how to remove and repair vinyl siding

by Bo Runte Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Full Answer

Can you remove and reuse vinyl siding?

A: Surprisingly, yes. You can remove it with little effort and in a way where you can easily reuse the pieces. Vinyl siding is installed from bottom to top, so start at the top and work your way down when removing it. The perimeter of every wall has trim pieces (J-channel, sill/utility trim, etc).

How to restore your vinyl siding?

Things You Will Need

Bucket
Water
Vinegar
Laundry detergent (optional)
Hose
Soft brush
Garden sprayer (optional)
Vinyl-siding restoration product
Acrylic-bonding primer
Acrylic paint

More items...

How to clean vinyl siding like a pro?

Ordinary Dirt and Grime Cleaning Tips
Homemade Vinyl Siding Cleaner
Homemade Mold Cleaner for Siding
How to Clean Vinyl Siding without a Pressure Washer
Clean Vinyl Siding with Vinegar
Clove Oil for Killing Mold Spores
Borax Solution for Cleaning Mold off Vinyl Siding

How to use epoxy to repair vinyl siding?

What to use to fill holes in aluminum?

Cut a piece of aluminum about 1 inch bigger than the hole, using tin snips. Place the patch over the hole, holding it with a steel clamp.
Weld the patch onto the aluminum with a propane torch.
Sand the repaired area with sandpaper, starting with coarse-grit and then moving to fine-grit.

How do I remove and reinstall vinyl siding?

0:232:31How to Remove and Replace a Section of Vinyl Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce all the nails are removed push the siding piece straight down to free it from the course. BelowMoreOnce all the nails are removed push the siding piece straight down to free it from the course. Below continue pulling nails and removing courses.

How do I remove and replace damaged vinyl siding?

1:074:37How to Replace Damaged Vinyl Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's designed so that you reach up underneath of the joint. You can grab onto that product and youMoreIt's designed so that you reach up underneath of the joint. You can grab onto that product and you can pull it loose. And you just put it in behind. Slide it in both directions. And it's disengaged.

Is vinyl siding easy to remove?

How do you replace a middle section of vinyl siding?

2:346:20How to Replace Damaged Vinyl Siding | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBehind this piece right here slide it in now i want to slowly push it up so it gets caught on theMoreBehind this piece right here slide it in now i want to slowly push it up so it gets caught on the bottom into that nailing strip. Bring it up as i go down bring it up snap it. In. Once it's snapped.

Can you replace a single piece of vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is tough but not indestructible. If a falling branch or a well-hit baseball cracked a piece of your siding, don't fret — you can make it as good as new in about 15 minutes with a zip tool and a replacement piece. It's as simple as unzipping the damaged piece and snapping in a new one.

Can vinyl siding be patched?

Repairing Your Vinyl Siding With A Patch. If you have a hole or crack too big to fill with caulk, consider patching the area with the same-colored siding. Patching a hole might require more work, but the repair will be well worth it once the eye sore is gone.

What is usually under vinyl siding?

Underlayment Underlayment or weather resistive barrier (WRB) is installed between the siding and the sheathing. This can be tar paper or a house wrap such as HardieWrap® or Tyvek HomeWrap®. HardieWrap® is great for keeping water out and at the same time letting water vapor escape from the house.

How do you remove vinyl siding without tools?

1:383:45How to remove siding | Without Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you have to just twist it around a little bit just like their tool it doesn't come off rightMoreAnd you have to just twist it around a little bit just like their tool it doesn't come off right away takes a little bit of pushing. And shoving.

What tools do you need to install vinyl siding?

1:142:56CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Installation Tool Review - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTools first is a nail slot punch used to create a nail slot in a panel face or to extend the openingMoreTools first is a nail slot punch used to create a nail slot in a panel face or to extend the opening of an existing factory nail slot. Next there are two types of snap lock punch.

Can you remove siding from the middle?

0:498:20How To Replace One Piece Of Vinyl Siding (Mid-Wall) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I've got to take my tool and you can do it in the middle of a piece of siding or if you went if IMoreSo I've got to take my tool and you can do it in the middle of a piece of siding or if you went if I went way down to the side I can get to a joint.

How do you repair damaged siding?

0:503:26How To Patch and Repair Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's quick and it's easy all it is is taking a piece of vinyl siding trimming off a couple of partsMoreIt's quick and it's easy all it is is taking a piece of vinyl siding trimming off a couple of parts on it. So that it slides up under a joint and then pop rivets on the bottom.

How long does it take to replace vinyl siding?

If a falling branch or a well-hit baseball cracked a piece of your siding, don’t fret — you can make it as good as new in about 15 minutes with a zip tool and a replacement piece.

What to do if vinyl is faded?

If the old vinyl has faded or you can’t find the right color, take the broken piece to a paint store and have the color matched. Paint the replacement piece with one coat of top-quality acrylic primer followed by acrylic house paint — acrylic paint will flex with the movement of the vinyl. Read Next. What Is Cleaning Vinegar and How to Use It.

How many inches of space between roofing nails?

Drive 1-1/4-in. roofing nails through the nailing flange. Space them about every 16 inches (near the old nail holes). Nail in the center of the nailing slot and leave about 1/32-in. of space between the nail head and the siding so the vinyl can move freely.

Can you replace old vinyl siding?

The downside of replacing older vinyl siding is that it can be hard to match the style and color, and siding rarely has any identifying marks . The best way to get a replacement piece is to take the broken piece to vinyl siding distributors in your area and find the closest match.

What happens if you have a hole in your siding?

Even the smallest hole in your siding can welcome insects like termites and ants and water seepage. Loose siding causing gaps which can lead to water leaking in and mold growth. If the wood underneath is rotting, that will require a more extensive repair.

How to fix a spherical ring?

Step 1: Clean the area. You want a clean surface free of dust and junk so that your repair can stick. Using a sponge or soft cloth and some soap and water, gently clean the spot you need to repair and let it completely dry before you begin.

Can you replace vinyl siding in a storm?

Vinyl siding can crack, break, dent, or come loose during severe storms where large debris and strong winds slam into it at high speeds. But that doesn’t mean you always require a total siding replacement. Instead, some more minor repairs can alleviate the pain of having to re-side your house and maintain the integrity of your siding by fixing ...

Can vinyl siding last forever?

Hate to break it to you, but your vinyl siding isn’t going to last forever. It sucks, we know. But, with some light maintenance and minor repairs, you can at least keep your vinyl siding protecting your home for many years to come. Vinyl siding can crack, break, dent, or come loose during severe storms where large debris ...

When to Patch Vinyl Siding

Since vinyl siding tends to expand and contract, it’s best to patch any vinyl siding holes in warm weather to prevent any cracks that may occur in colder weather. It’s important to repair any holes in vinyl siding because water can seep through and damage the wood behind it.

Safety Considerations

Large holes and vinyl siding patches will require the use of tin snips or a circular saw in order to cut the new piece to length, so be sure to wear safety goggles when using a circular saw and gloves when cutting. Also, if the vinyl siding hole is out of reach, you’ll need a ladder, so if you’re using one, do so safely and cautiously.

How to Fix Small Vinyl Siding Hole

Be sure to prep the damaged area by cleaning it with a sponge, soap and water. Let it dry for two hours before you begin caulking the area. You’ll want to find a caulk that matches the siding color or some paintable caulk to fill the vinyl siding hole. Use a caulk gun to spread an even patch.

How to Fix Medium-Sized Vinyl Siding Hole

You’ll need a zip tool from a home improvement store to unlock the damaged siding. A zip tool typically costs around $10. Use the zip tool by pulling it down and out to unhook the bottom lip, then slide it along the edge and pull the siding out as you move along the edge.

How to Fix a Large Vinyl Siding Hole

Oftentimes homeowners will have additional siding around that they can use for vinyl siding repairs. But, if not, try a home improvement store or a siding supplier.

When to Call a Pro

As you start patching vinyl siding, it’s important to take a look at the wood underneath it. Look for any moisture, mold or mildew because that will signal a bigger problem that will require a pro to fix. Any major type of siding project will require a pro if you’re not an experienced DIYer.

About Vinyl Siding

Understanding how vinyl siding is meant to perform and the correct way to install it is essential when it comes time to make repairs.

Common Vinyl Siding Issues

Like any exterior-facing material exposed to the elements, vinyl siding has its fair share of problems. Some issues that can crop up and lead to vinyl siding needing to be repaired or replaced are:

How to Repair Holes in Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is far tougher than wood siding and much easier to care for. However, it is an exterior product that can sustain damage from the elements and outdoor hazards like rocks, severe weather, and overzealous athletes that send a golf ball or baseball careening into your siding.

How to Replace Damaged Vinyl Siding

If the hole or crack in your siding is over an inch and a half in width, you’ll need to replace the damaged piece of vinyl siding completely. Doing so is the only guaranteed way to preserve the siding’s structural integrity against insects and moisture.

When to Call a Professional

If you have multiple damaged areas that require extensive removal of your vinyl siding, it’s best to have a professional siding contractor do the job. The replaced siding will need to be correctly aligned with the existing siding, which can be tricky if multiple repairs are needed in different areas.

More Vinyl Siding Care Tips

Vinyl siding is virtually maintenance-free. Cleaning it and protecting it are all you need to do to keep it looking new and performing like a suit of armor on your home. Here are a few vinyl siding care tips to keep in mind:

Materials Needed to Repair Vinyl Siding

The tools and materials listed below can be used to perform both minor and major repairs on your vinyl siding (including replacing the entire panel).

Filling Vinyl Siding Holes With Caulk

Holes on your vinyl siding can be caused by hailstones or rocks flung by a lawnmower and other gardening equipment. If they are not too big, you can easily fix them with a caulking compound.

Patching a Hole or Crack in Your Vinyl Siding

The caulking could be all you need to repair holes in your vinyl siding. However, if the hole is too big, patching the area could be the most practical option. It may require a little bit of work, but it will all be worth it in the end.

Replacing the Entire Vinyl Siding Panel

Sometimes the damage on your vinyl siding can be beyond caulking or patching. In such a case, you may need to replace the whole panel. It is an easy and straightforward process that will likely not take any more than 30 minutes.

Additional Tips for Repairing Vinyl Siding

Avoid doing any vinyl siding work during the cold season especially if the weather is below freezing, as the low temperatures can make the vinyl weak and more susceptible to cracking.

The Takeaway

Repairing vinyl siding is an important maintenance procedure that helps keep the exterior of your home in good shape. The above procedures can work both for minor and major holes, cracks, and scratches.