Wood sidings are durable and aesthetic building cladding materials that have been popular in the construction industry for centuries. These materials come with natural textures and provide a classic look for the building. However, due to the growth of technology, manufacturers produce wood sidings by combining them with metal substances such as aluminum. The traditional wood siding itself can last for a long time if maintained properly. Still, with extra metal material in its structure, these building materials will last for decades without requiring so much maintenance.
There are various cladding systems available in the market to create modern and contemporary designs for the buildings. Most of these products are made from metal substances. For instance, aluminum composite panels, also known as ACM panels, are durable and aesthetic cladding materials widely used in Canada for commercial and residential facilities. These metal wall claddings that current architects appreciate are sleek and perfect for creating contemporary looks, but some people do not like these materials’ cold and modern appearance. Thus, due to wood sidings’ warm and natural appearance, many homeowners prefer these cladding materials for their homes. However, natural wood sidings are prone to get damaged when exposed to humidity, rain, and insects. This is when the modern wood sidings currently produced with metal substances take care of this issue. However, like any product, these durable materials can get damaged over time.
When wood sidings are installed and maintained correctly, they can last about 30 to 40 years. But, without appropriate care and attention, isolated sections can begin to rot in only a few years, close to the foundation. Water splashes up from the bottom of the building, resulting in frequent soaking of the vulnerable bottom edges. The first layer then warps and flakes off, leaving the dark brown inner layers, and each water infiltration accelerates the rotting process. Replacing and repairing these damaged wood siding boards takes only a few standard and essential tools and few materials, but it will make a massive improvement in the home’s appearance. Some experts recommend replacing the wood sidings because they do not cost much, but some suggest repairing to avoid extra money expenditure.
Required Tools and Materials for Repairing and Replacing Wood Siding
Before starting the wood siding repairing and replacing, it is essential to have the required tools and equipment for the projects. The tools that are crucial to have for the process can be found in almost all equipment stores. The standard means that the process will need are as followed:
- Caulk Gun
- Circular Saw
- Square Combination
- Drill Bit Set
- Cordless Drill/Driver
- Extension Cord
- Ladder
- Hammer
- Safety Goggles or Glasses
- Hearing Protection
- Levels
- Pry Bar
- Sawhorses
- Scribing Equipment
- Speed Square
- Tape Measure
- Utility Knife
- Primer and Exterior Paint
- Dust Mask
- Multi-tool which should be fitted with a wood blade
- Exterior Grade Caulking
- Pencil or a Marker
- Electric Miter Saw (for cases where the material is hard to fabricate)
- Replacement Siding Panels
How is the Process Done?
The damaged wood siding will be firmly rooted in its place. All of these cladding materials are coated with paint and feature multiple layers that have been applied in the production process. Thus, caulking can be injected into any of the four edges. Nails go through both the bottom and adjacent top panels, plus the damaged material itself. These connections and attachments make the process more challenging because replacing will require removing the damaged panel without disturbing the surrounding siding materials. Then, after removing the damaged material, it is time to cut a new board to size and slip it into the required section.
In some cases, it is crucial to remove the entire length of the wood siding. However, this is generally unnecessary since it is possible to bring out just the damage potion. The installer should place the speed square against the bottom section of the damaged wood siding and draw a vertical line with the marker on both sides of the damaged area. Use the utility knife to slice away the paint finish and caulk that connects the panels. In some cases, multiple cuttings will be required. Changing the blades regularly and extending the cut a few centimeters past the vertical marker points is crucial.
For making the vertical cuts, the best tool is the electric multi-tool. The process should be done by fitting the wood blade onto the cutting tool and cutting the vertical lines. The wood siding repairing process is followed by removing the last nails, which should be done by forcing the pry bar into the gaps between the damaged material and the other sidings. Then the new siding should be cut and placed in its section by driving nails through the existing pocket holes in the top panel. The process finished by caulking all horizontal seams between the wood sidings and priming the panels with exterior paint.
