Exterior wood rot
Answer: call a carpenter.
Soft, crumbling, or discolored wood on exterior trim, window frames, door frames, or siding signals wood rot — a fungal decay that spreads when wood stays moist. Left untreated, rot compromises structural integrity and invites insects like carpenter ants and termites. Small areas can be repaired with epoxy wood filler, but large sections require cutting out the damaged wood and splicing in new material. A carpenter can assess the extent of the damage, determine whether it's cosmetic or structural, and perform lasting repairs with rot-resistant materials.
Who to call
For this problem, call a: Carpenter
Symptoms to look for
- Wood feels soft or spongy when pressed with a finger or screwdriver
- Paint is peeling, bubbling, or cracking on exterior trim or siding
- Visible discoloration — darkened, stained, or white streaks on wood surfaces
- Small holes or sawdust-like debris near the damaged area (insect activity)
- Wood crumbles or breaks apart easily when scraped
Related services
Not sure which service?
Handyman vs electricianCarpenter vs handymanCabinet installation vs carpenterDeck building vs carpenterDrywall repair vs handymanDoor installation vs handymanPlumber vs handymanPainter vs handymanHandyman vs painterPainter vs carpenterHandyman vs rooferDeep cleaning vs handymanDoor Installation vs CarpenterDrywall Repair vs CarpenterCabinet Installation vs HandymanRoofer vs CarpenterLandscaper vs HandymanMovers vs HandymanDrain Cleaning vs HandymanLawn care vs handymanHouse cleaning vs handymanRoof repair vs handymanDeck builder vs handymanWater heater repair vs handymanExterior painting vs carpenterTree service vs handymanInterior painting vs carpenterGutter installation vs handymanTree service vs carpenterFurnace repair vs handymanAC installation vs handymanElectrical wiring vs handymanElectrical panel upgrade vs handymanInterior painting vs handymanRoof Repair vs. Carpenter: Who Handles Structural Roof Damage?