How to Repair Rotten Siding
Damaged siding should be replaced to prevent the plywood or boards behind the siding from rotting. Replacing rotten siding on the ground level is not difficult to do, but replacing a piece of siding two stories up is another matter. Scaffolding or a tall ladder is necessary, which exposes you to some risk. In addition to repairing the siding, you should address the underlying issue that caused the rotten wood. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Square
- Pencil
- Tape
- Circular saw
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Flat bar
- Utility knife
- Felt paper
- Galvanized siding nails, 8d or 10d
- Caulk
- Ladder or scaffolding
Instructions
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1
Mark the left and right side of the piece of siding to be removed with square and pencil. If possible, remove the entire piece or start at a joint. This will keep the repair from looking like a patch.
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2
Cut through the damaged siding with a circular saw without cutting the siding above or below it. For beveled siding, turn a small piece of siding upside down along the cut line to provide a flat cutting area.
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3
Pry up the siding above your repair with a flat bar and remove the nails. The nails usually pop through by tapping the siding down with your hammer after prying it up.
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4
Remove the nails from the siding with your hammer and flat bar.
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5
Finish the cut on each side by using your utility knife or chisel.
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6
Remove the siding.
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7
Slip in a strip of felt paper that is 1.5 inches wide to sit behind the joint of each end. This allows any water that makes it through the joint to drain without seeping behind the siding. If the wall membrane is damaged, repair that also, and cover the seams with tape designed for that purpose. The tape is available from your local home store.
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8
Cut a piece of siding to length and nail it onto the studs with 8d or 10d galvanized siding nails The thickness and type of your sheathing determines the length of the nails. The nails should penetrate at least 1 inch into solid wood.
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9
Caulk the joints with a paintable caulk.
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10
Prime and paint the siding.
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Tips & Warnings
To provide additional protection for the siding repair, prime the back side before installation.
