Tired of walking by that ugly crack 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 likewise loftier for just a tiny hole, only it doesn't accept to be that expensive. You tin save upwards of $two,000 just by tackling this project yourself. Learning how to repair your vinyl siding can be beneficial for any DIYer, and with the right tools and a piddling finesse, yous can fix whatsoever hole, crack, or loose siding on your dwelling house in no time.

Signs That It'due south Time to Repair or Replace Your Siding

Holes and cracks are obvious signs of wearable and tear, but even if your vinyl siding looks solid to the naked eye, some symptoms of damage may be harder to notice. Remember, your siding does more than just ameliorate your habitation'south aesthetics; it also protects information technology from wet and insect damage. This is why it's important to make certain it's in pinnacle shape. If you lot haven't even thought nearly your vinyl siding since you 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 be repaired or replaced before long:

  • Chips, holes or dents: The about obvious signs of damage, whatsoever sort of alienation in your siding tin can exist an invitation for bugs and mold underneath.
  • Loose or cracked siding: Gaps and cracks from loosened siding can allow rainwater to seep in between the panels and your home's interior.
  • Dry out 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 stock-still or replaced.
  • Repainting your home frequently: If your siding isn't maintaining its color, that tin can mean its waterproofing is wearing off, which could spell trouble for your firm.
  • Warped or bubbling panels: This tin be a issue of estrus or extreme weather damage. Warping and bubbling tin can crusade gaps that further betrayal your home to the elements.
  • Mildew, mucus or mold: Finally, if you notice whatever wet-related growth on or underneath your panels, you need to find where the water is getting inside and fix it.

What You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Caulking Gun
  • Utility Knife
  • Tape Measure out
  • Flat Pry Bar
  • Tin Snips
  • Cipher 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, information technology can sustain impairment only like any other building material. Luckily, there's more than ane way to repair your damaged vinyl siding. With the following step-by-pace guides, larn how to fill, patch or supervene upon any damage 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 home's siding tin happen for a number of reasons. If they're small plenty, filling the holes with a matching caulk tin be a quick and cheap gear up. If you tin can't find caulk that matches your vinyl siding, you can use white caulk and purchase matching paint to muffle the pigsty.

1. Clean the Area

First, make clean the surrounding damaged area with a sponge, lather and water. Give the expanse at least 2 hours to dry in the dominicus earlier moving on to the side by side step.

ii. Prepare the Caulk Gun

Cutting the tip of the caulk tube off and puncture the seal using a long boom or slice of metallic. Pull the caulk gun's plunger all the way back and load upward the tube.

3. Begin Filling the Hole

Insert the caulk tube'southward nozzle over the hole in the siding and begin filling the hole with caulk. Information technology's best to slightly overfill the hole to ensure it is completely filled and prevents h2o from entering.

4. Let the Caulk Dry

Let the caulk dry for a full 24 hours, so scrape away 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 once the caulk dries.

Repairing Your Vinyl Siding With A Patch

If y'all accept a pigsty or crack too big to make full with caulk, consider patching the area with the same-colored siding. Patching a hole might require more work, but the repair volition be well worth it once the eye sore is gone.

1. Clean the Area

Before getting started, make clean the surrounding damaged area with lather and h2o. Permit the area at to the lowest degree two hours to dry in the sun.

2. Cutting Out a Patch

Using a scrap piece of siding, cut a department slightly bigger than the pigsty or cleft. Cut the uppermost perforated edge of the scrap slice – the nail hole strip – being careful to go out the curved lip. Similarly, cut the lesser edge of the bit vinyl.

Man Holding Vinyl Siding Nail Strip

A structure worker holds vinyl siding by the nail strip as 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 aforementioned curves on the siding. If necessary, trim downward the curved edges on the patch until it properly fits.

four. 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 area and apply pressure to secure its position and ensure the pieces stick together.

5. Permit the Caulk Dry out

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

Pro Tip: Take yous noticed any modest gaps betwixt your vinyl siding panels? Sealing those gaps with caulk will protect your dwelling house from exposure to h2o and insects.

Replacing A Vinyl Siding Panel

If the harm on your siding is beyond a quick fix, you might consider replacing the entire console. But don't get discouraged – this xv-minute DIY-friendly projection will teach you all you need to know to help go along money in your pockets.

1. Separate the Panels

Holding the zip tool with the curve facing upward, place the hook under the panel that is above the one you want to remove. While keeping the handle lifted, slide the zip tool horizontally along the panel to carve up the two connected panels.

2. Remove Whatsoever Fasteners

Next, remove the nails or screws that hold the panel to the capsule. Expose the fasteners that hold the panel y'all are removing past lifting the bottom edge of the upper console. Use a pry bar or hook hammer to remove any nails and a drill to remove screws.

three. Prepare Your Replacement Vinyl

Cut the replacement vinyl slice to the necessary length using a utility knife or saw. Lift the new panel into place past pushing on the bottom edge to make sure it hooks onto the lower slice. The top of the panel should fit underneath the siding in a higher place it.

4. Fasten the New Panel

Similar to when you removed the damaged console, lift the lesser border of the upper console to expose the nailing rails. Fasten the panel with nails or screws, merely exist sure to leave space for the vinyl to aggrandize and contract equally the seasons change. Utilise tape or an extra hand to assist hold the panel in place as you fasten it.

5. Secure the Panels Together

Finally, utilise the zip tool to secure the bottom tab of the replacement panel to the adjacent piece. Slide the cipher tool forth the tab and button the panel against the new 1 every bit you get. This will ensure both panels lock together. Once that's finished, stride dorsum and admire your hard work.

Hand Cleaning Vinyl Siding

Taking Care of Your Vinyl Siding

Although vinyl siding doesn't require much attending, y'all can still continue your siding in good shape with some regular maintenance. Cleaning your siding with a textile or soft-bristle brush can eliminate whatever clay or balance, leaving your siding looking new again. You can also power wash your siding, but be sure to carefully read the washer instructions and bank check with your siding manufacturer beforehand so you don't damage it.

To prevent discoloration, encompass the exposed vinyl siding when working with stains, sealants, and wet concrete during abode renovation projects. Check your siding regularly to stay on top of any holes or cracks that expose your home to h2o and insects.

Looking for More Outdoor Projects to Heave Adjourn Appeal?

At present that you're an practiced at repairing damaged vinyl siding, you may want to cheque on other parts of your home's outside and outdoor space. Check out these other outdoor abode comeback projects that you can tackle in a weekend:

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