I usually replace rotted fascia boards or patch if small areas.
But over the last 2 months I have developed a more effective method.
I bought a bunch of aluminum preforated drywall patches at a drywall supply place.
I now remove as much rot as possible with scraper etc. and then I relieve an area a little larger than my patch so it will sit below flush.
I bend the aluminum patch so that it surrounds the bottom edge of fascia board it can also be cut and bent to surround an outside corner.I test fit it first, then when I am satisfied I mix a batch of bondo heavy on the cream apply it to the rot area and slide my al. patch over it.
Then using my 3″drywall blade I imbed and smooth as best I can.I usually have 2 batches of bondo on my mixing board at the same time and add cream when ready.After the first batch has set I will smooth with sander a little then apply second batch feathering in and covering all fiberglass mesh.
When this dries I sand heavy until smooth with 40 grit for fast removal of bondo.then prime and paint.
The reason I like these aluinum patches is they are easy to fold, you can use the preforated holes as a straight line guide and they give you nice crisp edges making it very hard to distinguish the patched area.
I prefer patching when removal of gutters and siding would create even more damage to repair or second story work in some areas is difficult or dangerous.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Replies
Have you ever tried Abatron instead of the bondo?
I think it makes for a better end product - although a lot more moola
Yeah I keep the liquid and dry mix kit at all times but the setting times are way to long for these type repairs.
I often mix the liquid parts and put that on the wood before applying the bondo.
I don't wait for it to dry as it willabsorb long after the bondo has set and it will adhere with the bondo.
The aluminum patch is the trick as it reinforces the bondo and creates the crisp edges both of which are hard to do with just the bondo.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
If you heat the Abatron with a hair dryer / heat gun it will be ready to go in 20 minutes
To get the consistancy I need to imbed the aluminum patch I would have to mix both the liquid and the putty 2 parts and that would take a good 20 minutes then there is the quantity neccessary to make this work.You could use up a 100$ worth of material in a day or 2.
Third the reason I like bondo is its fast curing means that I am not standing on a ladder precariously for long periods of time.
I think bondo is a legitimate product for these type of repairs and I think using the al. patch reinforces it in away that assures a long lasting repair.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
I like the idea being out of the box and all, but I'm wondering about the AL moving at different rates than the wood and bondo during heat/cold cycles. Have you checked any of the of previous repairs to see how they're holding up?
I have looked at two repairs I did earlier this winter and will check them repeatedly through the summer but so far not an issue.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Edited 3/10/2009 6:10 pm by ANDYSZ2
That is the problem with Bondo on wood. It is likely to eventually un-Bondo.Now this may not happen to every patch, but I've definitely heard of it happening.
I have experienced the unbondo and it just part of the beast and when doing I have explained such to HO.
Usually what happens is it is applied to thin or not primed and painted soon enough.
I also have repairs that have lasted 5yrs plus with no problems.
One thing I suggest is regular painting to keep moisture from entering the wood and weakening the bond.
You know the other issue of being compatible with a dissimiliar material, just remember it is used on car repairs quite frequently with long lasting results.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Yeah, it is used on car repairs and cars are generally metal. Bondo is designed (and tested) for metal.If you use a product for something it isn't designed for, don't be surprised when it doesn't work.
Well it is sold at the big box stores for just this purpose so I must be alright.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
I use a lot of Bondo building skis. It sticks well to everything - metal, fiberglass and wood. The aluminum is a great idea.
If you are worried about strength, cut up some fiberglass mat, shred it into fibers and mix the fibers into the bondo (before the hardener). They also sell bondo with fibers at the body supply shops. If you are filling huge voids, sink some screws into the good wood with threads showing in the void so the bondo has even more to hold to. Of course the screws holding the aluminum in place do the same thing.
A problem with Bondo is that it shrinks a bit over time. You will be able to see the repair after a while no matter how perfectly you blend and sand the repair. But the shrinkage is small and would not be visible on a facia. Use an epoxy filler if you are repairing an appearance critical part.
The only problem I see with your idea is that whatever caused the rot is still there and the wood will continue to rot. Hopefully you'll get a few years out of the repair before the Bondo falls off the rotten wood.
Eric
By making the patch bigger than the rot area and caulking in the trailing edges I reduce the exposed wood that was in contact with water.I also put on a hardener epoxy first to solidify the wood under the patch.
I also usually add some flashing under the shingles above to keep down the water contact.
The aluminum patch has fiberglass mat attached to the outside surface and is preforated so the bondo locks in as I imbed it.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Just out of curiousity, what name is on the can of Bondo. Looking at Bondos website they have a slew of home products including some for wood.
I wonder how different the Bondo for cars & boats is from Bondo for wood.
All purpose putty.
Thanks for that link i am going to check on wood rot kit as it seems similar to abatrons.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
The big boxes also sell saddle valves and flexible drain pieces. Neither are allowed by code anymore.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
I thought I read bondo will crack when left out in the elements?
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
It can and does sometimes but like everything else proper prep goes a long way to preventing that.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Have to agree with Slate. Abatron's wood restoration products are great. Recently used LiquidWood and WoodEpox to rebuild a rotted out base on a porch column.
I have used at least a 1/2 dozen kits up over the last 10 years and I think highly of it, but in this situation the cure time is too much of a burden.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
I agree, I love the stuff, but rarely have that much time to waste on quick fixes. I tried the heat gun trick, it just tended to overheat it and not cure it. And the cost is right up there too.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
And heaven help you if your using it in the winter, it has taken as long as 3 days to cure enough to sand.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Yeah, I was. Hence the heat gun. Not doing that again.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
sometimes it's just not worth posting a good idea, huh ...
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Sometimes ..........................
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST