Wood Siding Repair – Fixing Cracks and Gaps

The cost to repair wood siding in your home is much higher than most people realize. Typically, when you mention wood siding, what comes to mind are the various products offered for sale at local home improvement stores. Wood siding repairs can be a costly proposition. Most people don’t realize how much money they could save using siding repair instead of buying new ones. However, the cost of wood siding alone can be prohibitive.

The most common way that homeowners choose wood siding repair is to apply a layer of exterior paint. There are several problems with this method. One major problem is that wood requires an extra sealant to remain watertight. Exposed siding will allow rain and other weather elements to damage your home significantly quicker.

If you do decide to go with an exterior paint job, then you will definitely need to hire a contractor to do the work for you. You will also need to purchase additional supplies to finish the job properly. Painting will cost significantly more than conventional siding and you will likely have to buy an extra supply of paint, caulking, primers, and topcoats. This can add up to a lot of money, especially if you have a large project.

A less expensive option for repairing deteriorated wood siding is to perform a rot removal process. Rot removal can be performed in many ways, but the easiest involves using high-pressure air to blast holes into the siding and remove the damaged layers of wood. After the holes are blasted, they should then be filled with an epoxy-based repair mix. The repair patch will bond better with the wood, as well as resist mold and mildew growth during the wetness of the season.

Aluminum siding repairs are slightly more involved than conventional dry rot siding repair. For aluminum siding repair, a rotary scrubber tool is used to remove the aluminum oxide layer. Next, a rotary sander is used to smooth out the sharp edges of the damaged section. Scratches and chips in the aluminum oxide layer are then filled with a high-quality resin. Resin curing agents will prevent rust from forming under the repaired section, as well as keep the repaired section dry.

Once the siding materials have cured, your next step will be to thoroughly clean the area of the damage. You can use a high-pressure washer or commercial cleaner to wash away any residue that may remain. It’s important to always rinse off the siding materials with a fresh, clean bucket. Do not ever spray washes or cleaners on the siding because they will continue to soak into the wood and damage the material. It’s best to rinse with a high-pressure hose only.

Another common problem faced by homeowners with wooden siding repair needs involves the presence of pests and mildew. Aphids, white grubs and spider mites are especially difficult to avoid if there are open, dry cracks in the exterior wall. To control these insects, a chemical treatment solution containing pyrethrin, which is a member of the pyrethrum family, is applied to the damaged area. Apply several treatments over several months to eliminate the problem.

To calculate your repair cost, include all the labor required to accomplish the job. The actual replacement price will depend on how much wood has to be replaced, the amount of labor required, and whether you have to do the work yourself or hire a professional company to do it. For example, if there are large gaps in the siding that allow moisture to get inside and condense between panels, more wood will likely need replacing than just a small patch. If the damage is extensive, the repair cost will be greater than if you simply fix the holes. Wood siding repair shouldn’t be too difficult if you follow the basic steps above.