June, 2025
Extensive Exterior Wood Repair
Downtown Toronto
Project Overview:
Restoring a Classic Tudor-Style House with Exterior Wood Repair
When wood on your home’s exterior starts to rot or decay, it not only affects how your property looks, it can also lead to serious structural issues. At Home Painters Toronto, we specialize in exterior wood repair and carpentry for older Toronto homes, including Tudor-style designs like this one in Downtown Toronto.
This project started with a call from Ken, after a frustrating experience with a previous contractor. The house stood three stories high, and much of the wood trim and Tudor boards showed visible rot. The original contractor wasn’t insured, and given the height and complexity of the job, the homeowner needed a company that was both qualified and properly covered.
When we arrived, it was clear the home needed major attention. The Tudor boards, sills, and trims were showing heavy wood rot, and the old paint had been peeling for years. The owners wanted it fixed before winter, so timing was tight.
They reached out to Home Painters Toronto because they’d heard we handle big, complex projects and stand behind our work.
Extensive Exterior Wood Repair
The Challenge
From the first walk-around, we knew it wouldn’t be quick. The heights alone made it tough, over 30 feet up in some spots, and there was rot on every side of this tudor style house. Many older Toronto homes, especially in the Rosedale and Bloor Street East area, feature Tudor-style architecture that requires specialized wood restoration.
We had to bring out 32- and 40-foot ladders, plus tie-off gear and safety harnesses to meet safety standards for work at height. Our team always follows local safety protocols outlined in the Toronto Construction Safety Requirements to ensure the crew and property remain protected throughout every project.
Many of the Tudor boards had gone soft from water, and several window sills were beyond saving. On top of that, most of the storm windows hadn’t been opened in over a decade. Another challenge was colour.
The existing brown and white didn’t match properly, and the homeowners wanted something cleaner and softer. They asked for our help choosing new shades. We spent time showing test patches and talking through options until they landed on an off-white paired with a rich mahogany brown.
The Result
By the end, the house looked completely different – fresh, balanced, and solid again.
We replaced every rotten section of wood and fixed the details that had been overlooked for years. The trim lined up cleanly, the windows worked again, and the new paint tied everything together.
The homeowners couldn’t stop talking about how patient and careful the crew was. They’d had bad luck before, so they appreciated that we explained each step and didn’t rush. For them, it wasn’t just about how the house looked, it was about trusting the people doing the work.
Scope of Work: Step-by-Step Exterior Wood Rot Repair and Painting
Step 1: Prep and Protection
Before starting, we covered gardens, walkways, and porch areas with drop cloths. Ladders were checked for rubber bumpers so nothing scraped against the siding or brick. Working at that height meant safety came first – everyone tied in, and someone stayed grounded holding each ladder.
Step 2: Carpentry and Replacement
Carpentry took the first two weeks. Tasks included:
- Replacing rotted Tudor boards and trims
- Repairing window sills and crown pieces
- Securing loose soffits and fascia panels
- Numbering and safely storing all storm windows for reinstallation
Every piece was measured and fitted to keep the original design intact. We numbered all storm windows and stored them safely for later.
Step 3: Surface Repair and Prep
Old paint was cracked and lifting. We scraped, sanded, and caulked every joint to get a smooth base. Then we primed all wood and stucco so the finish would last. It’s the kind of prep most people don’t see, but it’s what keeps the paint job from peeling in a year or two.
Step 4: Exterior Painting and Detail Work
We used Sherwin-Williams exterior paint, applying two coats for durability and a consistent finish.
- White areas: A100 Latex Flat White
- Tudor boards: Polished Mahogany
- Stucco: Oxford White CC-30
- Doors: Custom brown in satin finish
We brushed and rolled rather than sprayed. It gave more control and protected nearby surfaces. The new colours added warmth without losing the Tudor character.
For homes with both stucco and wood surfaces, pairing stucco painting and repair with wood restoration ensures a complete, cohesive finish that lasts through Toronto’s weather changes.
Step 5: Added Porch Work
Halfway through, the client asked if we could refresh the front porch too. We repaired the trim, pickets, and ceiling, then matched the new paint colors for a seamless look.
Step 5: Reinstall and Cleanup
After the paint cured, we reinstalled all storm windows, each one back in its correct frame. The team cleaned every area, picked up paint chips, and made sure the property looked as neat as when we arrived.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Timeline & Outcome
We started early September and wrapped by late October, just in time before the weather changed.
Three to four guys were on-site almost every day. Between the woodwork, exterior painting, and colour testing, it took close to six weeks. The homeowners were so happy that they added the front porch near the end, which wasn’t part of the original quote.
When we finished, they said the home finally looked “alive” again. The Tudor lines stood out, the trim was crisp, and the structure felt solid. You could tell they were proud of it again.
Exterior Wood Repair in Toronto That Lasts
This project highlights why professional exterior wood repair in Toronto is so important. Once rot sets in, it doesn’t just affect appearance, it weakens the structure and allows moisture to spread. Repairing it early, then sealing and painting properly, keeps your home strong and visually appealing for years.
With more than 37 years of experience across the GTA, Home Painters Toronto has become a trusted name for wood siding repair, Tudor board replacement, and full exterior carpentry and painting services. Our safety-first approach, skilled tradespeople, and long-standing warranties give homeowners peace of mind and lasting value.
If your trim or siding is showing signs of damage, contact us today for your free estimate. We’ll inspect your exterior, explain the best repair options, and help you restore your home before the next season hits.