Green Building Library
Weatherization Tips
How to Plug & Seal Holes in Siding
- Use sharp drill bit.
- Use slightly oversized wood plug.
- Recess the plug 1/8 inch or less.
- Use fillers rated for no shrinkage and no cracking.
Step 1
Drill Holes
Countersink plugs 1/8 in. or less.
To allow the plug to fit tightly, the drill hole must be clean. A sharp drill bit is necessary. If the bit isn't sharp, it will tend to enlarge the hole and allow the plug to go too far into the hole (countersink). Keep the drill square to the surface of the siding. Some installers using the one-hole, dense pack method like to angle the hole up slightly to make insertion of the filler tube easier. Drilling at an angle may cause the plug to fit unevenly.
Step 2
Install Wood Plugs
For best results use tapered wood plugs sized slightly larger than the diameter of the drill bit. For example, if the drill bit is sized at 2 in., use "oversized" 2 in. plugs.
Turn the plug so its grain runs in the same direction as the grain of the siding. Use a finish hammer to drive the plug into the hole. Countersink the plug by driving it 1/8 in. or less below the surface of the siding. If you drive the plug deeper, you'll need a thick layer of filler that may crack as it dries and shrinks. If the plug extends slightly above the siding, use one or two passes with a belt sander to bring it flush.
In some areas, both pine and cedar plugs are available. Choose the wood type that most closely matches the siding.
Step 3
Apply Filler to Seal Holes
Apply the filler with a putty knife that is wider than the hole size. One successful method is to load the knife with filler...apply the filler with two firm down strokes...wipe the knife clean on the tray or bucket...apply one up stroke to remove most of the excess filler...wipe the knife clean...finish with a couple quick down strokes to remove any remaining filler from the sides of the hole.
A hole that is ready for priming should be perfectly flush with the siding, have no excess filler material left on the siding and have no cracks.
Step 4
Apply Primer
Primer should not be applied until filler is cured. Cure time is not the same as dry time. Some fillers are rated to be dry enough for sanding within 30 minutes of application but should not be primed for a minimum of two hours. Check the manufacturer's recommended cure time to determine when it is OK to apply primer. Wet and humid conditions will increase the curing time of most fillers. Some fillers are designed to eliminate the need for primer.
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