That's no joke, it's actually your list. To determine the extent of the damage, probe the area with an ice pick or screwdriver to check for soft or spongy wood. If the rot damage exceeds 10 to 15 percent of the beam, it usually requires a structural repair. Using a pressure-treated replacement will prevent the problem from reoccurring, but in most cases, an epoxy patch is a faster, less expensive fix.
Most repair kits contain a consolidant, which hardens any questionable wood, and a two-part epoxy.
When properly mixed and used with the appropriate fillers, structural epoxies are stronger than the original wood. Top 10 Repair Questions 1. Drywall Nail Pops 2. Asbestos Siding 3. Mildew on Exterior Paint 4.