Replace paneling or paint

[eppeee]

Got scaffolding up on our acute side of the house to paint.
Now when up by the upper panel, I see that the lower part is rot-damaged. Maybe the last 7cm per board.
Do we need to replace this panel? Otherwise, it looks really nice...

 

[InsidersUnited]

Saw off, add another gray horizontal board (or replace the current one with a wider one), move up the metal sheet (red?). But try first, is it rotten or just cracks? If it is just cracks, you can fill these and paint over. But make sure you get the brush on the end grain.

 

[eppeee]

Cut off, add another gray horizontal board (or replace the current one with a wider one) move up the sheet metal (red?)
But try first, is it rot or just cracks? If it's just cracks, you can fill them and paint over. But make sure to get the brush on the end grain.

Thanks! It's hard when you feel with the knife so it might just be cracks. What is the best way to fill them?

 

[C.Ö]

Thanks! It's tough when you feel with the knife, so maybe they're just cracks. What is best to seal with?

I had the same issue with my old house for many years. It was dry with cracks. I made do with just painting it. And since it didn’t get worse, it was alright.
Does the drip cap have a slight inward slope just there?
Maybe you can bend it a little so that the water doesn't get trapped behind the panel?

 

[InsidersUnited]

With any paintable sealant of a suitable brand. I have occasionally used window putty with good results, actually, but use any sealant if you have one.