Memphis sits on loess soil that drains unevenly, so water tends to pool around foundations and lower siding lines after heavy rain, soaking the first few inches of exterior trim. Add in our famous Bluff City humidity and summer storms, and wood stays wet long enough for fungal growth to take hold. We see fascia boards, window trim, and porch columns go soft way earlier than homeowners expect simply because the material never gets a chance to dry out. Seasonal swings—from damp spring storms to late-summer drought—stress the grain and open tiny cracks that pull in even more moisture. Local suppliers like Sutherlands, Home Depot on Poplar, and Lowe’s in Southeast Memphis carry the treated lumber and rot-resistant composites we typically use when these repairs pop up.