Repair Wood Siding Dry Rot

Handyman outlines both techniques below to help you make the best decision.

Repair wood siding dry rot.

Paint can hide wood rot so poke the siding with the tip of the. If the damaged area is structural or the dry rot infestation is advanced the rotted wood must be removed and replaced. Sprinkle boric acid across wood that shows signs of dry rot. Place the new wood piece under the lower edge of the blank in the upper plank.

Professional contractors can help homeowners in repairing rotted wood siding. The nails should be placed into each of the individual wall studs. Protect sound siding with a scrap piece of 1 4 in. The process of replacing rotten wood siding isn t difficult.

The steps involve cutting away the rotten siding clearing out the old nails cutting the new siding to the appropriate length and fastening the siding as well as caulking it to make the siding watertight. To learn how to repair wood siding remove rotted boards with a flat pry bar. Pry off the rotted boards. If you suspect rot contact them immediately so they can perform a detailed inspection of your house and provide you with different options in repairing wood siding rot to prevent further moisture penetration wood rot or termite damage.

Repairing siding dry rot typically costs around 1 000 but can run up to 2 500. If it goes in easily or feels spongy you likely have dry rot. 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. In some cases you may be able to repair the wood and other times it will require replacing the entire piece.

Dry rot is a wood fungus that causes structural damage to timber. Boric acid is a powerful fungicide and can eradicate the rot causing fungi as long as they haven t penetrated more than 1 4 inch 0 64 cm into the wood. If your home has wood siding examine the siding around and beneath the windows for signs of swelling or discoloration. If you ve caught an instance of dry rot early enough it can be stopped with boric acid.

A minnesota contractor estimates that one out of eight homes will have dry rot under the existing siding and that repairs needed before new siding can be installed might cost 50 2 000 or more but average 200 500. Test for dry rot by poking the wood with a screwdriver. Using 2 inch siding nails attach the new wood piece.