Cracked wood shingle siding?

Question

can cedar grooved wood shingle siding be caulked or use wood putty to repair the cracks. Several were cracked during a installtion of spray insulation. We would rather fix then replace.

Answer 1

If the cracks don't line up from one shingle to another, it probably is OK to leave it. Newer homes use a moisture barrier under the siding anyway. On a roof it's recommended the edges of each shingle be 1 1/2' away from the one underneath it. Cedar expands a lot when wet and the splits self,seal. If the cracks are too wide and must be fixed, I would use silicone sealant. It's flexible and adheres to almost every surface.

Answer 2

Wood putty doesn't work. caulking does. However, if the house sheathing is exposed at some point, in that area the shingles must be replaced.

Good look!!

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Answer 3

im trying to think here.  If you were to patch them, it would HAVE to be something flexible and waterproof.  If it isnt, it will crack.

These are roof shingles or siding? im thinking siding.

if they cracked why wont the installers pay for that.

Maybe an epoxy. clear.  thats flexible.

Answer 4

With vertical cracks in cedar shingles, you can simply repair these with flat tin shingles. You can purchase these at a local roofing supply house or Home Depot, Lowes,Etc, Etc. Just cut to appropriate size (if necessary) and slide it behind split shingle. You can also staple or nail each side of the split (5/8" to 1"up and 1" over) to prevent(gap) it from widening over time. There are was of replacing these damaged shingles, but it requires some expierience. Good luck.

Answer 5

It is really best to replace the cracked shingles if at all possible.  It is not a difficult job for someone that has done it before, so if you can find a local handyman that has some experience it probably would not be as expensive as you would think.

Figuring out how is not hard, just takes a bit longer.  You have to use a hacksaw blade -- just the blade, not in a saw -- to slide under the shingles and cut the nails.  You will need to cut under the cracked shingle and the shingle(s) directly above.  After the nails are cut, the cracked shingle will slide out with just a bit of effort and you can slide a new one in its place.  Nail through the face of the new shingle and the one above to secure everything.

The problem with caulking in place is that the crack probably goes the full length of the shingle.  If it doesn't now, it probably will in time.  You could caulk just the visible part, but the part above (under the row of shingles above) will still be cracked and may become a point for water to enter in the future.  This will create a problem to be dealt with later, much worse than replacing shingles here and there.

If you do decide to repair the shingles in place, use a good acrylic latex caulk.  It must be acrylic latex -- 100% silicone does not get along well wtih oils in the cedar.  A product with some silicone is OK.  I have had really good luck with DAP Alex Plus for repair work on cedar.  Other brands may be fine, the acrylic is the important part.

Work as much caulk into the crack as you can, paying particular attention where the shingle above laps over the cracked one.  You must get a bit worked up into the crack under the shingle above, while being careful not to make a protrusion with the caulk that may catch water.  You will have to at least loosen the shingle above a bit to get a good seal.

If the crack lines up with the margin of the shingles above -- the spot where two shingles meet -- caulking is absolutely not an option, the shingle must be replaced or you will get a leak at some point.

Answer 6

Clear caulking will fix them if you keep it to the cracks and use a brad or finish nailer to secure them.Good luck

Answer 7

They can be fixed by silicone or liquid nails good luck