Repairing Minor Defects
-
Apply exterior wood putty to the defect with a putty knife. Work the putty down into the hole, and smear excess product over the edges and surface of the repair.
-
Consult the manufacturer's instructions regarding putty drying time. Typically, small repairs require a couple of hours for the putty to dry completely.
-
Sand the repair with 120-grit sandpaper. Work the putty until it is smooth and flush with the surface of the pressboard panel.
-
Paint the repair with exterior-grade house paint.
Replacing a Damaged Panel
-
Pry the damaged panel loose from the wall with a pry bar. Lift the panel until the nail shafts are exposed.
-
Pull the nails with a slate ripper, or cut the nail shafts with a hacksaw blade saw.
A slate ripper is a specialized tool designed for pulling nails. Slide the slate ripper underneath the pried panel, then grab and pull the nails free.
A hacksaw blade saw is a narrow, toothed saw blade mounted to a handle. Slide the hacksaw blade saw underneath the pried panel and cut the nail shafts to free the panel.
-
Pull the unfastened pressboard panel from the wall.
-
Cut the replacement panel to the appropriate size with a circular saw.
-
Position the replacement board in the vacated spot and fasten it in place using corrosion-resistant nails. Follow the existing nail patterns to achieve a consistent finish.
-
Paint the newly installed panel with exterior-grade house paint. Apply a single coat of primer followed by two coats of paint in the color of your choice.