We're in the process of buying a house and found out from the inspector that there are some areas of the siding with wood rot that need replacement. A contractor mentioned that siding is often replaced in sections to maintain a good look. Is it possible to fix just the damaged parts and then repaint to make everything look fresh? He quoted us between $25K and $30K to replace and paint all the siding for about 3,000 square feet. Also, I'm curious how often wood siding usually needs to be replaced. The house is around 30 years old and has been painted several times already. Looking for some insights on what's typical in situations like this!
5 Answers
When I owned a house with cedar lap siding, I did some DIY replacing of damaged sections and had a professional paint it afterward. It looked great for years! Just remember, the replacement decision should be based on the damage extent and the climate. Always consider getting multiple quotes too; it can save you money!
I've got a 105-year-old house with wood siding. I've had to replace a few boards here and there, but overall, real wood can last a long time. I'd advise against simply replacing everything without looking closely at individual boards first. You might just need to fix a few areas instead of going all out!
Rot usually indicates a larger issue. You can replace parts of the siding effectively, but keep an eye out on the conditions causing that rot. If it's been repainted several times, it might hint at moisture problems. Address the root cause to avoid future issues!
I say go for the full replacement! That way, you know everything is in top shape. The contractor probably plans to use a long-lasting product like James Hardie, which means you won't have to worry about it again for a while. If you ever want to change colors, refreshing the paint will be super easy!
Not sure why you'd think that; real wood siding can last over 100 years if it's treated well. I've seen James Hardie installations have issues much sooner. Just be cautious; it's really about the quality of installation!
I've had Hardie Plank on my condos for 20 years and they still look brand new after just one repaint. So it can hold up well!
I had a similar situation in my 20-year-old home with cedar siding. There was a lot of hidden rot when I removed some panels for inspection. My advice? If just the siding boards are damaged, you could replace them, but it’s tricky to know what's underneath without taking a look first. Better safe than sorry!
Definitely get at least three estimates! You may find significant price differences, which can help you make a smarter choice.