Step By Step Process Of Repairing Cracks In Cedar Siding
Cedar is considered one of the relatively best & stable wood species, due to which the majority of the home builders are in favor of it for exterior applications like siding. However, it isn't sturdy & unbreakable, and direct sunlight accompanied with shifts in temperature as well as humidity can make it crack. One of the best ways to deal with cracks is to repair them with the help of a wood filler, but it is not possible to just use any filler on exterior siding. You need one that is waterproof, won't crack, and offers some bonding capability in order to avoid the split from widening. In order to repair the cracks in cedar siding, you will just need two materials, which include epoxy wood filler and exterior caulk. Then, go through the below-mentioned steps carefully & achieve the desired result of your work:
- Work On Sunny Day: First of all, you need to make sure that the day you are planning to repair cracks in cedar siding should be a warm & dry day, meaning the weather should be sunny. This is because the wood filler will be perfectly set in the cracks on a sunny day, otherwise, if it rains while the filler is getting set, it will affect the filler.
- Epoxy Wood Filler: Now, it is time to fill cracks in painted siding using an epoxy wood filler, which is regarded as one of the best options when it comes to filling cracks in cedar siding. The epoxy filler is also ideal for unpainted siding, as it will be easy to apply rather than caulk. Use a clear filler or colored filler that matches the siding.
- Remove Peeling Paint: After that, get rid of any peeling paint or split wood from the cracks with the help of a putty knife.
- Apply Caulk: Next, put or spread caulk with the help of a caulking gun. Before putting the tube of material into the gun, trim the tip very close to the end with the help of a utility knife in order to make a hole about 1/8 inch in diameter. A small hole gives more exactness or accuracy for filling small cracks. Make a hole in the seal with a piece of 16-gauge wire.
- Clean: Fill each crack with caulk, before using a putty knife in order to scrape off the excess from around the edges. Wipe & clean the wood with the help of a damp cloth before the caulk sets. After it sets, check the crack, and if in case the caulk has settled to form a depression, fill, scrape as well as wipe again.
- Apply Epoxy Wood Filler: Finally, spread the epoxy wood filler with the help of a putty knife instead of using caulk. Mix it first as per the instructions given on the container. Fill the crack entirely, before removing the excess from the surface and wipe off the residue using a strong solvent, such as lacquer thinner. Wait for the filler to harden, before applying more if it has deep-set into the crack.