I have some clapboards that have some areas that woodpeckers have damaged. I think they were trying to get at carpenter bee larvae. This is not the first time this has happened. In the past I have patched the damage and re-nailed the boards as the boards were in good shape otherwise. In this new area the boards aren’t in great shape and I would like to replace some. I have replaced entire boards in the past and am familiar with the process of prying up the board 1 row above and removing the nails. In this case the bad board is long and I would like to cut out just the bad section. I can pry the row above but am trying to figure out how to make a vertical cut on the entire width of the bad board. The overlap is about 1 1/2 inches. I was thinking maybe an oscillating multitool with a 3/8 inch width blade. I’m not sure if I can pry the overlapping board enough to get enough clearance to finish the cut. Anybody have any better ideas?
Thank You
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Yo jim……
The vertical cut is where the blade is at its “widest”. Do that cut as far as you can beyond the edge of the board above. Then change the angle and flat cut that behind the board above. Match that angle on your replacement.
Comprende?
Harder to explain than show.
Hey Calvin,
How have you been? I haven't forgotten that I promised to take you and the Mrs to dinner....when are you coming back to Massachusetts.
Is the cut that is under the overlap a scarf cut? Would it work if I cut the entire board bottom to top at the same angle so that the replacement board could abutt the board that is still in place with a scarf joint? I could measure the angle that would allow the blade to extend under the overlapping board without damaging it?
Jim
I would not make it a scarf. I would straight cut the butt up as far as I could go up under. Then hack the rest with the blade as flat as I needed to finish the cut. Slip a pc of aluminum (or other, even heavy felt) partially behind the cut clapboard and up as far as you can. This flashing would be behind the clap you left and the new pc you install. It should lip over the coarse below but be fully covered by your cut and new pc when done.
Here’s some more varied and in depth info :
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/forum/buttjoints-in-horizontal-wood-siding
And one day, who’s to say…
We just might back the van into your driveway!
Thanks Calvin.
I read the post......lots of interesting info.
We're here. Visit anytime....maybe I'll hold off on the clapboard work until you get here.
Stay Safe.
Jim