Fix Cracked Wood Siding

Cracked wood lap siding can be repaired in different ways depending on the extent of damage.

Fix cracked wood siding.

Cedar is a relatively stable wood species one of the reasons that home builders favor it for exterior applications like siding. Wood and vinyl siding are vulnerable to ground movement and harsh weather. Use a 5 in 1 painter s tool to widen cracks that are less than wide. But without proper attention isolated areas can begin rotting in only a few years especially near the foundation.

Boards shingles and panels usually can be replaced without too much trouble. Before you apply a fresh coat of paint make sure your surfaces are in good condition. Though wood siding is very strong a sufficient physical impact can split and crack it. Water splashes up from the ground frequently soaking the vulnerable bottom edges.

So when a piece needs fixing it s a task that merits a big red flag on the to do list. If the damage is minimal the crack can be concealed by repainting the siding. Whether it s cracked rotted or the victim of a woodpecker s bill a damaged strip of wood siding is an open invitation for water to leak in and wreak havoc on a house. A new generation of wood fillers hardeners and epoxies fill holes and firm up soft spots so they are as strong as the original wood.

How to fix cracked siding before painting. When hardboard siding is installed and maintained correctly it can hold up for 30 or 40 years. The most important step of any wood siding repair is the final process of weatherproofing the repair area with paint or another type of sealant and caulk. Repairing wood siding is integral to owning a home with wood siding.

Over time the siding can loosen in places or develop horizontal cracks in. Often a major re siding can be delayed by repairing sections of siding. Using 80 to 100 grit sandpaper remove any loose debris from the cracked area. These small repairs can add years to the life of the siding.

If the crack is much bigger it can be filled with epoxy or wood filler and repainted to conceal the repairs. How to repair wood siding.