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
How can you repair one piece of damaged siding?
Install New Siding
- Slide the replacement piece up into place, pushing up until the lower lip locks into the piece below it.
- Drive 1-1/4-in. ...
- Nail in the center of the nailing slot and leave about 1/32-in. ...
- With the new piece nailed, use the zip tool to lock the upper piece down over it.
How to repair cracked and broken vinyl siding?
Project step-by-step (3)
- 15 Minute Vinyl Siding Repair With a Zip Tool. Starting at one end of the damaged piece, push the end of the zip siding removal tool up under the siding ...
- Remove Nails. Slip a flat bar behind the vinyl siding and lever out the nails. ...
- Install New Siding
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. ...
How do you repair cracked vinyl siding?
- Purchase a siding removal tool. These hooks can be found in most home improvement or hardware stores.
- Locate the loose panel.
- Pull the panel toward you using the tool.
- Push the loose section of panel back into place using your hands.
- Check for other loose vinyl siding panels and repair these panels as needed.
How do you fix vinyl siding without replacing it?
2:256:20How to Replace Damaged Vinyl Siding | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipActually cuts away the nailing strip on the top about two inches and they also remove a section ofMoreActually cuts away the nailing strip on the top about two inches and they also remove a section of the snap-in. Piece on the bottom.
Is there a way to patch vinyl siding?
Repairing a Hole in Your Vinyl Siding With Caulk If they're small enough, filling the holes with a matching caulk can be a quick and inexpensive fix. If you can't find caulk that matches your vinyl siding, you can use white caulk and purchase matching paint to conceal the hole.
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.
Can you replace damaged vinyl siding?
1:184:37How 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.
How do you fix a large hole in vinyl siding?
1:313:21How to Patch a Hole in Vinyl Siding in 3 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMaking sure there's no wrinkles. Or bubbles tear aid type B is designed to be used as a permanentMoreMaking sure there's no wrinkles. Or bubbles tear aid type B is designed to be used as a permanent patch on vinyl fabric. But it works on this final siding.
Can you caulk vinyl siding?
Yes, you should caulk vinyl siding in the necessary locations. They should be caulked where connecting pieces of siding meet as well as at corner joints. Silicone caulk is the best waterproof caulk for use on vinyl siding. Caulk is the go-to waterproof sealant used in outdoor projects.
How much does it cost to replace one piece of siding?
The average national cost to repair siding sits at about $500. This number will vary among siding types. Repairs on low-cost materials, like vinyl, may only cost $50. Meanwhile, more costly siding repair, like stone siding repair, can cost up to $5,000.
Can siding be fixed?
You can make some siding repairs a do-it-yourself project. For instance, you can use a vinyl siding repair kit to fix small holes, dents and other damage quickly and inexpensively. Now, manufacturers offer a variety of wood fillers, putties, and epoxies that you can use to fill holes and reinforce soft spots.
Why is my vinyl siding peeling?
Weather is the primary culprit when it comes to damaged and peeling siding. Years of sunlight, rain, temperature fluctuations, and hail can all cause your siding to dent or peel. Depending on where you live, certain types of siding perform better in different climates.
Can you replace just a section of siding?
Yes – but try to avoid it unless necessary. Here's what you need to know about these common siding repair projects. Damage to a single board or panel of siding is rare, but it can happen. Sometimes a branch after a bad storm or an errant baseball may crack one board in particular.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Vinyl siding is a common choice for home cladding, and it lasts much longer than you would expect. With no effort or cleaning, your vinyl will last about 60 years max but with meticulous care and maintenance (hand-washing every year), the lifespan can be extended up to 100 years!
How much does it cost to replace one piece of siding?
The average national cost to repair siding sits at about $500. This number will vary among siding types. Repairs on low-cost materials, like vinyl, may only cost $50. Meanwhile, more costly siding repair, like stone siding repair, can cost up to $5,000.
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.
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 ...
What is the trick to removing and installing vinyl siding?
As you will soon see, it is the technique used in the interlocking process that is the trick to removing and installing the siding.
What is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding consists of thin, molded planks of solid vinyl plastic. The pieces are designed to move as outside temperature rise and fall, and the systems relies on being interlocked at the top and bottom to achieve its weather tightness.
How much does vinyl siding cost?
Estimated Cost: $10 to $50. Although it is an extremely versatile and water-resistant siding material, vinyl plank siding can also be somewhat fragile under some conditions. It can melt in intense heat or become brittle in cold weather. When cold, it is especially prone to impact damage—a small stone thrown by a snowblower can easily crack vinyl ...
How often do vinyl siding manufacturers discontinue?
Manufacturers usually discontinue patterns and styles every few years, which can make it difficult to find a match. If you have an older vinyl siding installation, take a sample of what you have on the home to a nearby siding supply company for a match.
How far apart should galvanized nails be?
Driving galvanized siding nails through the nailing hem to resecure the panel, spaced about 12 inches apart, and centered in the elongated holes. Leaving a 1/32-inch gap between the nail head and the siding. The nails must be long enough so they can penetrate at least 3/4 inch into framing or furring.
Is vinyl siding water resistant?
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with 30 years of experience in the industry. Although it is an extremely versatile and water-resistant siding material, vinyl plank siding can also be somewhat fragile under some conditions. It can melt in intense heat or become brittle in cold weather. When cold, it is especially prone ...
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
