How We Fixed a Poorly Built Pergola That Was Causing Water Damage to the House

This project was not about rebuilding a pergola for aesthetics — it was about correcting a design and construction flaw that was actively damaging the home.

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Initial Problem: Water Damage Caused by Improper Pergola Construction

During the initial inspection, it became clear that the pergola had been built without proper consideration for water flow and drainage. The structure was:

• attached in a way that allowed rainwater to collect against the house

• sloped incorrectly, directing water toward the exterior wall

• lacking proper spacing and drainage clearance

As a result, water consistently ran from the pergola onto the house, leading to visible staining and moisture-related damage.

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Why a Poorly Built Pergola Can Damage a House

Pergolas are often mistaken for purely decorative structures, but they interact directly with weather and building envelopes. When built incorrectly:

• water is redirected toward walls instead of away from them

• moisture accumulates at attachment points

• siding, trim, and framing are exposed to repeated saturation

Over time, this leads to rot, deterioration, and costly repairs.

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Assessment and Planning the Corrective Repair

Before any corrective work began, the pergola and affected areas of the house were carefully evaluated. The goal was to:

• identify how water was moving across the structure

• determine which parts of the pergola caused the issue

• correct the design flaw without unnecessary demolition

This step ensured the solution addressed the root cause, not just the visible damage.

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Correcting the Pergola Structure

The repair focused on modifying the pergola so it no longer directed water toward the house:

• structural elements were adjusted to correct slope and alignment

• attachment points were revised to allow proper clearance

• the pergola was reconfigured to shed water away from the building

These changes transformed the pergola from a liability into a functional outdoor structure.

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Addressing Water-Damaged Areas on the House

Once the pergola issue was corrected, attention turned to the affected exterior areas:

• damaged materials were repaired or replaced

• moisture-affected surfaces were restored

• exposed areas were sealed and protected

This ensured the house itself was no longer vulnerable to ongoing water exposure.

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Preventing Future Water Damage

A key part of the project was prevention. The corrected pergola now:

• allows water to drain naturally

• avoids trapping moisture near the house

• reduces long-term risk of rot and structural damage

Fixing the design flaw eliminated the need for repeated repairs in the future.

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Result: A Functional Pergola Without Risk to the Home

After completion:

• water no longer flowed toward the house

• exterior surfaces remained dry during rain

• the pergola functioned as intended

• the home was protected from further water damage

What started as a problematic structure was converted into a safe and functional feature.

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Why Fixing Construction Mistakes Requires Experience

Correcting a poorly built structure is often more complex than building from scratch. Without proper evaluation:

• problems are masked, not solved

• damage continues behind finished surfaces

• repair costs increase over time

Professional correction focuses on understanding why the problem exists and eliminating it at the source.

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Why Homeowners Choose ProHands Handyman

Homeowners choose ProHands Handyman for corrective exterior work because we focus on:

• diagnosing construction errors

• fixing structural and design flaws

• protecting the home from secondary damage

• delivering long-term solutions, not temporary fixes

We approach pergola repairs as part of the home’s overall water management system.

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Conclusion

This project demonstrates how a poorly built pergola can cause serious water damage to a house — and how correcting the underlying construction issues can stop the problem completely. By fixing the structure and addressing the affected areas, the home was protected and the pergola became a functional asset instead of a risk.

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Dealing With Water Damage Caused by a Pergola or Exterior Structure?

ProHands Handyman

📞 818-401-7766

📧 info@prohandshandyman.com

Contact us to assess the problem and provide a professional, long-term solution.