Wood is a timeless material and a popular exterior siding choice. But it also has a downside, which is that it requires regular maintenance and repair. While caring for your exterior wood siding takes some work, if you maintain it regularly you’ll enjoy this beautiful siding for many years to come.
Here’s what you need to know about exterior wood siding, including how to repair and replace wood siding and how long you can expect your wood siding to last.
With good maintenance, wood siding will last anywhere from 20-40 years. You should plan to reseal or repaint it every few years, patch holes or cracks as they develop, and replace damaged exterior wood siding before it impacts surrounding areas.
Exterior wood siding can be vulnerable to the elements, including water damage, dry rot, insect infestations, and splitting and bowing as it dries over time. That’s why it’s important to care for your exterior wood siding on a regular basis, protecting it from leaks and moisture that could lead to greater structural damage. To keep it in top condition, plan to treat it about every five years. You should also avoid pressure washing it, which can lead to chipped paint that allows moisture to seep through.
Before you begin any wood siding project, gather the following materials and tools to ensure a smooth repair or replacement process:
Materials
Tools
Having these on hand will save time and help you work more efficiently, whether you're patching a hole or replacing full boards
It’s important to repair your wood siding as soon as you notice signs of damage. If it is cracked even a little bit, water can seep in, leading to rot and mold.
Fortunately, if the damage is limited to just a few boards, you can repair them easily without having to do a full replacement. Here’s how:
Look for cracks, warping, or signs of water intrusion. Even small cracks can allow moisture to seep in, leading to rot or mold beneath the surface.
If the issue is limited to one or two boards, you can likely replace them individually instead of removing large sections of siding.
Use a utility knife to carefully cut through the caulk that joins the damaged board to its neighbors, loosening the connection.
Use an oscillating multi-tool to make vertical cuts through the board so you can isolate and remove only the damaged portion.
Use a pry bar to gently remove the loosened board from the wall, being careful not to disturb adjacent boards or surrounding nails.
Use the old board as a template to measure and cut a replacement piece that fits the space exactly.
Secure the new siding board using stainless steel nails, which won’t rust or corrode over time.
Apply paintable acrylic caulk to the joints between the new board and the existing siding to prevent moisture infiltration.
Finish the job by applying primer and exterior paint to the new board, blending it into the surrounding area for a uniform look
Sometimes your exterior wood siding only requires a minor repair, like patching a hole or crack. You can use a waterproof exterior wood filler to patch a hole in wood siding.
Use an epoxy-based exterior wood filler that will expand and contract with temperature changes, and that won’t shrink or crack after curing.
Scrape off any loose paint around the hole and dig out any rotten or soft wood inside the affected area.
Smooth the area using sandpaper to remove splinters and ensure a clean, level surface for the filler to adhere to.
Use gloved hands or a putty knife to press the mixed wood filler into the hole, slightly overfilling it to account for sanding later.
Once the filler has cured, sand it down until it’s flush with the surrounding siding and ready for paint or sealing.
If your wood siding shows signs of extensive damage, warping, or cracking, it may be time for a full replacement. This is especially true if it’s more than a few decades old. But unless you are a home improvement pro, we don’t advise replacing exterior wood siding on your own: contact local contractors and get a quote for a full replacement.
When you do decide to replace your exterior wood siding, you may want to consider alternative materials. For example, if you love the look of wood but not all the maintenance, engineered wood may be a good alternative. It has many of the same qualities as wood siding but can be more durable. For example, it’s more resistant to water damage, mold, warping, and insect infestations. It’s also affordably priced compared to solid wood siding, and should require a bit less maintenance over time.
Hire a licensed contractor to evaluate the condition of your siding and determine whether spot repairs or a full replacement is needed.
Contact several contractors to compare estimates, timelines, and proposed materials before deciding who to work with.
While natural wood is beautiful, you may want to consider engineered wood or fiber cement as more durable, lower-maintenance alternatives.
Once you’ve selected your contractor and materials, set a clear schedule for the removal of the old siding and the installation of the new panels.
Make arrangements for landscaping protection, noise considerations, and clean-up needs before the project begins.
Once installed, your new siding will not only boost curb appeal but also offer better insulation and protection from the elements for years to come.
With Hover Instant Design, you can try new styles on your actual home. It takes seconds to generate endless options in looks you love—or are just discovering. Collaborate with your contractor and easily visualize your exterior home design project with real siding, windows, doors, and roof materials.