Thawing out and getting back to work

We may be setting a new low on frequency of blog posts but we are still moving along here.  The weather is finally starting to cooperate and the contractors are working (slowly) on the exterior again.  We've also started tackling a few repair projects of our own.  The house had an existing garage in decent shape but we pulled off the vinyl siding and are putting on new Hardie to match the house.  In the process, we uncovered a little bit of damage that needed repair.  We had the garage treated for termites before closing on the house so we figured there would be some patching to do but the real problem was the lack of house wrap and flashing by the original builders.  So, there was a bit of rot around the garage door that needed to be ripped out and replaced.  Lesson of the day, though - no matter how compromised wood might look, it's probably still relatively strong!  There's a double header over the garage and only the exterior 2x12 had any damage.  So, we thought we would just pull it out and put up a replacement LVL.  Getting the old header out, though, was quite the task.  That wood turned out to be incredibly strong still and it took a good bit of effort with the circular saw and Sawzall to section it out.  Then, of course, it was time to lift the LVL into place and add new sheathing.  Happily, it was finally a nice day to be working outside so a little extra time outdoors wasn't too bad.  And it was nice to check this off the list so the garage will be ready for wrapping and siding along with the rest of the house.

Porch roof, band board, and some window trim added.  There's also a nice front door lurking behind that plywood but we're keeping it covered for now to protect it.

And the back, with roof overhang to protect the outswing French doors, band board, and window trim

Garage with siding removed, bit of rot showing around the door

Close-up of damage - this needs to come out!

Old 2x12 out, new LVL waiting to be put in

That's better!

And all sealed up again