Does your home look old and tired? If so, worn or damaged siding can make your home old before it’s time and if you have damaged wood, you need to repair or replace it as soon as you can. This could be a good project to tackle by yourself if you want to go outside and you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Here are some siding repair tips to help you.
Don’t Just Paint Over the Damage
It’s easy to apply paint to damaged sections, and it will look better. However, unless you fix the problem, moisture or insects can penetrate into the wood. Before long, a small hole can develop into a major problem.
Wood Putty Isn’t Always the Best Option
If you have a small rotted section of wood, you might think about applying wood putty. However, this isn’t a good idea because you still have rot and unless it’s all removed, your wood continues to rot. The best siding repair involves replacing the entire section of damaged siding.
Replacing the Damaged Section
Cut out the clapboard, making sure not to cut too deeply. If you have an oscillating saw, this is the best choice. You may need to buy a siding tool or use a pry bar. Take the piece to a lumber yard or home improvement center to see if you can find something that matches it. Ask the attendant to match the paint if possible. If not, you’ll need to repaint the entire side of the house. Replace the old piece, prime, and paint.
Professional Assistance
If you want the best siding repair job, talk to siding and home improvement specialists. They can fix your siding and show you the many benefits of beautiful fiber cement home siding. Fiber cement siding looks like wood but is impervious to weather and insects when installed by professionals.
