How to Repair Masonite Siding

Lead Image for How to Repair Masonite Siding
  • 2-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 25-400
What You'll Need
Pencil
Utility knife
Pry bar
Reciprocating saw
Hammer
Masonite siding section
Measuring Tape
Caulk
Galvanized nails (2)
Paint (optional)
Oil Paint (optional)
Fiber Cement Lining (optional)
What You'll Need
Pencil
Utility knife
Pry bar
Reciprocating saw
Hammer
Masonite siding section
Measuring Tape
Caulk
Galvanized nails (2)
Paint (optional)
Oil Paint (optional)
Fiber Cement Lining (optional)

Masonite siding has been used for ages and stands as a popular choice among builders and homeowners both. It is, primarily, a type of fiberboard made from wood, wax, and resins manufactured by the Masonite Corporation. Its stability, high strength and a wide variety of colors and textures give it an edge over many of its alternatives. However, Masonite Siding is vulnerable to rot, cracks, insects, fire, fungus, and insecticides, due to which it softens over time, making caulking, some repair and repainting almost necessary.

Repairing Masonite Siding is a moderately easy project that you can handle all by yourself and using the tools/equipment per the steps mentioned below, you can go about the repair with little difficulty.

Step 1: Locate and Cut the Damage

In order to go about your repair project effectively, mark out the area that has been damaged. Use a pencil to clearly identify the area. Once the identification has been done, use a utility knife to cut through the damaged siding as accurately as possible.

Step 2: Remove the Damaged Area

Loosen the nails found at the top of the damaged siding using a pry bar and hammer and remove them completely. Once the nails are out, place the pry bar beneath the damaged section carefully and cut the nails at the back of the siding with a reciprocating saw. Then, you may remove the damaged area of the siding and note its dimensions using a measuring tape.

Step 3: Prepare the Replacement

After you have the dimensions for the replacement, use a utility knife to cut a fresh piece of masonite siding as per your specifications. Apply a drop or two of exterior caulk on the back of the replacement.

Step 4: Place the Replacement

Now that your replacement is ready, position it in place of the damaged siding (such that the siding above the previously damaged area overlaps the patchwork). This would allow you to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your siding and hide the damage/repair it underwent. Lastly, use a hammer to drive two galvanized nails at the bottom of the siding which is covering the patch. This would allow the patch to settle and further secure the siding. However, see to it that the patch matches the color and texture of the rest of the siding or else a paint job would be recommended.

Step 5: Take Proper Care

In order to assure a long and healthy life of your Masonite siding, several options can be used. For example, applying oil paint on both sides of the hardboard prevents rotting and possible corrosion. Moreover, avoid hammering too many nails in the hardboard as they not only hurt the appearance of the siding but also weaken the structure by giving way to moisture and leaks. An effective solution is to have a supplementary coating of fiber cement lining.