Exterior Wood & Trim Repair

No matter where you live in the Triangle, at some point, everyone’s home will experience wood rot or repairs. We always urge homeowners not to neglect the outside of their homes. The goal is to maintain the exterior trim. Addressing the cracks and minor issues before they get out of hand will save money.

If you are unsure if areas need attention, it is best to have a professional inspect your home. If you find issues, contact a carpenter to fix them before they cause more damage. Regular upkeep is vital to preserving any home’s or building’s condition.

Trim Doors and Windows

Everyone can appreciate the cost of quality doors and windows. They add exterior design cues and sophistication. These protective openings serve a purpose that is critical to the everyday use of every home.

Wood and fiberglass exhibit contrasting resilience and design characteristics. Often, the surrounding trim consists of wood that can deteriorate over time.

Window Sills

If your windows have aluminum, plastic, or fiberglass cladding but a wood sill, the sill will often rot. We always replace wooden window sills with PVC.

The nose is the name for the outside edge of the sill. And if the nose is rotted, we also use PVC to replace it. Nails and screws fasten both sections. This prevents them from separating during expansion and contraction. Eliminating the chance of them separating also prevents future leaks.

Brick Moulding

Brick moulding is a common type of trim found around windows. If your home is brick, the windows are most likely surrounded by brick mold. Casing refers to all forms of trim around the window and is a common fail point. Water accumulates at the bottom edge, leading to rot.

Brick mould must sit tight and flush against the sill. Large gaps and cracks will lead to further water damage.

We always use PVC for our brick mould replacements. Yet, some is unique to the window, allowing small slits for the window screen. Aftermarket brick moulding is available in one size and design. So, custom existing pieces need some extra routing work. But the aftermarket moulding will be an exact fit for most homes.

Soffits and Overhangs

Homes have soffits, also known as overhangs, on the eaves and gables. They may add style to a home. But most will be surprised to learn they also protect exterior walls by keeping them drier.

Soffit water damage is common outside homes that have poor roof drainage. This damage comes from gutter overflow and short roof shingles.

We use HardiePlank for soffits, which come in sizes up to 16 inches. Other soffit materials include rough-cut lumber and plywood. Hardie is only 1/4 inch thick. It offers a smooth and ventilated option for better airflow.

Corner Boards

Modern houses abandon corner boards in their construction designs. Corner boards separate transitions from one side to another. They are also useful for joining the intersection of different material types. Like where siding meets brick, for example.

Corner boards are often made of wood. This poses a problem because people frequently neglect to seal the bottom edge. When the rain runs down the board, it curls back underneath the edge and causes rot.

Thicknesses range from 3/4 to 5/4, and widths are from 4 to 8 inches. We buy all materials from lumber yards. They provide long 18 ft lengths, which means fewer joints and one complete board.

We want it to last longer, so all our corner board replacements are also made of PVC.

DoorJambs

The standard size exterior door is 36 x 80 inches. Though it’s larger and better built than an interior door, it often fails at the threshold. Decay and cracks emerge predominantly around the lower section of the doorjamb.

Doorjambs rot because they are made of wood. Thresholds are often not sealed where the doorjamb meets. So, water seeps inside the doorjamb and slowly starts to cause wood rot.

We secure all areas that bear weight from foot traffic. Limiting the threshold’s movement will help seal the doorjamb. This will make the door last longer.

If the door is in working condition, we can custom-make the doorjamb using treated lumber. If the door is standard-sized and both jambs are rotted, replace the door. It’s more cost-effective.

Wooden Garage Doors

Wooden garage doors are made up of individual panels. Some door panels are easier to replace than others. If all lower panels are damaged or rotted, it’s time for a new door.

Garage door jams contain 2 x 6 studs behind a 3/4 piece of trim and a vinyl garage door seal. We replace garage door jams with PVC and treated lumber so they will not fail due to ground-level water flow. If the top of the door is leaking, we can replace the casing and the drip cap to seal the area.

Wood vs PVC

To cut costs, many homes are no longer built with Douglas Fir or Southern Yellow Pine. These types of wood were once standard for premium exterior-grade trim. The issue with most wood on the exterior of homes is that it is finger-jointed. Secondly, the wood is often spruce or Miratec.

Today’s exterior wood is largely farm-grown or particleboard. This wood just doesn’t last.

Differences Between PVC Trim Materials

PVC trim replacements imitate wood textures and last much longer. However, there are different grades of PVC. Exterior-grade PVC is available in dense and lighter materials. Lightweight PVC will dent and oxidize faster. Companies such as Royal and Azek provide lasting materials.

Exterior Carpentry Labor and Materials Costs

There is a wide range of expertise when hiring carpenters. You could save a few bucks by getting a handyman who may or may not have the experience. Most dedicated carpenters will not seal and paint. If they do, they often caulk over mold, mildew, and dirty surfaces. This is because they don’t know better.

Another cost factor is how the replacement is done. Inexperienced handymen often fix trim damage by cutting out a small piece. This looks unprofessional and leaves clear evidence of a previous repair. Using PVC materials will also cost more than wood.

Handyman vs Our Licensed Specialists

Finding reliable, licensed carpentry services is not easy. Most will only do the repairs. You’ll have to find other contractors to finish the work. A major advantage is that we take care of it all.

Our carpentry costs include replacing the entire piece to the next seam. Replacing full pieces lasts longer. It also lets us cut 45-degree angles to shed water where the two pieces of trim meet. Cutting straight butt joints costs less but will fail, leading to cracks and leaks.

We Are Licensed Contractors

There is added value and convenience when you hire us for your home repairs.

• Locally Owned
• Service Quality,
• 30 Years’ Experience
• Timely Completion
• Experts
• 22 Years in Business
• Dedicated Staff
• Multiple in-House Teams
• Certifications
• Continued Education
• Home Exterior Renovations
• Wide Range of Services

Quoting Process

• Onsight Assessment
• Count, Measure, Take Photos
• Line Items
• Descriptions
• Subtotals
• Total

Work Completion & Logistics

1) We take care of each step of the process. Once your job is ready for production, we prepare for a smooth process. We order all materials that are delivered to your home before our arrival.

2) We order dumpsters. They enable us to keep the area clean and efficiently remove all construction waste.

3) Once we begin, we are dedicated to completing the project and working consecutive days. If we find extra concealed damage, we will take pictures and notify you.

4) After we finish the project, we will clean up. Then, we will do a final walkthrough to ensure your satisfaction.

Additional Reasons to Choose Us

We are not a company that just decided to extend our services. No, improving homes around the Triangle is what we have been doing for over 22 years now. When we paint, nearly every home has repairs. Damaged wood trim is a part of almost every exterior service that we provide.

So, our goal is simple. We bring the good news that we can repair it and make it last longer. Our services benefit your long-term costs by taking preventive measures today!