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CHAPTER 7: THE EXTERIOR ENVELOPE
Repairing Wood Shingles or Siding Small holes in wood shingles or siding can be filled with wood putty, sanded, and then painted to match the rest of the wood. Cracks can also be fixed in place. Gently widen the crack with a putty knife or chisel so that you can apply an exterior-grade wood glue to both its edges. Press the pieces back into place and insert screws (predrill the holes to avoid splitting the wood) on both sides of the crack to further strengthen the repair. You can try to straighten warped wood siding by inserting screws into predrilled holes through the warped board into the wall studs. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace the board. Wood needs room to expand and contract with temperature changes. Whenever you replace wood shingles or siding, leave a 1/8-inch gap on either side of the replacement wood to give it room to move.
To replace damaged siding that doesn’t have an overlapping style, cut around the damaged area, pry up its nails so that you can remove it, and nail a replacement into place. Board-and-batten siding can be removed by prying up the thin battens that cover the joints between the boards. Remove the nails in the damaged area, take out the damaged wood, and replace it, leaving a 1/8 -inch expansion gap on either side. Caulk the seams, and then replace the battens. For overlapping styles, carefully pry up and wedge the board or shingle that overlaps the damaged area so that you have room to cut around the damaged piece (you may need to cut it into several pieces along its length). Slide a hacksaw blade up under the damaged wood or shingle(s) to cut off its nails flush with the wall surface. Remove the damaged area, and slide the replacement wood or shingle as far as possible into place. With a block of wood protecting the wood’s bottom edge, tap it completely into place. Predrill holes, and nail or screw the shingle to secure it. Caulk 99