How to Caulk Holes in Cedar Siding

Holes in cedar siding diminish the look of a home and lead to insect, debris and moisture damage. Failing to seal these holes reduces the protective properties of the siding and the efficiency of a home's heating and cooling systems. As cedar siding heats and cools with the surrounding temperatures, it expands and contracts. Holes become bigger and more difficult to repair. Consider using an elastomeric caulk to seal the holes in cedar siding. This type of caulk can stretch up to 300 percent and remains flexible for years.

Vacuum
Elastomeric caulk (cedar colored)
Utility knife
Caulking gun
Putty knife
Painter's rag

Instructions

- 1
  Use a vacuum cleaner to suck out all of the loose debris inside the holes.
- 2
  Cut the tip off the nozzle of a tube of caulk with a utility knife and load it into a caulking gun.
- 3
  Set the nozzle in a hole and start squeezing the trigger until the hole is filled. Don't allow the nozzle to seat completely inside the hole, or an air-tight seal will form. This won't allow the caulk to enter the hole, because the air in the hole needs to be able to exit the hole for the caulk to flow in. Hold the nozzle to the side of the hole to accomplish this.
- 4
  Smooth the caulk flush with the surface of the siding using a putty knife. Wipe off excess caulk with a moist painter's rag. Allow the caulk to dry for 24 hours. It will shrink during this time. Add more caulk, smooth it out and allow it to dry. Repeat this process until the level of the caulk in the hole is the same as the surface area of the siding around the hole.

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