Found a touch of rot and some really shoddy repair work today.  The only right thing to do is to strip it all back to where it is sound, and rebuild it.  Here’s Kevin, who got stuck with the unenviable task of removing wood that really wasn’t more substantial than powder in places.  Carpenter ants, followed by what I believe were powder post beetles, left nothing much in the way of support here.  Another case of the interior finish holding up the works.  Of note, the 16″ repair in the center of what should have been the sill for supporting the window between the studs…

Kevin can still smile in 90° heat – kind of…

We got it back together.  I took the window back to the shop and rebuilt it.  Installed it on Monday, and we finished the exterior wall on Tuesday.  The house is getting painted soon, so it should look nice in the near future.

That’s me, fitting some shakes.

Mike, contemplating jumping…

Leaving you with part of our Saturday fun.. we went kayaking and swimming as a family.  In the kayak, wife, during the return voyage.
Good times !!

Disclaimer: The work above is what I did. I’m not claiming this is the way you should do it in your home. Almost every situation is different, and should be treated accordingly. If you are not sure of what you are doing, or not comfortable doing it, the best advice I could give you is to STOP! Get advice from a Pro that you trust, or at least knowledgeable friends or family. You can make expensive mistakes, or worse – you could get hurt. Be safe !