How much does it cost to repair wood rot on siding?

Author: Athena Pacocha  |  Last update: Monday, December 29, 2025

The extent of the damage, the affected location, and the professional you hire to do the job, to name a few. For minor cases of dry rot, such as small patches on wood siding or window trim, it typically costs around $1,500-$2,800.

Does insurance cover rotted wood siding?

Homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover mold or fungal growth. If an increase in humidity slowly causes mold and then wood rot, it wouldn't be covered.

Can you patch rotted wood siding?

coat any dry rotted areas thoroughly with wood preservative as well before treatment is applied. you can finish any surface defects with exterior spackle or even auto bondo and sand smooth.

How do you estimate siding repair?

Siding repair costs between $2 and $50 per square foot, with an average price of $26 per square foot. This totals an average of $11,522 for a siding repair project, according to data from Angi customers. Certain variables, like the extent of damage and type of siding on your house, impact the total cost.

Can you sell a house with wood rot?

Dry rot isn't something any homeowner wants to deal with. It's definitely possible that people will still want to purchase a home that has dry rot (“Selling A House With Dry Rot”). However, since the new owner will have to fix it, the chances of the home selling quickly goes down.

How To Repair WOOD ROT and Water Damage With ABATRON

How much does it cost to replace rotten wood in a house?

For minor cases of dry rot, such as small patches on wood siding or window trim, it typically costs around $1,500-$2,800. This price can increase significantly if more extensive repairs are needed in structurally significant areas, such as framing, floor joists, and beams—which could range from $4,500 to $12,000.

Is wood rot considered structural damage?

Both wood rot and termite damage can cause structural weakening of wood. Wood rot is caused by fungal decay and typically results in discoloration, cracking, and warping.

How much does it cost to repair damaged wood siding?

Siding Repair Costs

Repairing small cracks, chips, or holes in vinyl siding can cost between $100 and $400 per panel. For fiber cement or wood siding, costs may range from $300 to $800 per panel, depending on the extent of the damage.

Can handyman do siding repair?

A handyman can remove and replace siding, but that does not fix the problem(s). If the root cause is not addressed, it hides the problem as it grows and causes a small issue to become a major structural repair.

How much does it cost to replace siding on a 2000 sq ft house?

On average, the siding installation cost for 2000 sq ft is around $17,000 or more. This price is on a sliding scale, depending on several factors, such as the siding type, installation complexity, and more, which we will discuss later.

How do you fix rotting wood without replacing it?

Once you've removed the crumbling wood, use a wet rot wood hardener and apply it to the wood with a paintbrush. Don't be afraid to lay it on thick and leave it to soak into the wood. When the hardener is dry, the rotten wood should be healthy again.

What is the best filler for exterior rotted wood?

What is the best filler for exterior wood?
  • Cuprinol (2)
  • Mangers (1)
  • Polycell (1)
  • Ronseal (2)
  • Sadolin (2)
  • Toupret (2)

How often should wood siding be replaced?

Under normal conditions, your home's wood siding should maintain its color and shape for eight to ten years. If you find your paint is fading or peeling before that time, it is probably a sign to replace your siding.

Will homeowners insurance pay for new siding?

A typical homeowners policy's dwelling coverage may pay for damage from a covered peril to your home's structure and anything permanently attached to it, including damaged siding, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.

Does State Farm cover dry rot?

Typically covered: wind (includes damage to the roof caused by a downed tree), hail, fire and lightning. Not typically covered: wear and tear, rot, deterioration, and workmanship (improper installation/repairs).

Can you put siding over rotted wood?

If you are confident the wood has ONLY warped on your house, you can install vinyl siding over the top of it. But if you're clearly seeing rotted wood, you should absolutely replace the wood before installing new siding. Rotting wood can be a huge cause of issues down the road (if not already) in your house.

How much does it cost to fix one piece of siding?

Vinyl siding repair cost

Vinyl siding repair costs $2 to $4 per square foot or $200 to $400 for 100 square feet. Replacing one piece of vinyl siding costs $8 to $60 per panel. Replacing vinyl siding costs $4 to $12 per square foot for extensive damage. Vinyl siding hole repair costs $50 to $100.

Can a handyman fix dry rot?

For minor cases of wood rot, you can simply call a local handyman to repair it for you. For major cases of wood rot, assistance from a GC is necessary, especially for rotting windows and doors.

What's the most a handyman can charge?

Handyman price lists start as low as $65 or as high as $1,500, but they average around $411 per project.

How do you repair dry rot on wood siding?

The dry rot repair process has six steps: Remove Dry Rot, Spray Fungicide, Apply Wood Hardener, Replace Damaged Wood with Epoxy, Sand Surface Smooth, Protect with Exterior Acrylic Primer and Paint.

Can you replace one piece of wood siding?

If a small piece of your wood siding is damaged, you may be able to get away with a quick replacement project. You will need new siding, paintable exterior caulk, a hammer, 8D galvanized nails, a utility knife, safety goggles, an oscillating multi-tool, and a circular saw.

How can you tell if wood siding is rotted?

7 Signs Your Siding Has Wood Rot
  1. Warping.
  2. Pests invade your home.
  3. Paint starts peeling.
  4. The color of your siding changes.
  5. Wood becomes soft and spongy.
  6. Your siding gets brittle.
  7. Utility bills increase.

Does homeowners insurance cover rotted wood?

Homeowners insurance may cover wood rot if the damage is caused by a covered peril, like sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe. If the wood rots over time or because of a lack of upkeep, homeowners insurance won't cover repairs.

What happens if wood rot is left untreated?

The Structure Gets Damaged

If rotted wood isn't taken care of, permanent structural damage will happen. Your timber—or any other material in your home—will deteriorate and collapse. Buildings can fall apart if they have problems with rotten wood that don't get taken care of immediately.

Does wood rot always mean termites?

The most common type of wood rot that often gets mistaken for termite damage is called dry rot. Dry rot is a fungus that attacks the wood and hollows it out from the inside. Dry rot also makes the wood spongy and soft, weakening it.

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