Tired of walking past that ugly crevice in your vinyl siding trying to convince yourself that no i else has noticed it? You may think the cost of repairing vinyl siding is far too high for just a tiny pigsty, merely it doesn't have to be that expensive. You can salvage upwards of $2,000 just past tackling this projection yourself. Learning how to repair your vinyl siding can be beneficial for any DIYer, and with the right tools and a little finesse, you lot tin can prepare any hole, cleft, or loose siding on your abode in no time.

Signs That It's Time to Repair or Supersede Your Siding

Holes and cracks are obvious signs of wear and tear, but even if your vinyl siding looks solid to the naked eye, some symptoms of damage may be harder to find. Recollect, your siding does more than just improve your home's aesthetics; it also protects it from moisture and insect impairment. This is why it's important to brand certain it'southward in tiptop shape. If you haven't fifty-fifty idea about your vinyl siding since you lot put it in, it may be fourth dimension to have a 2d look at information technology.

Here are some signs that your vinyl siding may need to exist repaired or replaced soon:

  • Chips, holes or dents: The most obvious signs of impairment, whatever sort of breach in your siding can be an invitation for bugs and mold underneath.
  • Loose or cracked siding: Gaps and cracks from loosened siding tin allow rainwater to seep in between the panels and your habitation's interior.
  • Dry rot underneath: Fifty-fifty if the panels expect fine, if the wood underneath has begun rotting, that ways your siding isn't doing its task and may need to be fixed or replaced.
  • Repainting your dwelling ofttimes: If your siding isn't maintaining its color, that can hateful its waterproofing is wearing off, which could spell trouble for your business firm.
  • Warped or bubbles panels: This tin exist a result of heat or extreme atmospheric condition harm. Warping and bubbling tin crusade gaps that farther betrayal your home to the elements.
  • Mildew, fungus or mold: Finally, if you discover whatsoever moisture-related growth on or underneath your panels, y'all need to find where the water is getting inside and fix it.

What You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Caulking Gun
  • Utility Knife
  • Record Mensurate
  • Flat Pry Bar
  • Can Snips
  • Zip Tool
  • Replacement Siding Panel (for patching and replacing methods)

Man on Ladder Repairing Vinyl Siding

How to Repair Vinyl Siding

Although vinyl siding is made to be tough and durable, it can sustain damage just similar whatsoever other building cloth. Luckily, in that location'southward more than one manner to repair your damaged vinyl siding. With the following footstep-by-step guides, acquire how to fill, patch or supplant whatsoever harm to your vinyl siding like a pro.

Repairing a Hole in Your Vinyl Siding With Caulk

From harsh weather to holiday decorating mishaps, holes in your domicile's siding can happen for a number of reasons. If they're pocket-size enough, filling the holes with a matching caulk can be a quick and cheap fix. If y'all tin can't discover caulk that matches your vinyl siding, you tin can use white caulk and purchase matching paint to muffle the pigsty.

one. Clean the Area

Outset, clean the surrounding damaged area with a sponge, soap and water. Give the expanse at to the lowest degree 2 hours to dry out in the lord's day before moving on to the next pace.

2. Prepare the Caulk Gun

Cutting the tip of the caulk tube off and puncture the seal using a long nail or piece of metal. Pull the caulk gun's plunger all the fashion back and load upward the tube.

3. Brainstorm Filling the Hole

Insert the caulk tube'south nozzle over the hole in the siding and begin filling the pigsty with caulk. It's best to slightly overfill the hole to ensure it is completely filled and prevents h2o from inbound.

4. Let the Caulk Dry

Permit the caulk dry for a total 24 hours, and then scrape abroad any excess caulk with a scraper. If you couldn't find a caulk that matches the color of your siding, you may want to paint the newly-filled hole in one case the caulk dries.

Repairing Your Vinyl Siding With A Patch

If you accept 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, just the repair will be well worth it once the middle sore is gone.

ane. Clean the Area

Before getting started, clean the surrounding damaged area with soap and h2o. Allow the expanse at to the lowest degree 2 hours to dry in the sun.

ii. Cut Out a Patch

Using a scrap piece of siding, cut a section slightly bigger than the hole or crack. Cut the uppermost perforated edge of the scrap piece – the nail hole strip – being careful to exit the curved lip. Similarly, cut the lesser border of the scrap vinyl.

Man Holding Vinyl Siding Nail Strip

A structure worker holds vinyl siding past the nail strip every bit he installs a panel.

iii. Test the Patch

Place the patch over the hole or fissure to ensure the curves on the patch fit the same curves on the siding. If necessary, trim down the curved edges on the patch until it properly fits.

iv. Patch the Damage

Apply a small bead of caulk on the back of the patch and a bead of caulk surrounding the pigsty. Place the patch over the damaged surface area and apply pressure to secure its position and ensure the pieces stick together.

v. Let the Caulk Dry

Once the caulk is dry, clean the surrounding area and wipe away any excess caulk.

Pro Tip: Take you noticed any pocket-sized gaps between your vinyl siding panels? Sealing those gaps with caulk volition protect your dwelling house from exposure to water and insects.

Replacing A Vinyl Siding Panel

If the harm on your siding is beyond a quick set, you might consider replacing the unabridged panel. Just don't get discouraged – this xv-minute DIY-friendly project will teach you all you lot need to know to help go along money in your pockets.

1. Separate the Panels

Holding the zip tool with the bend facing upward, place the hook under the console that is above the one y'all want to remove. While keeping the handle lifted, slide the zip tool horizontally along the panel to separate the ii connected panels.

2. Remove Any Fasteners

Next, remove the nails or screws that hold the panel to the capsule. Expose the fasteners that hold the panel you lot are removing by lifting the bottom edge of the upper console. Utilise a pry bar or hook hammer to remove any nails and a drill to remove screws.

3. Prepare Your Replacement Vinyl

Cut the replacement vinyl piece to the necessary length using a utility pocketknife or saw. Lift the new panel into place past pushing on the bottom border to make sure it hooks onto the lower piece. The top of the panel should fit underneath the siding above it.

4. Fasten the New Panel

Similar to when y'all removed the damaged panel, lift the bottom edge of the upper panel to expose the nailing rails. Spike the panel with nails or screws, simply be sure to leave space for the vinyl to aggrandize and contract as the seasons alter. Use tape or an actress mitt to assist hold the panel in identify as you lot spike it.

v. Secure the Panels Together

Finally, employ the zip tool to secure the bottom tab of the replacement console to the adjacent piece. Slide the null tool along the tab and button the console against the new i as yous go. This will ensure both panels lock together. Once that'south finished, step back and admire your hard work.

Hand Cleaning Vinyl Siding

Taking Intendance of Your Vinyl Siding

Although vinyl siding doesn't crave much attending, y'all tin can still keep your siding in good shape with some regular maintenance. Cleaning your siding with a cloth or soft-bristle brush can eliminate any dirt or residue, leaving your siding looking new again. You tin besides power wash your siding, but be sure to carefully read the washer instructions and cheque with your siding manufacturer beforehand so you don't damage it.

To foreclose discoloration, cover the exposed vinyl siding when working with stains, sealants, and wet concrete during dwelling house renovation projects. Check your siding regularly to stay on top of whatsoever holes or cracks that betrayal your dwelling house to water and insects.

Looking for More Outdoor Projects to Heave Adjourn Entreatment?

Now that you're an proficient at repairing damaged vinyl siding, you may want to cheque on other parts of your dwelling house'due south exterior and outdoor space. Check out these other outdoor home comeback projects that you tin can tackle in a weekend:

  • How to Remove Rocks From Your Yard
  • How to Tear Downwards a Wooden Deck the DIY Way
  • How to Clean Out Your Garage