Tired of walking by that ugly crack in your vinyl siding trying to convince yourself that no one else has noticed it? You may call back the toll of repairing vinyl siding is far besides high for just a tiny hole, merely it doesn't have to exist that expensive. You lot tin can salve upwards of $2,000 only by tackling this projection yourself. Learning how to repair your vinyl siding can be benign for any DIYer, and with the right tools and a little finesse, you tin fix whatsoever hole, crack, or loose siding on your home in no fourth dimension.

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

Holes and cracks are obvious signs of habiliment and tear, but even if your vinyl siding looks solid to the naked center, some symptoms of damage may be harder to notice. Call up, your siding does more than just ameliorate your home's aesthetics; it also protects it from moisture and insect damage. This is why it's of import to make sure information technology'southward in superlative shape. If y'all haven't fifty-fifty idea about your vinyl siding since y'all put it in, it may be time to take a second look at it.

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 damage, any 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 can allow rainwater to seep in betwixt the panels and your home'southward interior.
  • Dry rot underneath: Even if the panels expect fine, if the wood underneath has begun rotting, that means your siding isn't doing its job and may demand to be fixed or replaced.
  • Repainting your habitation frequently: If your siding isn't maintaining its colour, that can mean its waterproofing is wearing off, which could spell trouble for your house.
  • Warped or bubbling panels: This can be a result of oestrus or extreme weather damage. Warping and bubbling can crusade gaps that further expose your dwelling house to the elements.
  • Mildew, mucus or mold: Finally, if yous discover any moisture-related growth on or underneath your panels, you lot need to find where the water is getting inside and ready it.

What You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Caulking Gun
  • Utility Pocketknife
  • Tape Measure
  • Flat Pry Bar
  • Tin 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 exist tough and durable, it tin sustain damage just like any other building material. Luckily, at that place'south more than one way to repair your damaged vinyl siding. With the post-obit step-by-step guides, larn how to fill, patch or replace whatsoever harm to your vinyl siding like a pro.

Repairing a Pigsty in Your Vinyl Siding With Caulk

From harsh weather to holiday decorating mishaps, holes in your home's siding tin happen for a number of reasons. If they're small plenty, filling the holes with a matching caulk can be a quick and cheap fix. If yous can't notice caulk that matches your vinyl siding, you can use white caulk and purchase matching paint to conceal the hole.

1. Clean the Surface area

Kickoff, make clean the surrounding damaged area with a sponge, soap and h2o. Requite the area at least ii hours to dry in the lord's day before moving on to the next step.

2. Prepare the Caulk Gun

Cut the tip of the caulk tube off and puncture the seal using a long smash or piece of metal. Pull the caulk gun's plunger all the way back and load upwards the tube.

3. Begin Filling the Hole

Insert the caulk tube's nozzle over the hole in the siding and begin filling the hole with caulk. It'south best to slightly overfill the pigsty 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, then scrape away whatsoever backlog caulk with a scraper. If you couldn't find a caulk that matches the color of your siding, y'all may want to pigment the newly-filled hole once the caulk dries.


Repairing Your Vinyl Siding With A Patch

If yous have a pigsty or cleft too big to fill with caulk, consider patching the area with the same-colored siding. Patching a pigsty might crave more than work, but the repair will exist well worth it once the center sore is gone.

one. Clean the Area

Before getting started, clean the surrounding damaged area with soap and water. Allow the area at least 2 hours to dry out in the sun.

ii. Cut Out a Patch

Using a scrap piece of siding, cut a section slightly bigger than the hole or cleft. Cut the uppermost perforated edge of the scrap slice – the smash pigsty strip – beingness careful to leave the curved lip. Similarly, cut the lesser edge of the bit vinyl.

Man Holding Vinyl Siding Nail Strip

A construction worker holds vinyl siding by the nail strip every bit he installs a panel.

3. Exam the Patch

Place the patch over the hole or crack to ensure the curves on the patch fit the aforementioned curves on the siding. If necessary, trim downward the curved edges on the patch until it properly fits.

4. Patch the Harm

Apply a minor dewdrop of caulk on the back of the patch and a bead of caulk surrounding the hole. Place the patch over the damaged area and apply force per unit area to secure its position and ensure the pieces stick together.

5. Permit the Caulk Dry

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

Pro Tip: Have you noticed any small 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 damage on your siding is beyond a quick fix, you might consider replacing the entire panel. But don't get discouraged – this 15-minute DIY-friendly projection will teach you all you lot need to know to help keep money in your pockets.

1. Separate the Panels

Holding the zip tool with the curve facing up, place the hook under the console that is above the i you desire to remove. While keeping the handle lifted, slide the cipher tool horizontally forth the panel to dissever the two connected panels.

ii. Remove Any Fasteners

Side by side, remove the nails or screws that hold the panel to the sheathing. Expose the fasteners that hold the console you are removing by lifting the bottom edge of the upper panel. Use a pry bar or claw hammer to remove any nails and a drill to remove screws.

iii. Set Your Replacement Vinyl

Cut the replacement vinyl piece to the necessary length using a utility knife or saw. Lift the new panel into place by pushing on the lesser border to brand certain it hooks onto the lower piece. The top of the console should fit underneath the siding above it.

4. Fasten the New Panel

Similar to when you removed the damaged console, lift the bottom edge of the upper panel to expose the nailing track. Spike the panel with nails or screws, but be sure to leave space for the vinyl to expand and contract as the seasons modify. Apply tape or an extra hand to assist agree the console in place as you fasten it.

five. Secure the Panels Together

Finally, employ the goose egg tool to secure the bottom tab of the replacement console to the adjacent piece. Slide the zip tool forth the tab and button the console against the new one equally you go. This will ensure both panels lock together. Once that's finished, step back and admire your hard work.


Hand Cleaning Vinyl Siding

Taking Intendance of Your Vinyl Siding

Although vinyl siding doesn't require much attention, you lot can withal keep your siding in skilful shape with some regular maintenance. Cleaning your siding with a cloth or soft-bristle castor can eliminate any dirt or residue, leaving your siding looking new again. You can also ability wash your siding, but exist sure to carefully read the washer instructions and check with your siding manufacturer beforehand then you lot don't damage it.

To prevent discoloration, cover the exposed vinyl siding when working with stains, sealants, and wet concrete during home renovation projects. Check your siding regularly to stay on top of any holes or cracks that expose your home to water and insects.

Looking for More Outdoor Projects to Boost Adjourn Appeal?

Now that you're an good at repairing damaged vinyl siding, you may want to check on other parts of your home's outside and outdoor space. Bank check out these other outdoor home comeback projects that you tin can tackle in a weekend:

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