How to Repair Cedar Clapboard Siding

Cedar clapboard siding must be repaired when it becomes damaged. Scratches and cracks are not only unsightly, but they can cause exposure of interior wall components to the elements, which in turn can require expensive construction repairs. Therefore, repairing the siding before this happens is imperative.

Supplies

• Safety glasses


• Gloves


• Galvanized siding nails


• Wood glue


• Wood putty


• Wood caulk


• Matching paint or stain


• Pry bar


• Pinch bar


• Putty knife


• Claw hammer


• Fine grain sandpaper


• Circular saw

Scratches

1. Remove any loose pieces of debris from the siding with a stiff wire brush.


2. Apply wood putty or caulking to the hole or crack. Openings larger than 1/8-inch in depth requires additional layers. 


3. Allow each layer of caulking to dry before apply any new layers.


4. Smooth the repair material with a putty knife to even it out on the surface and disguise the repair as much as possible.


5. Sand off any remaining caulking or wood putty with a fine grain of sand paper.


6. Stain the repaired area to match the existing wood.

Cracks

1. Open the crack with a pry bar.


2. Fill the crack with wood glue and push the sections back together. Install nails by countersinking them as much as possible into the wood. This is done by placing a piece of wood over the head of the nail when striking it.


3. Apply wood putty over the nails for covering holes.


4. Use a putty knife to smooth out the wood filler. Allow it to dry.


5. Use a fine grain sandpaper to sand off any excess.


6. Apply stain to match the existing siding.