Along the Gulf coastline, we have an extremely harsh environment with high temperatures and humidity, coupled with salt air, strong winds, and rain throughout the year.

The constant wetting and drying of our structures—on top of bad original construction—can all wreak havoc on critical sealants and waterproofing, especially around porch posts and beams, as well as windows and doors.

Near the beach, most homes have several open porches or balconies to take advantage of the beautiful Gulf views and sounds of the water, with most sealed from the weather for a nice clean look and no water leaking below.

To discover sooner, rather than later, the small signs that can indicate the likelihood of water intrusion. It’s one thing to talk about how serious water intrusion, rot and structural damage can be…but how do you even know if you have a problem?

First, get an experienced professional or licensed contractor who has dealt with these types of problems to have a look. Then, if warranted, remove some trim details to look behind for the damage and/or have the home inspected for water intrusion by a professional who specializes in that field.

If caught early enough, the damage and repairs could be relatively minor, but quite often, by the time you have clear visible evidence, it means the problem has been going on for quite a while and the damage and repairs can be extensive.

The photo below shows the rotted structural posts and beams that were behind the white trim. The trim around the rotten posts was the only thing holding the house up.

Whatever you do, don’t wait too long to make the repairs, because it will only get worse and more expensive. You should hire the most qualified contractor you can find, to make the repair correctly, so it will last, because the repairs can be difficult and costly.

These are major sub-structures for your home that have to be removed carefully, piece-by-piece, and the home has to be fully supported temporarily while that work takes place. We also have to remove all cosmetic trim around these areas (post and beam trim, porch ceilings, decking) just to get to the main damaged structure.

Next, we replace the old material with the new, connecting it all correctly and applying new waterproofing with the most current best practices.

You might think so, but the structural beams are most often untreated LVLs (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and when moisture is held around these, they can rot very quickly.

While the posts and joists are almost always pressure-treated—and they can withstand some contact with water—the real problem is when the water gets in but can’t get out. This will cause that material to significantly deteriorate over five or more years.