Fibre cement siding is durable and long-lived, but even the best
quality siding can suffer damage. Extreme Calgary weather,
unintended impact, or bad installation can lead to cracks, punctures,
or shattered panels. If you notice damage to your siding, it’s
crucial to repair it as soon as possible to prevent water from
entering and causing further issues.
In this blog post, we will give you step-by-step instructions on
how to fix damaged fibre cement siding. We will also assist you
in determining when it’s best to hire a professional and how
to avoid future damage.
Step 1: Inspect the Damage
Start by walking around your house and inspecting the siding.
Examine closely for cracks or splits on the panels, hail or other
impact holes, loose or warped boards and water spots or mold
around damaged sections. If the damage is minor, such as a
small chip or crack, it’s usually easy to fix. If it’s a big area
or the board is busted, you might have to replace it.
Step 2: Grab Your Stuff
To fix fibre cement siding, you’ll must some basic tools and
materials i.e. pry bar or flat bar, hammer or drill, replacement
fibre cement board (if necessary), galvanized nails or screws,
exterior grade caulk or patching compound, paint to match your
siding, always wear safety glasses and gloves when working
with siding materials.
Step 3: Remove the Damaged Section
If you’re replacing a board, use a pry bar to carefully remove
the damaged siding. Start by loosening the nails or screws
holding it in place. Be careful not to damage the nearby boards.
Once the piece is loose, gently pull it away from the wall. For
narrow holes or cracks, you can omit this step and proceed with patching.
Step 4: Cut and Install the New Board
Measure the removed board’s size and cut a new piece of fibre
cement to match. Insert it into position and hold it in place with
galvanized nails or screws. Ensure the new board is even with
the rest of the siding. Use exterior caulk along the edges to close
any small openings and keep moisture out.
Step 5: Patch Small Holes or Cracks
If the hole or crack is minor, you don’t need to replace the entire
board. Instead, use a patching compound or exterior-grade filler.
Start by cleaning the area, then use the filler with a putty knife.
Smooth it out so that it matches the siding. Allow it to dry
completely then sand it lightly to flatten it out.
Step 6: Paint the Repair Area
After replacing or patching the board, paint it to ensure it blends
with your remaining siding. Apply top-quality exterior fibre
cement paint. This seals up the repair and shields the siding
from sun, rain, and snow. Paint not only makes your siding
beautiful, but it also prolongs its life.
When to Call a Professional
While small repairs can be done by homeowners, larger damage
or many broken boards should be handled by a pro. Also, if
you’re unsure how to cut or seal fibre cement siding properly,
it’s better to leave it to experts. Improper repairs can lead
to leaks, mold, or worse damage later.
At Straight Path Construction, we provide siding inspections and
complete repair services in Calgary. Our technicians make sure
everything is sealed tight and looks perfect.
Preventing Future Damage
To help your siding last longer check it once or twice a year,
keep it clean and mould-free or free of dirt, don’t hit it with tools
or equipment, repaint it every 10–15 years, and ensure your
gutters and downspouts function properly and with minimal maintenance,
fibre cement siding can last 30–50 years or longer.
