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Homeowners insurance may cover the cost of siding repair or replacement, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage. Most policies will cover damage from a covered event, such as a storm, wind, hail, fire, natural disaster, or other impact damage. Your policy might pay for the full or partial cost of the repair or replacement. However, damage resulting from age, general wear and tear, or neglect is typically not covered, and you should expect to pay for those repairs out of pocket. It is best to review your specific homeowners insurance policy for full details on what is covered, how to file a claim, and what documentation is required.

Caulking should be re-applied roughly every five years. It's natural for a home to settle and separate caulking from joints, so it's a good idea to assess the home every two years. A consistent siding maintenance schedule will help you see if the caulking is needed and address any potential issues before they occur.

You cannot install clapboard siding on a bare, unprepared surface. Clapboard siding requires a clean, sturdy base made from plywood or similar materials, sometimes called backerboard. Then, it needs an underlayment or sheathing, a moisture membrane to help protect the exterior wall.

Note that sometimes clapboard siding is caulked as it’s installed for additional protection. We don’t suggest this: Caulking the siding can trap moisture inside the clapboards and lead to moisture damage over time. The siding needs some space to “breathe,” especially in rainy weather.

This is a tricky answer because how fast you work, how large your team is, and what type of siding you install will all determine your total time. One person placing bricks around an entire house can take weeks, but a team of 10 could complete the job in just a few days. Installing siding is a job that’s best done by a pro, as they are experienced and will perform solid work. A rough guideline for DIYers is to budget 15 minutes per square foot of siding.