how to repair cracked cedar siding

How to Fix Cracked Cedar Siding

1. Inspect the Siding. Start off by inspecting carefully the siding. ...
2. Apply Wood Putty. In cases of small cracks, you can apply some wood putty of a similar color over the crack. ...
3. Sand. Once the wood putty has dried, use sandpaper to sand the area to make it smoother and neater.
4. Alternative Method. ...

Full Answer

How do you take care of cedar siding?

How to Care for Your Cedar Siding

• Start with Protection. As with any wood products that is going to sit outside, cedar siding needs protection that comes in the form of paints, stains, and clear sealers.
• Cleaning Regularly. ...
• Inspection. ...
• Caring for Your Cedar Siding with Absolute Home Solutions. ...

How to safely clean cedar siding?

OxiClean and Siding

• Siding Maintenance. Whether your home has cedar shingles or vinyl or aluminum siding, periodically cleaning off the dirt and debris preserves the appearance of the material.
• About OxiClean. OxiClean contains hydrogen peroxide, surfactants and other ingredients that give it powerful cleaning action.
• Wood Siding. ...
• Vinyl Siding. ...
• Aluminum Siding. ...

How to properly clean stained cedar siding?

Protect your cedar from the elements.

• Check the cedar’s moisture content even if it has been protected from the weather. ...
• You may want to do some surface preparation with smooth-planed, flat-grained cedar. ...
• Clean-textured cedar does not require surface preparation.

What is the best way to stain cedar siding?

Steps on Restaining Exterior Cedar Siding

1. Clean & Prepare the Siding for Restaining. The first step in restaining your old siding is by cleaning it. ...
2. Remove the Old Finish. You must remove the old finish before giving it a new stain. ...
3. Test the Surface for Moisture. You can test the wood surface to see if it is ready for staining by performing a tape test. ...
4. Apply Stain. ...
5. Seal the Wood. ...

How do you fix cracked wood siding on a house?

0:071:05How To Patch Split Wood Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet me show you a trick on filling major cracks in wood siding first of all make sure it's cleanMoreLet me show you a trick on filling major cracks in wood siding first of all make sure it's clean secondly apply a coat of well bond directly into the crack.

Can cedar siding be repaired?

Rotting or Warping Once these issues start to occur, cedar siding needs to be replaced. It is difficult if not impossible to repair it. Covering it up doesn't deal with the rot underneath.

How do you repair cedar siding?

2:254:50Wood Peckers: How to patch a hole in cedar siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis stuff is the real deal this DAP brand plastic wood and the bondo wood filler bondo you actuallyMoreThis stuff is the real deal this DAP brand plastic wood and the bondo wood filler bondo you actually have to mix together. And it dries really quickly this one you don't have to mix.

Can you use wood filler on cedar?

Cedar wood Filler contains a powerful and innovative formula that spreads smoothly and evenly into large holes, cracks or defects in unfinished wood.

How many years does cedar siding last?

Longevity Cedar siding must be properly maintained at all times to reach its maximum lifespan, with many planks needing to be replaced after just 10 to 15 years, and even well-maintained cedar siding may only last around 20 to 30 years in some climates.

How do you fill gaps in cedar siding?

0:321:52Using Sikaflex to fill gaps in wood - Barn Pros project in Sultan, WAYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe love it today we loved it a hundred years ago well over 100 years from now so a classic look likeMoreWe love it today we loved it a hundred years ago well over 100 years from now so a classic look like this cedar siding is something that's very desirable unfortunately its wood right. And sometimes

Should you caulk cedar siding?

NOTE: Generally, we do not recommend caulking butt-joints on cedar siding. Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement. We only caulk butt-joints on cedar siding if previously caulked.

How do you fill in exterior wood cracks?

0:364:13How to Choose and Use Wood Filler | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEven a nail hole fill it up. So in this case you're going to make your own filler make my own fillerMoreEven a nail hole fill it up. So in this case you're going to make your own filler make my own filler take the sawdust. Put it into the wet glue. And mix it. Around forcing it into that crack.

What is the best wood filler for cedar siding?

You need one that is waterproof, won't crack and provides some bonding capability to prevent the split from widening. The two materials that best fit the bill are epoxy wood filler and exterior caulk.

What is the best wood filler for exterior use?

10 Best Exterior Wood FillersKwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick (Best for Small Fixes) ... PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste. ... DAP Plastic Wood Filler. ... FamoWood Latex Wood Filler. ... Donald Durhams Rockhard Water Putty. ... Minwax Stainable Wood Filler. ... Crawford's Natural Blend Painters Putty. ... Elmer's Probond Wood Filler.More items...•

Which is better wood putty or wood filler?

Let's clear up the confusion right now: Wood fillers can be sanded and stained and are best used on unfinished woodwork. Wood putty is best for repairing cracks and small holes on finished woodwork.

How much does it cost to replace cedar siding?

Average cost: $9,000 - $18,750Siding TypeCost per sq.ft.Installation Cost per 2,000 sq.ft.Clapboard Wood$6 - $10$12,000-$20,000Cedar Shakes$6 - $12$12,000-$24,000Cedar Shingles$6 - $10$12,000-$20,000Engineered Wood$3 - $8$6,000-$16,0001 more row

How do you know when cedar siding needs replacing?

How Do I Know If I Should Replace My Siding?It's Cracked or Loose. Especially after a significant storm, your siding may be in rough condition. ... It's Faded or Peeling. ... It's Rotting or Warping. ... It Has Holes or Damage. ... It's Growing. ... It's Bringing the Outside In. ... Your Bills Have Gone Up.

How do you fix cedar wood?

2:075:18Easy Cedar Wood Siding Maintenance, Repair, and PaintingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI personally like this product because it maintains soft and pliable over the years and it doesn'tMoreI personally like this product because it maintains soft and pliable over the years and it doesn't crack and chip and peel away any paint that I then paint. Over.

Should I replace my cedar siding with vinyl?

Years ago, vinyl siding had a reputation for being a "cheap" replacement for traditional wood siding. It easily fell apart and degraded. Today, vinyl siding is far more durable and attractive, with significant improvements to the material. However, it's still not as expensive as cedar siding.

How to fix a crack in a wood board?

This will help the adhesive form a tight joint. Fill the edges of the crack with wood adhesive and the center with wood putty. Pack the wood putty in tightly with the putty knife. Clamp the board to ensure it retains the putty. Repair small perforations and cracks in the boards with the wood putty at the same time. Leave the puttied sections of the boards to dry for 24 hours in a location where they will not get damp.

How do I clean cedar wood?

Remove dried wood and splinters from the split boards with wood surface cleaner. Soak the wood thoroughly with a garden hose and apply the wood surface cleaner in the correct concentration according to the label directions. Use a scrub brush with tough nylon bristles to get all the grayed and dried wood flakes off the exterior. Scrub until you can see healthy, pinkish-red cedar on the surface of the boards. Wear eye goggles and work gloves when using wood surface cleaner, as it contains strong chemicals that can harm your skin and eyes.

Is premium vinyl siding stronger than standard vinyl siding?

In fact, Premium Vinyl siding comes in a number of darker designer colours, and is more durable as it is thicker than standard vinyl siding. Vinyl siding also comes in simulated cedar shingles , and board & batten profiles.

Is cedar siding durable?

Cedar siding is, by far, a much more durable siding material, providing it is maintained! More often than not, when we visit these homes, the failures are due to lack of regular maintenance and upkeep, and why we don’t see cedar wood siding being used anywhere near as often as in the past.

How long does it take to repair lap siding?

We'll show you how to fill small holes, fill large holes, repair a split, and replace siding pieces. Most repairs will take less than an hour.

Can you replace shingles without too much trouble?

These small repairs can add years to the life of the siding. Boards, shingles, and panels usually can be replaced without too much trouble.

Can water damage siding?

A quality siding job is well-sealed, otherwise water can infiltrate and damage sheathing or the back of siding. Over time, however, seals can weaken, so it's important that you consistently check your siding's seal and replace or recaulk any damaged areas. This section shows you how to repair flashing and apply caulk.

How to prevent epoxy putty from popping out of siding?

This will prevent your repairs from popping out of the siding. If there is anything behind the hole to hammer a nail into , you can also use a nail to achieve the same effect. Leave the head of the nail slightly exposed so that your epoxy putty will lock onto it when it expands. ...

How to repair a hole in a wall?

Use wood filler to place the patch inside the hole. Place wood filler around the edges of both the patch and the hole, and fit the patch into place . Scrape off any excess wood filler. This can be the same wood filler used to repair smaller holes.

How to keep woodpeckers away from wood?

1. Eliminate any insect infestations in your wood. This is the most important step in woodpecker deterrence. Although woodpeckers drill holes in wood for a variety of reasons, they will be more likely to do so in your home if there is food readily available.

How to repair a woodpecker hole?

1. Use a hole saw to cut a circular hole over the damage. If the woodpecker hole is 2 inches (5.1 cm) or larger in diameter, it will require a bit more work. Cut a circular or square-shaped hole to make the repair work easier. Be sure to remove wood pieces and detritus from the hole you’ve just created before proceeding.

How to make a patch for a hole?

Cut a patch out of plywood slightly smaller than the hole. The patch will need to fit snugly into the hole, so cut it just slightly smaller in diameter. Be sure to cut a piece with the right to depth to match the hole. Your patch can also be made out of ordinary lumber, though plywood is often recommended.

Can you overfill a hole in siding?

Overfill the entire hole in your siding when applying the filler; it’s critical that you leave no void uncovered, and excess putty is easily removed. Make sure you fill the holes in your siding on a day with good weather, so the filler has enough time to air dry.

Proper Installation

The first preventative measure is proper installation. Due to the nature of fiber cement – it’s heavy and hard to cut – you want to take care to follow proper steps. This type of siding is susceptible to moisture damage, so it’s super important to properly fasten, gap, and seal.

Caulking

Caulking is also another important factor. Obviously, it’s crucial to adequately caulk during installation. But as time goes by, you’ll also want to keep an eye on the condition of the caulking. Part of the repainting process should also include re-caulking, but you don’t want to wait until your next recoating to inspect your sealant.

Use the Right Paint

Another tip is to use proper paint. When recoating, go with one that is UV resistant. This will protect your siding from unnecessary fading. Also, choose an acrylic latex paint that’s formulated for exterior use. For the smoothest application, use a paint sprayer. This helps big time, especially when there’s a lot of texture.

Routine Cleaning

Finally, routine cleaning is a fantastic way to keep your siding shiny and safe. From chalking to mold to grime, an annual clean will do wonders. You can either use a garden hose (in conjunction with a scrub brush) or a power washer to get the job done. With particularly stubborn spots, hit them with a brush.

Steps To Repair Cracked Fiber Cement Siding

First, inspect the damage. If it’s isolated to one panel or plank, or in a small area, it should be within your ability to repair. If not, you’ll want to consult a professional. Make sure to clean off any grime or debris prior to jumping into work. Use one gallon of water and half a cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP). Make sure to wear gloves.

Repairing Loose Panels

When dealing with loose panels, the most common issue is that a nail or multiple nails are not sunk into a stud. The easiest fix is to nail the piece back into place, making sure it goes into a stud. When there’s no stud available behind the siding, a technique called ‘pinning back’ can be applied.