Home Improvement Ideas Home Exteriors Siding How to Repair Aluminum Siding in Less Than an Hour Learn crucial aluminum siding repair techniques so you can tackle dents and patch holes yourself—no pro required. By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on November 28, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Kritsada Project Overview Total Time: 1 hour Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $12 to $75+ Most aluminum siding joins together like vinyl, which means that to make aluminum siding repair, you'll need to patch a damaged area or replace a panel. This tutorial shows you both techniques. Be aware that metal corner caps are sometimes used instead of corner posts for aluminum siding. In older installations, they were often used for wood or hardboard lap siding. If your local supplier doesn't have caps to match the ones on your house, check online sources (it helps if you know the manufacturer's name). In a pinch, you can cut and shape a piece of sheet metal to fit, using an old cap as a template. Also, know that aluminum siding can and should be painted. Scrape any flaking paint, and sand smooth. Pressure-wash and allow the siding to dry. Apply an alcohol or oil-based primer thinned with 2 cups of thinner per gallon of primer. Apply acrylic paint. Most repairs will take less than an hour, and you'll only need simple cutting and measuring skills. Before you begin, check the siding closely for further damage to determine how large a section of siding needs to be replaced. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Hammer Tape measure Pliers Putty knife Nail set Lineman's pliers Taping blades Flat pry bar Tin snips Hacksaw Sanding block Scraper Caulking gun Ladder Materials Butyl caulk Replacement end caps Auto-body filler Sandpaper Instructions Aluminum Siding Repair: Patching a Hole Cut Out Damaged Area Tap with a hammer to indent the damaged area, or use tin snips or a utility knife to cut it out. Cut Patch Cut a patch 4 inches longer than the damage and cut off the nailing flange. Test the fit; the patch should just slip under the siding above. Apply Caulk Apply beads of butyl caulk on each side of the patch area and around the hole. Press the patch into place. Use duct tape to hold it in place while the caulk dries. 13 Common Home Siding Options—Plus How to Pick the Right One Aluminum Siding Repair: Fixing a Dent Pull Out Screw If a dent is deep, partially drive a coarse-threaded screw into the center and pull it partway out with a pair of pliers. If part of the damaged area protrudes, tap with a hammer to indent it slightly. The 9 Best Toolkits of 2024 for All Your Home Repairs Apply Auto-Body Filler Scrape and sand any loose paint. Clean with a mild detergent solution, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly. Mix a batch of auto-body filler and apply it over the indentation using the plastic scraper that comes with the filler. Scrape and Paint When it gets hard but not dry, generally shape the filler with a scraper. When it dries, use a hand sander to smooth the patch. Prime and paint. An Introduction to Installing Siding Protecting Your Investment Your home's siding is its first line of defense against the elements—so it's wise to stay on top of dents, holes, and other necessary repairs. Aluminum siding is durable and long-lasting if installed properly, but like any exterior home material, it will eventually break down. Regular maintenance and occasional repairs may be necessary to keep your siding looking smart. The beauty of siding is that you can repair small sections while leaving the rest intact. If you need to remove large sections, start at the top and work your way down. Remove the nails or screws carefully to preserve the sections you pull for reattachment or future patches. Frequently Asked Questions What kind of maintenance does my aluminum siding need? Aluminum siding needs to be pressure-washed or han-washed once or twice a year to remove the dirt, grime, and mold that accumulates. These contaminants speed up the oxidation process making the siding more vulnerable to cracks, rust, gaps, and dents. It’s also a good idea to paint your aluminum siding every 4 to 6 years (depending on your climate and quality of materials). Should I repair my aluminum siding before or after cleaning it? If you have significant areas in need of repair, fix those areas before cleaning your siding. Otherwise, the water from your pressure washer or hose could leak behind the siding and cause permanent damage. How long does aluminum siding last? With proper installation and maintenance, aluminum siding can last 20 to 30 years. Aluminum has more longevity than wood and allows less moisture into the house as it ages, but it is prone to denting and may need regular repairs. If your aluminum siding is rusted, in disrepair, or several decades old, it should be replaced.