How Often To Replace Wood Siding

Here s another sign that it s time to replace your siding.

How often to replace wood siding.

Those factors that make home exterior siding so crucial are the same ones that undermine its performance over the long term. But even a hairline crack in the paint can introduce water and water leads to rot and mold. Make the first cut with a circular saw. Decide which boards need replacing and where to make your cuts.

Often only a few boards have to be replaced requiring the existing siding to be crosscut in place with a circular saw and removed. Dry rot can be found when tapping on your siding with the rubber handle of a tool. 7 signs your house needs new siding it s a cruel fact. Bear in mind also that because the material naturally expands and contracts throughout the year homeowners with wood siding often need to redo the caulking around exterior window and door trim.

They prevent moisture damage and allow wood to retain its natural color but they must be reapplied at least every two years. Though wood siding is very strong a sufficient physical impact can split and crack it. While this may seem like regular home upkeep your siding should be able to retain its color for 8 to 10 years. Cedar siding is very durable against the elements but still requires regular maintenance and depending on the climate should be restained every few years.

The most damaging element to cedar siding is moisture. Let s say every 5 6 years. However all natural wood regardless of species eventually turns gray when exposed to years of sunlight. Many people delay getting new wood siding when one or two boards are rotted out because it can be hard to match new materials to the wood species and the same look of the existing siding.

However by waiting to replace the one or two rotten boards this problem can lead to more significant damage in time. Clear sealers are formulated to help slow the process that allows ultraviolet light to turn wood silvery gray. If you re noticing a lot of external wear and thinking you should grab some paint and a brush check to see if there s any warping or cracking in the siding. Stagger butt joints if you re replacing multiple courses.

As long as the exterior paint is stable wood clapboard siding can last for decades. Repairing wood siding is integral to owning a home with wood siding. 2 you keep repainting your home. Wood siding can rot or become damaged over time and will need to be replaced with new siding.

Finish the cut with a sharp utility knife. 10 signs its time to replace your siding 1 dry rot.