Rotted Corner Board? There is a solution for that.
In a conversation with a client recently, I had mentioned how the biggest enemy to a home is water. It can be a slow and silent process, but when the damage is done, it can cause a lot of headache a homeowner wasn’t expecting. In my opinion, a good carpenter is always thinking about mitigating water from wood contact. This is not just adding flashing but purposely cutting wood to not come in contact with the source of the issue.
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On this current project, a corner board on the dormer has reached the point of needing replacing. The cause of rot, was from the corner board coming in direct contact with the roof. A lot of water can flow down the rake of the roof, causing the water to slam into the wood and absorb. By cutting the wood an inch away from the roof, water can flow under. The same is true for siding (both wood and fiber cement). And as you can see, the siding has been spaced enough that you can see the flashing beneath.
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To assist in protecting the wood, an exterior oil primer was applied to all ends of the wood, especially the cut ends. New step flashing was also added, with one added as a ‘kick flashing’ at a 45 degree bend to direct water to the nearby gutter and also to not gather tree debris. The old flashing had done a great job in protecting the structure but when they placed their nails, the nails were placed where multiple penetrations could allow water into the house.
While the house was designed with mitered corners (why there is clamp for the glue to set), I took care to make sure nail placement was above the flashing.
By creating a 45 degree bend in the kick flashing, water pouring down the dormer walls can be kicked out to a nearby gutter. Not only does this kick flashing help in redirection, but by not making it 90 degree, tree debris will also wash away.
The lap siding and new corner board have about a 1” reveal showing the galvanized flashing beneath. By lifting the building material from the path the water will take, you greatly reduce the chance of water absorption.
The old corner board has significant damage from rot. The cause is from the board coming in direct contact with the roof where water has to come in contact with the material.
