair wood that’s gone rotten

Unfortunately, the issue of wood which has become rotten is one that many of us will face at some point, whether that’s a decaying window sill or anything else.

Ultimately, you need to do more than just slap on some filler, make it smooth and paint over it and hope for the best. The problem will just come back and the timber will continue to rot below the filler. But the good news is that repairs with modern products can be long-lasting and effective.

And, most of the time, you can treat wet rot without having to replace the wood entirely, whether you’re working on a doorframe, decking or anything else.

First of all, ensure the area is dry, and get rid of any wood which crumbles away easily. If large bits of timber come away, or the wood won’t stop crumbling, then you may be looking at a replacement job.

Drill little holes into the rot, and ideally slightly beyond it to prevent spread.

Next apply a wet-rot wood hardener to the timber using a brush. And apply it liberally before leaving it to penetrate the wood.

Once it’s dry, your wood should once again be healthy. Scrub off any excess or residual hardener with a wire brush.  And, finally, use a filler to smooth out the repair, to finish off the job.

Proper ventilation is one of the best ways to stop rot from occurring. Open windows or use a humidifier. Don’t allow droplets of condensation to form

and sit in place for a long time.

Repair initial cracks promptly, as this stops water from coming into contact with your timber.

The good news is that modern wood is often pre-treated so it should resist rot. And if you’re buying this material for fencing or decking, make sure it’s OK to be in contact with the ground, as this can often cause the problem.

Protect your wood in decking by clearing it of any standing water whenever possible. After all, that’s just good basic maintenance.

Royal Stone Care isn’t just for natural stone restoration! We can help private homes and businesses with wood restoration, repair and sanding in London. So if you have rotting wood and want professional help rather than attempting the job yourself, get in touch.