Caulking Pressboard Siding

The caulk was still perfect in the few areas i had caulked along the siding.

Caulking pressboard siding.

While paint does tend to somewhat glue these pieces together caulking them is never advised and can cause permanent damage. Trim the tip of the tube of caulk with a utility knife or razor blade. Water is meant to exit through the bottom of each board. However once water has penetrated hardboard siding and deterioration has begun the siding will eventually need to be replaced.

Brush or roll a layer of exterior primer on the flat portions of the masonite siding and use the tip of a paintbrush to work the primer into seams and crevices. 3 fit a caulking. In my opinion caulking between the seams in any lapped siding either horizontal or vertical is not good practice but not just because of any potential vapor barrier effect. The siding expands and contracts with temperature and humidity.

The thing is over time the chemical treatment in the pressure treated wood dries out and the wood contracts and literally gets a tiny bit smaller since it s not now swollen with moisture. For small holes make the opening in the tube no more than 60 to 70 percent of the width of the hole in the wood. It needs to move and breathe. Bottom of siding boards should not be caulked.

Watch this graphic depiction of the removal and replacement of hardboard siding. If your pressboard siding is not showing severe signs of problems but does have a few indications of water penetration slight discoloration rusted nails etc the process of deterioration can sometimes be slowed by the regular application of paint and or caulk. Pay special attention to siding located near the ground and at junctures where the siding meets other building materials. Also avoid caulking tongue and groove siding boards together.

Let the primer dry. Some of the most commonly caulked areas of siding include both corners and crevices as well as some butt joints and window and door trim boards. Next look for more subtle telltale signs of deterioration problems such as discoloration rusted nails.