Whether it’s rotted or chipped, damaged siding isn’t just an eyesore. It can allow water to reach your home’s sheathing, and chronically damp sheathing can lead to bigger problems down the road. From a single board to multiple boards, replacing lap siding is a quick inexpensive project you can do yourself. Here’s what you’ll need to take on this intermediate-level task:
TOOLS
- Utility Knife
- Rasp
- Hammer
- Flat Prybar
- Tape Measure
- Quick Square
- Circular Saw
- Diamond Blade
- Sawhorses
- Paint Brush
MATERIALS
- Replacement Siding
- Galvanized Siding Nails
- Paint
- Exterior Caulk
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear.
STEP ONE
Sever caulk and paint. Remove damaged boards by cutting through caulk and paint with a sharp utility knife. Run the knife along each damaged board and horizontally along the laps.
STEP TWO
Remove nails. Using a small pry bar and hammer, remove the piece above the damaged siding. As you do this, check for nails and work under them to help expose the heads. Remove the nails, then pry up the damaged piece and remove it. Do this for all damaged boards before installing your new ones.
STEP THREE
Cut new piece. If a damaged piece of siding is intact, use it as a template to draw a cut line on the new piece. Otherwise, measure the space and mark your cut line with a quick square. Even if you have wood siding, we recommend replacing damaged boards with cement fiberboard as it will resist rotting.
To cut cement fiberboard, score each cut line about six times with a utility knife, guided with a quick square. Place the lip of your quick square under the score and snap the piece off. Then, use a rasp to clean the edge.
STEP FOUR
Install new piece. Mark the studs on the siding above and below the space where your new siding will be installed. Have a friend help you place the new piece of siding. If you’re replacing multiple pieces, install the bottom piece first. Measure the reveal of the existing siding and match the new siding with the same spacing, making sure it’s even. Nail through the course above your new siding with two-inch stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized siding nails, using the stud marks or any existing nail holes.
STEP FIVE
Caulk and paint. Caulk along all sides and underneath your new boards. Smooth the caulk in place with your finger, then let dry and paint as needed. Your repair is complete.
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