9. Fasten the new piece

Push the thin edge of the new clapboard up at least an inch underneath the boards above, then line up its butt edge flush with its neighbors'. Start nailing at the ends; each nail should be about ¾ inch up from the butt edge and line up vertically with those in other clapboards (to prevent splits, keep nails at least 1½ inches from the end joint). Drive each nail in at a slight angle so it doesn't land in an old nail hole in the sheathing. Pound nailheads flush with the face of the clapboard; ease up on the last couple of hits so you don't dent the wood. Do the same to the old boards above the replacement (left). Finish by dabbing caulk into the nail holes and wiping away any caulk that oozes from the joint. The new piece is now ready for paint.

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