Repair Wood Siding Dry Rot

Using 2 inch siding nails attach the new wood piece.

Repair wood siding dry rot.

Position the groove along the bottom part of the new wood piece onto the upper edge of the wood piece. The process of replacing rotten wood siding isn t difficult. If the damaged area is structural or the dry rot infestation is advanced the rotted wood must be removed and replaced. The price increases for structurally significant areas such as floor joists which could cost 4 000 to 12 000 to replace.

To learn how to repair wood siding remove rotted boards with a flat pry bar. In some cases you may be able to repair the wood and other times it will require replacing the entire piece. Sprinkle boric acid across wood that shows signs of dry rot. Protect sound siding with a scrap piece of 1 4 in.

Repairing siding dry rot typically costs around 1 000 but can run up to 2 500. 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. If your home has wood siding examine the siding around and beneath the windows for signs of swelling or discoloration. Pry off the rotted boards.

Handyman outlines both techniques below to help you make the best decision. Professional contractors can help homeowners in repairing rotted wood siding. 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. 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.

Dry rot is a wood fungus that causes structural damage to timber. 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. The nails should be placed into each of the individual wall studs. Test for dry rot by poking the wood with a screwdriver.

If it goes in easily or feels spongy you likely have dry rot. Place the new wood piece under the lower edge of the blank in the upper plank. Paint can hide wood rot so poke the siding with the tip of the.