How do you replace rotten siding. Do it yourself. Step by step instruction.

So you want to know how to replace the rotting siding on the side of your house yourself?  Well, you're in luck.  This article will guide you step by step through the process. 

Approximate time for replacing 12ft: 1:15hrs 

What we used:

5/8 panel of T1 11 siding

Copper green wood preservative

Tape measure

12ft. scrap of board for guiding the circular saw

Circular saw

Cats paw nail puller

Pry bar

#30 Asphalt saturated organic felt (roofing tar paper)

Chalk lineZ-flashing.

Clear, Paintable Acrylic Latex Caulk plus

SiliconeCaulk gun

Hammer

Reciprocating Saw

Roofing Nails  

In this case, we are going to replace about a 12 foot horizontal section on the bottom of the siding.  This 1990 manufactured home was added onto.  In the remodel process, the previous owners did not properly caulk the bottom of the siding leading to mold, moss and even fungi!  Needless to say, the bottom edges were rotting out and the section needed to be replaced before there was major damage done to the house. The siding was made out of cheap particle board, making a match very difficult to do.  The best match available was a panel of 5/8 T1 11 siding.  

First, we decided to measure 1foot in width and hammered a nail in spot.  On the other end this process was repeated and using a chalk line, a guide for our cut was made.    

After adjusting the depth of the saw, (in this case 5/8^th) we proceeded to make our cut.  The guide was removed with a pry bar.  

The rotten siding will easily come off using a prybar.  

Make sure you treat the wood for insects, mold and rot while the wood is exposed.  We used copper green wood preservative.   

Using at least #15 tar paper, (we used #30), cut out the correct dimensions and place under the siding and staple in place.  

Next, we installed z-flashing using the roofing nails.  Make sure not to hammer all the way in so adjustments can be made.  The z-flashing will keep moisture from getting in between the new and old siding.  Make sure to caulk well on the ledge of the z-flashing.  Maintain caulking in the future to promote a good barrier.  

Cut the siding to the correct dimension.   Use your chalk line as a guide.  Make sure to cut with the back of the siding facing up to ensure a good, smooth cut.  Cutting on the other side will produce chipping and ripping.   

Caulk the underside of the z-flashing and place each section of the siding underneath to make sure you have a snug tight fit.  Nail in place.  Now, your project is complete.  The new siding is ready to paint..

For more information, you can click on the following links:  

Siding Videos

Siding Products

Siding How-to Articles  

If you have a specific question, Just Ask Rick! 

Thank you to Richard Moore for letting us take these photos