How should I address water damage in my sun room?
Asked by Scott Thomas 
2 weeks ago
Last Updated: November 5, 2024
Hey, I need some advice. I was poking around in my sun room and noticed some water damage. I’m not really sure what to do next.
After reading your post, I’m wondering what the correct solutions would be. My suggestion would be to replace anything that is damaged. Some people suggest spraying mold with a mixture of Clorox and water, but I’m not entirely certain. I’m interested to learn the best way to handle this situation.
Whether he decides to tackle the project himself or hire a contractor, it’s important to be cautious when it comes to removing walls. However, replacing the OSB and drywall/ interior wall covering should do the trick. Just make sure to address the leak to prevent any further damage to the studs.
Looks like for this problem, it might be best to listen to the folks suggesting ripping out and replacing. , there are certain mold spray treatments that can help. While bleach may kill the visible mold, it may not fully eliminate the underlying issue.
The window wasn’t properly flash taped. The issue lies on the outside, not the inside. If this is your own house, I suggest leaving the framing intact, replacing the OSB on the exterior, and ensuring proper flashing to prevent further leaks. Disassembling the framing will require rebuilding the entire wall. The studs still have plenty of life left.
Hey, Owen Whitlow, check this out!
Our buddies are dealing with this. Just begin replacing every board that’s decayed. You might need to temporarily remove the Window.
Avoid using bleach on mold as it doesn’t eliminate it. The best approach would be to remove and replace the affected areas.
Somewhat accurate. If it’s only on the surface, it will definitely help. If the wood is very porous, it won’t work.
Yeah it sure does. The best solution actually. Just need to dilute it so the mold can absorb and eliminate itself from the inside. Otherwise, if it’s too strong, the mold will close up and survive. It’s similar to adding a cap full of bleach to 5 gallons of water.
Seems like the issue is originating from the windows. Once the leak is fixed (whether by repairing or replacing), you should be good to go! Do you ever leave that window open? Possibly causing rainwater to accumulate?
Did you notice any signs before starting to dig into things? I’m assuming not.
Nope
You might want to consider letting go of the person who installed those windows. It seems like water is getting in through them and the windows need to be removed and properly flashed to prevent future water intrusion.
If you’re unsure, it might be best to hire a contractor who knows what to do before closing everything up.
If it’s squishy, you’ll need to replace it. That’s part of the structure. You’ll have to prop up what’s above when you work on those king studs. The sheathing also looks pretty bad, but you can fill in the gaps.
If it’s not squishy, you may want to cover it with mold-killing primer.
Gentle like a sponge.
I assumed from the appearance. It needs to be replaced. It has to be full studs all the way up.
Is support necessary even if the rest of the walls are sturdy?
Any suggestions on what to do?
Yeah, the simplest way would be to remove the windows and add a couple of temporary studs under each header. I assume those king studs lead to a roof ridge.
I’d personally swap out all the damaged items and then locate the source of the window leak to fix it.
Support the ceiling. Remove all studs and rotted plywood. Reconstruct
I’d recommend removing both windows, reframing the wall with new studs, and then replacing the OSB and siding/trim. The base plate might be in good condition, which would be great. I suspect that the issue might have been with the window flashing, so it would be good to address that. The project might not be as challenging as you think.
The base plate looks good. I mean, it feels sturdy.
Have you experienced any unexplained health conditions or symptoms over the past year?
Negative
That sounds great!
Would you be able to share a picture of the exterior, please?
For those who are wondering, the culprit is most likely…
Didn’t install it correctly.
Looks like , the person who installed it did a terrible job.
Soft wood has been damaged. Consider hiring someone to replace it unless you’re confident in doing it yourself. Make sure to have support in place before starting to remove it. You could probably find a video on YouTube demonstrating how to do it.
I’d probably take out the windows, connect 2 or 3 studs together on each side for support, then remove any rotten parts, including the OSB.
You’ll likely have to take off the siding to get the new plywood in. It’s a good idea anyway to seal around the new or reinstalled windows and to add a weather barrier/house wrap and flashing.
It’s not a huge job. It should be a pretty simple project to finish in an afternoon or a day.
Keep in mind, leaks like this should be fixed from the exterior, which means dealing with siding, some flashing, setting the window securely, and sealing it, but it’s not too difficult
Swap out all the old 2x framing with new pieces and make sure to seal them properly before putting the windows back in
Remove the damaged area, put in new wood
Maybe it’s time to install a sliding door, depending on the condition outside
Consider tearing down the entire house and starting fresh
If you have vinyl windows, it’s best to remove, re-frame, and reinstall them correctly.
The discoloration is likely due to improper window flashing. Consider using Vycor flashing and replacing the windows without removing the studs. The black color indicates an ongoing moisture issue caused by the lack of flashing and siding problems. Strengthen the cripple stud and then flash the windows correctly. If you need help with window flashing, I can assist you.
Raise the ceiling joists to make room for new framing and sheathing. It’s clear that the windows need to be changed.
The exterior shows signs of bad windows, poor window installation, and subpar siding installation. Share some photos of the outside.
Identify the false wall and repair the damage carefully. Avoid causing any additional damage if possible. Preserve the integrity.
Maybe it’s time to start fresh and rebuild the house.
So not advice but just a sarcastic comment?
Considering that as advice 😂
🙄 just a variety of people, I suppose.
First step is to address the exterior issues before anything else.
Please take out anything that is discolored along with a foot or more. If possible, remove entire boards. Replace with similar materials.
It’s no wonder that many homes over 20 years old experience this issue without anyone noticing until the wall covering is removed. People tend to neglect caulking and painting until it’s time to sell. Unfortunately, most caulk fails within a year. The water from a cracked window seeps into the wall because the framing around the window was not properly flashed. This is a common problem around windows and doors, especially doors that catch rain splashing against them. Additionally, thresholds are usually designed to fail and need replacement every 7-10 years.
Your issues with the siding, flashing, and windows above that window.
Turn on the garden hose and let it run to create more water damage until everything looks the same. Stick a ‘for sale’ sign in the front yard and you’re all set!
‘t try to rescue it or cover it up like the other comment mentioned.
Please address the leaks in your window.
The cause of the issue is likely a window leak. I’ve faced a similar problem with one of my homes.
Any rotted or moldy materials should be removed. After remediation, make sure to reinstall them properly.
It’s best to replace all dark boards that are damaged.