Preserving the Past: Rot Repair in Minneapolis’s Historic Homes
Minneapolis is home to some of the Midwest’s most beautiful and storied architecture — from the stately Victorians of the Healy Block to charming early-20th-century bungalows and foursquares scattered throughout neighborhoods like Longfellow, Windom Park, and Seward. These homes carry incredible character, but with age comes maintenance challenges — and one of the most persistent issues we see? Wood rot.
At New Leaf Restorations, rot repair isn’t just about fixing damage — it’s about preserving history, protecting your investment, and maintaining the original craftsmanship that makes your home special.
What Causes Wood Rot in Older Homes?
In Minnesota’s extreme climate, wood rot is almost inevitable without vigilant care. We often encounter it in soffits, window sills, columns, and porch trim — especially in homes that have been repainted multiple times or haven’t been sealed in recent years.
Here are the main culprits:
Moisture infiltration from clogged gutters, poor drainage, or failing roof lines
Lack of airflow in enclosed architectural features like overhangs or decorative trim
Insect activity (like carpenter ants or termites) following moisture damage
Deferred maintenance such as peeling paint, missing caulk, or cracked siding
Left unchecked, rot can lead to structural compromise, interior water damage, and skyrocketing repair costs.
Signs Your Historic Home Might Have Rot
It’s not always obvious. That’s why we recommend regular inspections — especially after the winter thaw or rainy season. Look for:
Spongy, crumbling, or soft wood near the base of trim or porch posts
Discoloration or bubbling paint
Sagging eaves or soffits
Musty smells around window frames or crawl spaces
Visible gaps or separation in wood joints
Our Rot Repair Process: Built for History
We take a preservation-first approach to rot repair. Our goal is to protect and extend the life of your home, not just mask the symptoms.
1. Assessment and Diagnosis
Every project begins with a detailed inspection. We don’t just look at the damage — we trace it back to the source. Was it improper flashing? Inadequate drainage? Animal intrusion? (Looking at you, squirrels. 🐿️)
2. Precision Demolition
We carefully remove only the compromised areas of wood, using tools and techniques that prevent unnecessary damage to surrounding details.
3. Custom Fabrication
What sets New Leaf apart: we recreate missing or damaged elements by hand, using traditional carpentry methods and wood species that match the original construction. Whether it's a beveled sill, tongue-and-groove soffit, or dentil molding, we match every detail.
4. Rebuild and Restore
Once the structural components are sound, we prime, seal, and finish the repairs using high-quality, durable materials that are designed to hold up in Minnesota’s climate — all while maintaining the original look and feel of your home.
5. Prevention for the Future
We finish every rot repair job with preventative recommendations: venting strategies, drainage improvements, caulking tips, and more — so your home stays strong for decades to come.
A Recent Example: Restoring Charm in Windom Park
On a recent project in Northeast Minneapolis, we were called in to address squirrel-damaged soffits and hidden rot around a front porch. What started as a small patch turned into a full fascia and soffit restoration — complete with handcrafted millwork to match the original trim. We worked closely with the homeowner to maintain the historic profile while giving the home long-lasting protection.
Why Minneapolis Homeowners Trust New Leaf Restorations
We’re not a general handyman service — we are a team of historic home specialists, passionate about craftsmanship and built to handle the unique quirks of old houses. Our clients come to us for more than repairs; they come for peace of mind and a job done with integrity.
We collaborate closely with homeowners, local architects, and preservation experts to ensure each project honors the home’s story — while preparing it for the next century.
Don’t Let Rot Compromise Your Home’s Legacy
Whether you’re seeing signs of damage or just want a second set of eyes, we’re here to help. At New Leaf Restorations, we believe in preserving Minneapolis’s architectural heritage — one board at a time.
