How to Restore Vintage Wood Siding

Vintage siding restoration is a common task that contractors are all too familiar with – simply because wood siding requires a lot of attention to keep it in pristine shape. Some wood restoration projects are simple and easy, while others need more intensive repairs. To a certain extent, it becomes more practical to replace old wooden planks with new, modern materials such as fiber cement, which require much less maintenance.

This article demonstrates how to determine the condition of typical wood siding, choose the appropriate restoration technique, and evaluate when replacement is needed. Whether you’re just starting or considering swapping a classic wood finish for something more durable, this guide can be a great resource.

Wood siding can bring beauty to a home but comes at a hefty price. Wood is the most challenging material to maintain simply because it is a natural material easily damaged. Wind, humidity, insects, sun, heat, and other everyday factors can affect wood and cause it to be more abrasive.

Identifying damage on your wood plank is key to long-term success in keeping it in good shape. Determining the cause of the deterioration will help you choose the proper prosthetic technique.

Patchy or pastel colors are often a sign of sun damage. The color of classic wood planks is prone to fading over time. Most exteriors have varying degrees of sun exposure, so fading is rarely consistent, meaning more noticeable. Peeling and chipping are typical, either from sun damage, rotting, or a combination of both.

Rotting wood panels is a common phenomenon for natural wood partitions. The annoying part is that you don’t have to live in a flooded area to be subject to significant moisture damage to a wooden exterior. Humidity, heavy snowfall, and frequent accumulation of rain can all contribute to moisture damage, often appearing as rotting sheets.

Green or black streaks can signify mold and mildew growth, resulting from too much moisture accumulating on the wood planks. Wet conditions provide the perfect environment for mold to thrive, and since wood tends to absorb water, mold and mildew stains can be expected.

Over time, warped, warped, or saggy wood panels can also appear. Those movements can cause the lateral side to shift outward over time. This is usually the result of a temperature change. Hot summers can cause wood to expand, while cold winters can cause boards to shrink.

Classic wood siding restoration is essential to preserving the home’s value. Routine maintenance isn’t just for aesthetics – keeping the wood planks in good shape is also critical to the structure’s integrity. Once wooden siding starts to degrade, moisture can penetrate the house, leading to severe problems.

Surface damage can often be remedied by sanding the wood and applying a fresh coat of paint or stain. Color fading and peeling or slight chipping are examples of minor damage. Mold and mildew often require scrubbing and removing cleaning agents before applying a new coat of paint.

More severe damage – rotting, sagging, loose or weakened wood panels – may require a more intensive restoration process, including removing and replacing old panels. Cracks can be glued along the ends of the board, and small holes should be patched with outdoor wood filler. Mark fillings and remove old panels with a crowbar.

Plastering is essential – especially when adding new wood planks. The hard part here is matching the new panels with the color of the existing wood planks.

Whether you’re tired of seasonal maintenance or it’s time to overhaul your old wood planks, switching to fiber cement shingles is a great alternative to constant wood maintenance. Due to its durability, fiber cement is not nearly as demanding as wood.

The best part is that you don’t have to compromise on style! A wide selection of wood-look fiber cement partitions is available that exhibit colors, textures, and patterns that look as lifelike as classic wooden partitions. With a premium look designed to last, converting to fiber cement is a smart choice for homeowners who love the look of wood but don’t spoil it.