Exterior guide
Wood rot repair before exterior painting
By Juan Serra, owner, Houston Superior Painting ·
Rotted wood has to be repaired or replaced before an exterior is painted. Paint over soft, wet wood traps moisture and fails quickly, usually as peeling and more rot. On Houston homes, rot is most common where water sits: the bottoms of trim and door frames, fascia under gutters, window sills and siding near the ground. Typical wood rot repairs run $300–$2,500, depending on how much wood is affected.
Why rot has to be fixed first
Paint protects sound wood; it cannot repair rotten wood. Soft fibers will not hold primer, and the moisture inside them pushes the new paint off from behind. Painting over rot can also hide it from you until the damage has spread into framing or sheathing. Repair first, prime the new wood on all exposed faces, then paint.
Where Houston homes rot
- Bottoms of door frames, trim boards and garage door jambs, where splash-back and standing water collect.
- Fascia and soffits under gutters that overflow or leak.
- Window sills and the bottom corners of window trim.
- Siding within a few inches of soil, mulch or a roof line.
- Joints that were never caulked, or where caulk has failed.
How to check for rot
- Look — for peeling or bubbling paint in one area, dark staining, gaps at joints, or swelling.
- Press — with a screwdriver or awl. Sound wood resists; rotten wood is soft, spongy or crumbles.
- Follow the water — find where the water comes from: gutter, missing flashing, splash-back, or a failed caulk joint.
Repair or replace?
Small areas of soft wood can sometimes be dug out, consolidated and filled with an exterior wood filler or epoxy. Longer runs, structural pieces or wood that is soft through its thickness should be replaced. New boards should be primed on all faces (including ends and back) before installation where possible. If water keeps reaching the spot, fix the cause too, or the new wood will rot again. See wood rot repair in Houston.
How it shows up on your estimate
A careful exterior estimate lists known rot repairs separately from painting, and says how hidden rot found during prep is handled (usually a written change order with a price before the work is done). Typical repairs run $300–$2,500; see wood rot repair cost. Free written estimates are available. Before work begins, your approved estimate states the scope, deposit requirements and payment schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Can you paint over rotted wood?
No. Paint will not hold on soft, wet wood and traps moisture, so it peels and the rot spreads. Repair or replace the rotted wood, prime it, then paint.
How do I know if my trim has wood rot?
Press it with a screwdriver. Sound wood resists; rotten wood is soft or crumbles. Peeling paint in one spot, dark stains and swelling are also signs.
Should rotted wood be filled or replaced?
Small, shallow areas can be filled with exterior filler or epoxy. Longer runs, structural pieces or wood that is soft through its thickness should be replaced.
How much does wood rot repair cost in Houston?
Typical repairs run $300–$2,500, depending on how much wood is affected and where it is.
Limitations of this guide
General guidance. Hidden damage behind trim or siding can only be judged on site; prices are planning ranges, not quotes.
Related pages
What to expect from us
- 5-year written workmanship warranty on qualifying painting projects
- Current proof of insurance available upon request.
- Certificate of insurance for approved projects when required
- Written estimate with scope, total price, deposit and payment schedule
- Clear product specifications
- Final walkthrough
Get a written exterior estimate
Call (346) 594-5960 or request an estimate online. Request a free written estimate. Your proposal will explain the scope, products, price, deposit and payment schedule before you decide.