I am freaking out with home repairs- how do I fix rot and water damage?
Question:the previous owner used wood around the window- it rotted, and he used siding that was pressed particle board as siding. It rotted too, around the window. I have a hole the size of a football at the bottom corner of the window- second story. My husband will not fix it- I have to. How do I do it? I used a screw driver to pull out all the loose wood- now I have a hole, and a window that does not sit right. No wonder why the stupid window never opened properly.
Answers:
You are going to need some professional help. This is under a second story window, and you will need scaffolding. Don't risk the fall.
The estimates are going to be high, because you have framing damage. The clue to this is that the window does not 'sit right'. You will also need to repair the vapor barrier, and replace the siding. All of this is going to be expensive, but if you do it right, you'll only do it once.
If the wood around the window( that supports the window) is rotted your best bet is to have a completely new window proffesionally installed. If all you mean is the trim is rotted you need to have new trim made and installed your best bet is to have it made out of pvc since that will not rot. you may be able to find some at lowes but you will need to borrow a chop saw to install it (measure twice cut once... brad in place with some glue). It sounds to me that you have a leak problem as well. the particle baord should have a vinyl covering over it that prevents water from coming into direct contact with it on the the outside and on the inside should be studs with insulation and then drywall(if its a wet area there is a certain type that is blue) to keap moisture out. make sure all of that stuff is there to prevent future leaks. for repairing drywall either talk to the friendly people at lowes or do an internet search. I hoped some of that helped. you may or may not have framing damage the window could of been poorly instaled
if you dont know how to do it .get a reputal contracter & get a the job done right.
Are you buying this house? If so, could you see the damage when you first viewed the home, was the damage disclosed by the seller?
If you were unable to see the damage and the seller did not disclose it, you may be able to force the seller to pay for having the repairs made, depending on how long you ago you purchased the home.
If you bought the house within the past couple of years, you might want to talk to an attorney and see what you options are.
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