Repairing Vinyl Siding

Intro

If a vinyl piece has come apart from its neighbor, the solution is often to push it back up until it locks in place (see Replacing a Panel Section: Step 5).

If many of the pieces are coming apart or buckling, they may have been installed with nails driven tightly; nails should be loose so the material can expand and contract. If that is the case, you may need to remove the siding from an area and reinstall it.

If you need to replace a vinyl panel or part of a panel, check your garage or basement to see whether the installer left extra pieces for repairs. Otherwise take a sample to a siding supplier and look for a close match.

Even if you find an exact replacement, the siding on your walls may have faded, meaning that the new pieces will be noticeably darker. If the repair is on a highly visible portion of the house, you may want to remove a piece from a less-visible part of the house (perhaps in the back or behind a bush) and use that as the patch; then install the recently bought piece at the less-visible location.

Prestart Checklist

Time
Less than an hour for most repairs

Tools
Hammer, tape measure, zipper tool, flat pry bar, tin snips, utility knife, caulking gun

Skills
Simple cutting and measuring skills

Prep
Check the siding closely for further damage to determine how large a section of siding needs to be replaced.

Materials
Replacement siding panels, butyl caulk (or gutter caulk), duct tape, materials for bracing a patch temporarily

Previous | Next

Patching a Small Area: Step 1

Use a utility knife to cut around the damaged area. If possible, leave at least 2 inches of siding along the top edge of the damaged piece. Use a zipper tool to remove the cutout.

Previous | Next

Patching a Small Area: Step 2

Use a square and a utility knife to cut a patch piece that is about 4 inches wider than the area you cut out. Slice off the nailing strip or upper part of the patch.

Previous | Next

Patching a Small Area: Step 3

Mark and cut away the side portions of the snap-in flange. Test the patch for fit; it should just slip under the piece above once it has been snapped into place at the bottom.

Previous | Next

Patching a Small Area: Step 4

Apply a generous bead of butyl caulk all around the cutout. Press the patch into place and push up to snap it in place. Use a temporary brace or duct tape to hold the patch in place for about a day. Remove the brace or tape once the caulk has dried.

Previous | Next

Replacing a Panel Section: Step 1

Use a zipper tool to pry out the panel above the one you want to remove. Slip shims all along the disassembled joint.

Previous | Next

Replacing a Panel Section: Step 2

Use a square and a knife to cut through the panel on one or both sides of the damage. Cut carefully so you do not damage the building paper underneath.

Previous | Next

Replacing a Panel Section: Step 3

Use a flat pry bar to remove the nails and the damaged section of siding. Cut a replacement panel that is 4 inches longer than the damaged section.

Previous | Next

Replacing a Panel Section: Step 4

Apply generous beads of butyl (or gutter) caulk on the adjacent siding about 1/2 inch from the edges of the cutout area.

Previous | Next

Replacing a Panel Section: Step 5

Press the replacement panel into the caulk and slide it up. Press on the bottom to snap it in place.

Previous | Next

Replacing a Panel Section: Step 6

Remove the shims and use a zipper tool to snap it onto the flange of the replacement panel. Press the panel into the caulk, making sure that it seals at all points.

Previous | Next