Replacing Wood Siding

Paint can hide wood rot so poke the siding with the tip of the screwdriver.

Replacing wood siding.

Siding repair is best done with hand tools with one exception. Protect sound siding with a scrap piece of 1 4 in. Power tools are out for this job. Remember to add new tar paper for extra weather proofing.

You can use a tape measure to mark the reveal of each piece of replacement siding or make a spacer gauge from two blocks of wood screwed together. Instead you can size the replacement using the old clapboard as a template a simple technique that virtually guarantees a tight fit on the first try. Overlap the boards so each row of new siding has the same reveal as the old siding. The dangers of replacing rotten wood siding on your own.

After you remove the rotted courses use a small hacksaw to cut any protruding nail shanks or if you have a very strong grip use a good pair of wire cutters. Finally attach the new siding with sliding nails that do not rust and fill seams with outdoor caulk. See how to remove the damaged siding with little damage to existing siding. Nonetheless vinyl remains a popular choice among new home builders and homeowners looking to replace wood or aluminum siding.

This essential for protecting not just the wood siding but also the building materials and structural elements behind the siding. To install the replacement siding start at the bottom and work your way up. Then measure for proper fit of the new siding. The most important step of any wood siding repair is the final process of weatherproofing the repair area with paint or another type of sealant and caulk.

If your home has wood siding examine the siding around and beneath the windows for signs of swelling or discoloration. It must be properly installed however to avoid warping or improper coverage. The steps involve cutting away the rotten siding clearing out the old nails cutting the new siding to the appropriate length and fastening the siding as well as caulking it to make the siding watertight. In northern climates vinyl siding is subject to cracking in cold weather if struck by hard objects.

The process of replacing rotten wood siding isn t difficult. High quality wood siding not only looks great but can increase the overall value of your home. Learn how to repair wood siding yourself with a complete material list and step by step instruction. To learn how to repair wood siding remove rotted boards with a flat pry bar.

Forget the tape measure tom says.