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Rotten Wood Repair & Replacement in Baton Rouge, LA

Rotten wood is more than just an unsightly issue; it's a structural vulnerability that can compromise the integrity, safety, and value of your home. Whether it's around windows, doors, trim, siding, or structural elements, deteriorated wood can lead to water leaks, pest infestations, mold growth, and significant structural damage if left unaddressed.

At B&H Construction, we have over 20 years of dedicated service and three generations of contracting expertise in comprehensive rotten wood repair and replacement services across Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and surrounding areas like Gonzales, Zachary, and Denham Springs.

The Dangers and Causes of Rotten Wood

Wood rot is a common problem, especially in humid climates like Louisiana, but its impact can be severe. It occurs when wood is exposed to prolonged moisture and fungal growth, leading to decomposition and weakening.

Common Areas Affected by Rotten Wood

  • Window and Door Frames: These areas are highly susceptible to water intrusion due to constant exposure to rain, sun, and temperature fluctuations, especially if caulking or flashing fails or was improperly installed.
  • Siding and Trim: Exterior siding, fascia boards, soffits, and decorative trim are continuously exposed to the elements. Cracks in paint, gaps, or a lack of proper ventilation can trap moisture, making them prime targets for decay.
  • Decks and Porches: Outdoor structures bear the brunt of weather exposure. If not properly sealed, stained, or built with appropriate drainage, their wood components are constantly battling moisture and ground contact.
  • Structural Elements: In severe cases, rot can affect critical load-bearing components like floor joists, wall studs, roof trusses, and subflooring. This poses serious safety risks to the entire home's stability and can lead to costly and extensive structural repairs if not identified and addressed promptly.
  • Eaves and Overhangs: These areas, including soffits and fascia, are particularly vulnerable to water damage and decay from roof leaks or overflowing gutters, often remaining unnoticed until the damage is significant.
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What Causes Wood Rot?

The primary cause of wood rot is persistent moisture combined with the presence of fungal spores. This can stem from various sources, often working in conjunction:

  • Leaky Roofs or Gutters: Faulty roofing or clogged/damaged gutters direct water directly onto walls, windows, and foundations, creating localized areas of saturation.
  • Failing Caulk or Sealants: Over time, caulk around windows, doors, and siding can crack, shrink, or detach, creating insidious gaps that allow rainwater and humidity to penetrate deeply into the wood.
  • Poor Drainage: Water pooling near the foundation, against exterior walls, or under decks due to improper grading or clogged French drains saturates wood components in contact with the ground or splash-back areas.
  • High Humidity and Lack of Ventilation: Persistent dampness in enclosed spaces like attics, crawl spaces, or within wall cavities creates an ideal breeding environment for wood-destroying fungi, even without direct water leaks.
  • Ground Contact: Any wood in direct contact with the soil will absorb moisture through capillary action, accelerating decay unless it's specifically pressure-treated for ground contact.
  • Plumbing Leaks: Hidden leaks from pipes behind walls or under floors can cause significant rot that goes unnoticed for extended periods, leading to widespread damage.
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Our Expert Rotten Wood Repair & Replacement Services

At B&H Construction, we don't just treat the symptoms; we identify and eliminate the root cause of the rot. Our meticulous, multi-step process ensures that damaged sections are expertly repaired or replaced, and crucial preventative measures are put in place for a lasting solution that protects your investment. Our three generations of expertise mean we've seen it all and know how to fix it right the first time.

Our process begins with a detailed, on-site inspection. We don't just look at the visible damage; we use our expertise to trace the rot's origin, assess the full extent of the damage (including areas that might not be immediately obvious), and critically, determine the underlying moisture source. Understanding why the wood rotted is paramount for preventing recurrence and ensuring our solution is truly effective.

This is a crucial step. We carefully and thoroughly remove all compromised wood, ensuring that no fungal spores or deteriorated material remains. Our team takes precautions to prevent the spread of rot to healthy surrounding areas, using professional techniques and equipment to isolate and remove affected sections cleanly.

If the rot has impacted your home's structural components, such as support beams, joists, or framing, our skilled team will implement precise and robust reinforcement techniques. We utilize new, high-grade, often treated lumber and engineering principles to restore and exceed the original structural integrity of your home. Your home's safety, stability, and long-term durability are our absolute priority.

We replace rotten sections with new, high-grade wood specifically chosen for its application. Depending on the location and exposure, this will often be pressure-treated lumber (resistant to moisture and pests) or naturally rot-resistant species. Our craftsmanship ensures a seamless blend with your existing structures, meticulously matching profiles and dimensions to maintain your home's aesthetic appeal and architectural character.

Addressing the source of moisture is paramount to a permanent fix. Our solutions are holistic and may include:

  • Repairing or replacing faulty flashing around windows, doors, and roof-to-wall transitions to direct water away.
  • Improving exterior drainage around your foundation through proper grading, French drains, or downspout extensions.
  • Sealing all cracks, gaps, and entry points with durable, exterior-grade, weather-resistant caulk and sealants.
  • Suggesting essential gutter repairs, cleaning, or improvements to ensure proper water diversion from your home's exterior.
  • Applying advanced wood preservatives or waterproof coatings to new and existing vulnerable wood components for added protection against moisture and fungal growth.
  • Advising on ventilation improvements in crawl spaces or attics to reduce ambient humidity.

Once the new wood is expertly in place and all preventative measures are addressed, we handle all necessary finishing work. This includes meticulous sanding, priming, and perfectly matching paint or stain to your home's existing exterior. Our commitment extends to a thorough cleanup of the work area, leaving your home looking pristine, with no visible signs of the previous damage and ready to stand strong for years to come.

Our Dedication to Quality and Trust

Choosing the right contractor for rotten wood repair is essential for a lasting solution and your peace of mind.

With over 20 years of hands-on experience and three generations dedicated to quality craftsmanship, B&H Construction brings unmatched expertise to every rotten wood repair project. Our licensed professionals are highly skilled in diagnosing the specific type of rot, understanding wood characteristics, and employing the most effective repair and replacement techniques. We are intimately familiar with the challenges that humid climates like Louisiana pose to wood structures and how to mitigate them.

B&H Construction is a fully licensed and insured contractor in Louisiana (License Number: 554648 LA Licensed Contractor), a testament to our adherence to industry standards and our commitment to professional excellence. We operate with complete transparency, providing detailed estimates and keeping you informed throughout the repair process. Our reputation for reliability, integrity, and superior results is built on the trust of countless satisfied homeowners in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales, and Zachary. We seamlessly handle insurance claims, easing your burden during difficult times.

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Don't Let Rotten Wood Compromise Your Home

Ignoring rotten wood will only lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the line. Protect your investment, ensure your family's safety, and restore your home's beauty with the expert rotten wood repair and replacement services from B&H Construction. We are committed to providing durable, long-lasting solutions that give you peace of mind.

Contact B&H Construction today at (225) 406-7003 or fill out our online contact form for a free, no-obligation estimate!

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