Replacing dry rot wood siding - job too small and handymen refused to do (painting, repair)

[jimmybirdie]

I have a 48" x 10" wood siding that suffers from dry rot and to be replaced before HOA paints the exterior of my home. The job is small and 4 handymen I contacted have refused to do it even though I told them I am willing to pay and just give me a quote. So now I have to do it within a few days.

I have a few questions:

1. Do I have to buy special wood that is chemically treated or not?
2. How is the wood attached to the wall whether by nails or adhesive? Can I just start to pry it out of the wall?

Thanks,
Jimmy

[K'ledgeBldr]

That's not a job for a DIY'er.

You've got stucco to contend with (you don't want to damage that- you'll be doing even more work), a gutter, and a clear lack of flashing (kick flashing I presume and no flashing @brick where board meets). Just ripping out it ain't the answer.

And if you don't fix the "other" issues I described you'll be doing the same thing over again in a couple of years. Keep hunting...

[JonahWicky]

The only real problem is the gutter. Getting the new piece in will be tricky, but certainly not impossible. It looks like some of the nails are sticking out already, so it's safe to assume that's how it's attached. There also appears to be flashing top and bottom, unless I'm seeing it wrong.

I'd remove as many nails as you can find, then try to cut it out with an oscillating saw or even a hammer and chisel.

Pressure treated wood is a good choice, but it needs to be dry before it's painted. That can take weeks, which you don't have. Cement board would be even better. It permanently eliminates any rot issues.

I wonder why the HOA doesn't do the repair. If they're painting, it sounds like they're responsible for exterior maintenance.

[Electrician4you]

You'll need to remove the gutter and wood piece that's at 90* to the piece you want replaced.
You'll need a cats claw to pull out the nails.
The piece us just a trim piece.
You can see the flashing lip above the wood trim piece.

Personally I would petition to get rid of the wood piece and waterproof it and stucco the section.

Usually the painting company gives the option/bid to the homeowner to replace the wood for them.