Clapboard Siding Repair in Boston MA

Clapboard siding is the most common siding type on older Greater Boston homes — Allston, Brighton, Cambridge, Brookline, and Newton are full of it. Here's what goes wrong with clapboard and how we handle repairs.

Common Clapboard Problems

Split and cracked boards from freeze-thaw expansion. Rot at the butt ends where water collects. Rot around nail penetrations where water has wicked into the wood. Failed caulk at corner boards and trim allowing water infiltration. Paint peeling from the bottom edge of boards where they've held moisture.

Matching Existing Profiles

Older Boston homes often have clapboard profiles that aren't standard stock at big-box stores. We source matching profiles from specialty lumber suppliers when possible. On very old homes with unique historical profiles, we sometimes use composite or cellular PVC material that can be custom-routed to match the original profile — these materials don't rot and are a permanent solution.

When to Consider Full Replacement

When more than 20-30% of a wall section has damaged boards, individual replacement becomes less cost-effective than full wall replacement with new siding. We assess and give you honest options. New fiber cement siding from James Hardie or similar products is a durable, paint-ready alternative that eliminates wood rot concerns permanently.