siding
 

I am trying to fix my siding. As you see on the attached pictures
there is some rot underneath the existing siding. What would be the
best way to handle it ?
When I poke the knife in the rotten part it seems solid after I go ½”
deep

1. take the existing panels and put new hardie panels and just cover
it ?
2. take the existing panels out, treat the mold with some KILLZ and
then 1 ?
3. mess with 2X4 and replace them ?

I plan to stay in my place for a few years. I already put some hardie
trim 1X4 on the other side of the siding. I did not discover any
deterioration of the siding (under rotten previous 1X4 wooden trim) so
I assumed there is nothing going on underneath.

I really welcome any suggestions you guys might have – thanks

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk267/chilangopolaco/000_0033.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk267/chilangopolaco/000_0034.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk267/chilangopolaco/000_0032.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk267/chilangopolaco/000_0035.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk267/chilangopolaco/000_0009.jpg

Replace all rotted wood.
You'll be glad you did or you'll wish you had.
Rotted wood seems to attract moisture and come back to haunt you.
Do it right, give yourself a good fresh attachment point for your repairs.

what's the scenario if I just cover the problem and not replace the rotten wood but just treat it with some bleach. will the rot grow inside and eat into other 2X4s ? thanks ...just trying to evaluate total risk here ;-)

The rot will only spread if it gets moisture. A little surface rot isn't a deal breaker, it's just hard to determine how bad it really is until you drag it out and look at it. I often do "autopsies" on homes where I'm repairing damage from leaks or other moisture problems. It's pretty common to see a hollowed out core between 2 studs or even up the center of a single stud. On the surface it may not look bad but sometimes you can crush it with your bare hands.

Drive a nail in it, if it's hard to pull, it may be fine. But if it seems to hit soft spots, sinks suddenly or pulls easily, there's damage that can't easily be seen.