Where Rot Usually Starts
Rot starts wherever water sits on wood. On most homes, that means window sills, the bottoms of door frames, porch column bases, stair treads, and trim joints near the roofline.
Boise's freeze and thaw cycles in winter can open small cracks in paint, letting moisture reach the wood underneath.
Signs to Look For
Peeling or bubbling paint, dark stains, and wood that feels soft when pressed are all warning signs. Gaps at joints and fasteners that will not hold are others.
Check these areas each spring and fall, especially on north facing walls and areas shaded by trees.
Why Early Repair Matters
A small section of rotten sill is a simple repair. Left alone, the decay can move into framing, which turns a small job into a much larger one.
John replaces damaged wood with matched profiles so the repair blends in, and he looks for the water source so the problem does not return.