How To Replace Rotten Lap Siding

Once all the nails are removed from the adjoining board the damaged one should just pull out.

How to replace rotten lap siding.

Pull loose nails from clapboard siding. If your siding has a lot of damage due to pests or rot then that s probably the time to think about replacing it for a more robust siding like this fiber cement lap siding. When the repair is complete caulk all the end joints and then apply two coats of high quality exterior paint. Tap flat bar under siding to loosen nails.

One of the disadvantages of hardboard siding is that exposure to water can cause it to deteriorate over time. Protect sound siding with a scrap piece of 1 4 in. If the damaged area is large you ll have to replace the board or a part of the board. Pry off the rotted boards.

However the amount of present rot can be deceptive. Here s how to repair damaged clapboards also known as bevel or lap siding. 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. Generally fiber cement sidings last a lot longer than their wooden counterparts.

Caulk and paint siding. Replace the old board with a new one of the same size and shape. Wedge the board away from the house by driving wedges up under the damaged board to pull it out from the sheathing below. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva explains how to repair clapboards.

Secure old siding by driving ring shank nails down at an angle through the old nail holes. Hardboard lap siding has been used on homes for years because it mimics the look of wood siding but is much less expensive. Take the replacement board fit it in place image 2 and nail it in with a hammer using galvanized nails. If a wood clapboard is rotted in a small area you can apply wood hardener and patch with wood filler or epoxy.

Remove the nails on the lap board then use the claw of the hammer to split the board down the center image 1. Rotten hardboard siding before replacement with fiber cement siding. To learn how to repair wood siding remove rotted boards with a flat pry bar.