how to repair a piece of vinyl siding

How to Repair Vinyl Siding

• Method 1 Making Minor Corrections with Caulk. Purchase a suitable caulk. Exterior caulk that is intended for vinyl will be able to fill nail holes and minor cracks.
• Method 2 Patching a Small Dent, Crack, or Hole. Cut a 2 in (5.1 cm) wide perimeter around the damage. ...
• Method 3 Replacing a Whole Panel. Equip yourself with a zip tool and a pry bar. ...

Full Answer

What is the best way to repair vinyl siding?

• Use siding cleaner to clean the area around the hole.
• Wipe the area dry with a rag. ...
• Cut the top and bottom edges so you’re left with a flat piece of siding that curves on the top and bottom.
• Place the piece over the hole to make sure it fits and curves correctly. ...
• Cut the tip of your color-match vinyl siding caulk and fit the tube into your caulk gun.

More items...

How to clean vinyl siding the right way?

• Store-bought vinyl siding cleaning products (Clorox, Windex, Lysol, etc.)
• Soft cloth
• Long-handled, soft-bristle brush
• Hose/buckets of water
• Pressure washer (optional)

How to inspect, repair and maintain vinyl siding?

• Wood siding. The best line of defense for wood siding against moisture, mold, rot and insect damage is paint or stain. ...
• Stucco. While stucco is mostly maintenance free, inspect for cracks, especially small hairline and large vertical cracks from the roof line or from doors and windows. ...
• Masonry. Even bricks and stones can be damaged. ...
• Vinyl. ...

How to fix vinyl siding that has come loose?

Other Quick Loose Vinyl Siding Fixes

• Crimping the Siding Board. If the piece of your siding is completely detached or dangling, you can take siding snips or any other needle nose pliers you might have around ...
• Screwing Up From the Bottom. Find a drain hole at the bottom of your vinyl siding board. ...
• Caulking It. ...

Can you replace just one 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.

How do you repair sections of vinyl siding?

2:256:20How to Replace Damaged Vinyl Siding | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf they don't overlap when you put them together tight when it shrinks you'll have an opening. AllMoreIf they don't overlap when you put them together tight when it shrinks you'll have an opening. All right now all we have to do now is take the piece start here on an angle and push it up.

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.

How do you fix a small piece of siding?

0:583:26How 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 do you replace corner pieces on vinyl siding?

3:0813:59How To Replace A Vinyl Siding Corner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you need to do is cut it to length and cut any like in this case you can see how it's fitMoreSo what you need to do is cut it to length and cut any like in this case you can see how it's fit around the soffit. I've already cut the new one to fit that. Okay so you've got your new piece.

How do you fix a hole in the side of your house?

0:143:13HOW TO FILL A HOLE IN YOUR SIDING OR SIDE OF HOUSEYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce it's shaken up make sure you screw the tip on it screws on not presses. On. Just like that we'MoreOnce it's shaken up make sure you screw the tip on it screws on not presses. On. Just like that we'll move that around i'll take care of that. After. There we go. And let it expand and do its. Thing.

Can you patch a hole in siding?

Fix Small Vinyl Siding Hole Fill the hole to overflowing with tinted or paintable caulk. Let the caulk cure according to package directions, usually a few days. Trim the caulk flush with the siding. Paint the caulk if you could not find tinted siding caulk in the right color.

Will silicone stick to vinyl siding?

Yes, silicone caulk will stick to vinyl siding. Silicone caulk will take a little longer to fully cure after application than other caulks. It will be dry to the touch after about thirty minutes.

How much does it cost to replace one piece of siding?

Less obvious damages may include loose siding, water damage or warping. Repairing physical damage—holes and cracks, as well as loose siding—costs between $100 and $150 and small leaks will be under $200 to patch....Types of Repair.Type of RepairCostLeaks$100 to $200Cracks$50 to $150Holes$50 to $1005 more rows•Feb 17, 2022

Can you glue vinyl siding?

1:234:19Repair broken or cracked vinyl siding easily on the cheap! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI did not try to turn the blade around so maybe something you want to try is turn the blade aroundMoreI did not try to turn the blade around so maybe something you want to try is turn the blade around see if you can cut with them when you need a good quality glue.

How do you cover holes in vinyl siding?

Fix Large Vinyl Siding HoleObtain a matching piece of siding. ... Cut the replacement piece larger than the damaged area.Cut off the top nailing strip on replacement piece.Hold the replacement piece over the damage. ... Permanently attach the new piece over damage with construction adhesive.

How do you replace vinyl siding in the middle of the wall?

0:498:20How To Replace One Piece Of Vinyl Siding (Mid-Wall) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt gets hooked on the bottom edge of the side. And then I just want to kind of gently pry. It looseMoreIt gets hooked on the bottom edge of the side. And then I just want to kind of gently pry. It loose until it like I can get my finger in here now now I can work my way along.

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 ...

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.

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.

When was vinyl siding invented?

Vinyl siding was created in the 1950s as a perfect replacement for the aluminum ones. During the early years, they had a very bad reputation. However, their quality has improved over the last few decades. But, there are numerous issues with this siding that are not as well-known as its benefits.

Why is my vinyl siding buckling?

Warping or buckling is a rare problem that only occurs if the vinyl siding isn’t installed correctly. Vinyl siding contracts in cold weather and expands when it is warm outside. Therefore, they have oval-shaped nailing slots that allow them to move side-to-side.

Why is my siding buckled?

A buckled siding can allow moisture and insects to enter your wall, which can damage the wall. However, before replacing it, you must find out the cause of the problem. As mentioned above, one of the leading causes of this problem is the lack of a wiggling room. 2. Cracking Problem.

What happens if you nailed a siding panel loosely?

If it was nailed loosely, then you will hear a rattling noise every time the wind blows. And if it was fastened tightly, you will hear a popping or cracking sound. To solve this problem, you can go to the part of the wall where the noise is coming from and move the siding panels side-to-side.

Why does my siding crack?

Cracking of the siding because of a certain kind of impact after a terrible storm is quite common. Another cause of this problem is sunlight. With time, direct sunlight can cause the siding to fade and finally crack. Some cracks can be too small to be noticed, while others are too large and can be seen from a distance.

Is vinyl siding good for your house?

Vinyl siding does more for your house than just beautifying it. Vinyl siding makes your home watertight, and they are popular and quite easy to install. Vinyl is easy to maintain, and the thought of never having to paint your home can be quite enticing.

Is vinyl siding waterproof?

Like all PVC products, vinyl siding is water-resistant, however, they are designed to be flexible, which creates room for contraction and expansion. Therefore to keep water out, you must add a waterproof barrier to the siding. But, if moisture gets behind the siding, it can cause severe damages.