This is on a rent house we used to live in and it probably isn't pressing, but rather something that has happened over a long period, but I reckon I should take care of it sooner than later. I believe that water is simply splashing from rain falling in the vicinity and over the last however long this has happened. My dog may have chewed on it at one point as well, leading to an acceleration.

Would you simply cut a couple inches over where there is visible damage and replace the trim? I assume the framing behind it will have a bit of damage but hoping not as bad as the framing is a bit more substantial. Same there? Cut out and replace damage with new? What sort of sealant would you put on new external trim to stop this from happening again?

Appreciate the insight.

i wouldn't try and cut out damaged bits. just pull it off and replace the trims. that way you can have a look behind and see what is going on.

and to stop it from happening, you probably have to look at keeping water off it and directing it away (eg gutters).

There are gutters, but the roofline is such that rain hits the ground not too far from here and splashes up, at least that is what I believe to be happening.

sts7049 said:

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i wouldn't try and cut out damaged bits. just pull it off and replace the trims. that way you can have a look behind and see what is going on.

and to stop it from happening, you probably have to look at keeping water off it and directing it away (eg gutters).

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I agree with replacing it all, but leave a small gap at the bottom so it doesn't wick up from the foundation.. You'll get a chance to fix any rot in the framing as well.

If you can't keep the splashing then I'd look into either some metal kind of window/door flashing to see if you can seal behind the trim and use some quality paint, especially on the bottom of the trim before you caulk it.

I may wait until the lease is up to address this if it is going ti be a little more involved.

I would need to redo the entire exterior trim in this case, correct?