Background: 1920’s built, while removing plaster and lathe to install drywall directly to ceiling joists, it became apparent there is damage above the doorway area. Outside this doorway is a covered porch area with a ceiling lower than the main ceiling area of the building. The studs you see damaged extend upwards and support a wall. I’m of the persuasion cutting away all damaged wood and sistering new studs would be OK, as long as they extend the same length as the originals. Some people have told me it’s OK to just cut way the old damaged part and have a new piece of wood extend from the damaged part but use a metal fastener. That seems weak? Anyway, I know nothing about framing and very unlikely I will do this myself but need to understand my options before talking to any contractor. Thanks in advance. If you need more detail I am happy to post more pictures.

Hi there, I just moved into a townhouse and we are experiencing the first rains here, it's a severe rain storm. Over the last weekend, I noticed that some of the calking along the kitchen counter was missing, so I re-calked it. I got home today to find water coming out of the plate in the kitchen wall where one plugs in appliances above where I re-calked. It is pooling rather badly on the counter, thankfully it is an outlet that is not being used. It is on a shared wall with my neighbor who says they are not seeing any water issues. Any idea what this could be? I suspect that this may have been an ongoing issue with the previous owner, and they may hot have noticed it due to the fact that some of the calking was missing and I bet the water was dripping down behind the lower cabinet. I am not sure if I need a plumber, roofer or what! Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.