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.

Repair wood siding dry rot.

Dry rot is a wood fungus that causes structural damage to timber. 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. 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.

In some cases you may be able to repair the wood and other times it will require replacing the entire piece. Protect sound siding with a scrap piece of 1 4 in. The nails should be placed into each of the individual wall studs. The name can be misleading as dry rot occurs in moist conditions.

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. Using 2 inch siding nails attach the new wood piece. The price increases for structurally significant areas such as floor joists which could cost 4 000 to 12 000 to replace. If you ve caught an instance of dry rot early enough it can be stopped with boric acid.

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. Test for dry rot by poking the wood with a screwdriver. 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 it goes in easily or feels spongy you likely have dry rot. Handyman outlines both techniques below to help you make the best decision. Professional contractors can help homeowners in repairing rotted wood siding. Sprinkle boric acid across wood that shows signs of dry rot.

Pry off the rotted boards. Repairing siding dry rot typically costs around 1 000 but can run up to 2 500. The process of replacing rotten wood siding isn t difficult.