Step By Step Guide Of Repairing Masonite Hardboard Siding
Masonite siding, also popularly known as hardboard siding, is a kind of siding that has been used for a long period of time and is regarded as one of the popular & well-known choices among builders as well as homeowners. It is, usually, a type of fiberboard composed of wood, wax, as well as resins manufactured by the Masonite Corporation. Its stability, high strength, as well as a huge range of colors and textures makes it a perfect option when compared to many of its alternatives. However, Masonite Siding is prone & susceptible to rot, cracks, insects, fire, fungus, as well as insecticides, because of which it softens over time, which in turn makes caulking, some repair, as well as repainting almost necessary.
Thing's You Will Need
- Pencil, Pry Bar & Hammer
- Measuring Tape
- Galvanized Nails(2)
- Oil Paint(Optional)
- Utility Knife & Caulk
- Reciprocating Saw
- Masonite Siding Section
- Fiber Cement Lining(Optional)
Step 1: Locate And Cut The Damage
In order to make your repairing process effective as well as successful, you need to mark out the area that has been damaged. First of all, identify the area clearly using a pencil. As soon as the identification has been done, you can use a utility knife in order to cut through the damaged siding as accurately as you possibly can.
Step 2: Remove The Damaged Area
Loosen the nails, that you can find at the top of the damaged siding, with the help of a pry bar and hammer, before removing them completely. As soon as the nails are out, position the pry bar underneath the damaged section with utmost care and cut the nails at the back of the siding with the help of a reciprocating saw. Then, you may get rid of the damaged area of the siding before taking note of its dimensions using a measuring tape.
Step 3: Prepare The Replacement
After you get the dimensions for the replacement, it is time to use a utility knife in order to cut a fresh piece of masonite siding as per your specifications. Put or spread one or two drops of exterior caulk on the back of the replacement.
Step 4: Place The Replacement
As soon as your replacement is ready, put it in place of the damaged siding, in such a way that the siding above the formerly damaged area overlaps the patchwork. This, in turn, helps you to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your siding as well as help hide the damage/repair it underwent. Lastly, use a hammer in order to drive two galvanized nails at the underside of the siding which is covering the patch. This helps the patch to settle as well as further secure the siding. However, see to it that the patch matches the color as well as the texture of the rest of the siding, or else a paint job would be recommended.
Step 5: Take Proper Care
In order to make sure long as well as the healthy life of your Masonite siding, you can use various options. For instance, applying oil paint on both sides of the hardboard will help you prevent rotting and possible corrosion. Moreover, keep away from hammering too many nails on the hardboard, due to the fact that they not only damage the look of the siding but also weaken the structure by giving way to moisture as well as leaks. One of the effective & best solutions is to have a supplementary coating of fiber cement lining.