Top 3 Most Common Areas for Rot in Historic Homes
By New Leaf Restorations | Minneapolis–St. Paul
When it comes to preserving a historic home, few things sneak up faster — or do more damage — than wood rot. Here in Minnesota, our freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and summer humidity all take a toll on aging materials. At New Leaf Restorations, we specialize in identifying and repairing rot before it becomes a threat to your home’s character and structure.
Here are the top 3 areas where we most often find rot in older homes — and what to watch for:
Soffits & Fascia Boards
These architectural details are often beautifully crafted — and often forgotten. Without proper drainage or maintenance, water builds up along the roofline, leading to slow rot in soffits and fascia over time.
🔍 Signs to look for:
Peeling paint or bubbling finish
Soft or crumbling wood near the eaves
Gaps between boards or sagging trim
✅ Pro tip: Clean your gutters regularly and inspect soffits seasonally, especially after ice damming or storms.
Window Sills & Trim
Original wood windows are part of what makes historic homes so beautiful — but they’re also a hotspot for rot. Water can collect in corners or seep behind old caulking, slowly eating away at sills and casing.
🔍 Signs to look for:
Discoloration or softness in the lower corners
Missing caulk or cracked glazing
Difficulty opening or closing windows
✅ Pro tip: Repaint and reseal windows every few years, and consider adding storm windows for protection without compromising aesthetics.
Porch Columns & Entryway Details
Front porches are a hallmark of historic homes — and also a magnet for moisture. We often find severe rot inside columns, railings, and the floorboards beneath entry doors. Sometimes, like in our recent project, entire columns are hollowed out by carpenter ants due to rot.
🔍 Signs to look for:
Paint flaking off at the base of columns or railings
Uneven porch floors or sagging steps
Insect activity or small holes in wood
✅ Pro tip: Watch for pooling water near porch posts and add proper footings or drainage where needed.
What To Do If You Suspect Rot
The sooner you address wood rot, the easier it is to fix — and the more original material you can save. At New Leaf Restorations, we’re known for preserving historic character while providing solid structural solutions that last.
If you’ve noticed signs of wear in your soffits, windows, or porch details — it’s time for a rot inspection. We’ll take a thorough look and give you a plan that blends craftsmanship, durability, and respect for your home’s history.
