When a section of wood siding is damaged, the repair may appear more daunting than it actually is. It may just require basic surface repairs and a new finish topcoat.
Then again, you may find more extensive damage when you remove the siding, which would require you to remove and replace the plywood sheathing beneath it and the siding. In either case, the job requires carpentry know-how and the right tools.
We found that a carpenter would charge about $120 to replace a 6-foot section of damaged wood siding. We estimate that handy homeowners could do the job for about $25, if they already have the necessary tools. The job has several phases. First, you inspect and remove the damaged siding and the area around it. Then inspect the plywood sheathing beneath the siding to determine the extent of the damage, and cut out any bad sections, replacing and reinforcing it when necessary. To complete the job, measure and cut new siding to cover the damaged area, being careful to patch it in with the existing siding. Then caulk the joints. Topcoat the area with paint or stain so it blends in.
You’ll need replacement sheathing, siding, siding nails, wood preservative, caulk, primer and paint or stain, plus scraps of wood to use as spacer blocks. For tools, you’ll need an electronic stud finder, hammer, keyhole saw, hacksaw, pry bar and tape measure.
