If you live in Kansas City, you know our weather is bipolar. We go from 100°F humidity in August to sub-zero ice storms in January. This “freeze-thaw” cycle is the #1 cause of wood rot in local homes.
The Problem: The “Sponge” Effect
When the humidity spikes in Missouri and Kansas, unsealed wood absorbs moisture like a sponge. When winter hits, that moisture freezes and expands, shredding the wood fibers from the inside out.
Where to Check for Rot Right Now:
- Window Sills: Especially on the north side of the house where the sun doesn’t dry them out.
- Door Bricks-mould: Look at the bottom 6 inches of your front and back door frames.
- Garage Door Trim: This is the most common spot for rot in Johnson County homes.
- Deck Joists: Where the deck meets the house (the ledger board).
Repair vs. Replace
If the rot is small (less than 20% of the board), I can often use a high-grade wood hardener and epoxy filler (like Bondo) to save the piece and paint over it. However, if I can poke a screwdriver through the wood, it’s time to replace it with PVC or Composite trim, which will never rot again.
Don’t ignore it. A $200 trim repair today prevents a $2,000 structural repair next year.
Spot some soft spots? Let’s get them sealed before the next KC storm hits. [Book a Wood Rot Audit here.]