How To Repair Vinyl Siding [Best Approach in 2021]

In this guide, you will learn about easy repairs that you can use to restore your damaged vinyl siding.

These repairs are useful for any homeowner with damaged vinyl siding.

Keeping your vinyl siding in top-notch condition is a guaranteed way to increase its lifespan.

Luckily, most of these repairs are simple to execute.

This guide will walk you through the tools you need to repair your vinyl siding, how to fix cracks, holes, or loose siding on your home.

 

How To Know When You Need To Repair Your Vinyl Siding

Apart from improving the aesthetics of your home, siding also prevents insect and moisture damage.

This is why you need to keep it in good shape.

Here are some signs that you need to pay attention to.

Once you notice them, it means you need to repair your vinyl siding:

• Chips, holes, or dents
• Dry rotten wood underneath
• Loose or cracked siding
• Warped panels
• Faded color
• Mildew, fungus, or mold growth

 

Tools Needed

• Hammer
• Utility knife
• Caulking gun
• Tape measure
• Tin snips
• Flat pry bar
• Zip tool
• Replacement siding panel
• Tape measure

 

3 Ways For Repairing Vinyl Siding

In this section, we will consider how you can repair vinyl siding by:

• Filling a hole
• Repairing with a patch, and
• Replacing damaged vinyl siding

 

How To Fill A Hole in Your Vinyl Siding With Caulk

Holes can occur in your vinyl siding as a result of harsh weather and holiday decorating errors.

You can easily fill the holes with a matching caulk if the holes are small. Here are the steps you need to take to fill the holes:

 

Clean the area

Clean the areas surrounding the hole with a sponge, soap, and water.

Let the area dry in the sun for at least 2 hours before you proceed to the next step.

 

Prepare the caulk gun

Cut off the tip of the caulk tip and puncture it.

Then pull the caulk gun’s plunger to load up the tube.

 

Fill the hole

Insert the nozzle of the caulk tune over the hole and start filling it with caulk.

Slightly overfill the hole so that it is filled without leaving any space for water to penetrate.

 

Allow the caulk to dry

Leave the caulk to dry for 24 hours.

Once it is dry, scrape away excess caulk using a scraper.

You can paint the filled hole once the caulk dries if you use a caulk with a color that doesn’t match your siding’s color.

 

How To Repair A Vinyl Siding With A Patch

If the hole in your vinyl siding is too big to be filled with caulk, then you need to patch it.

This may require more work but it’s worth it. Here are the steps to follow:

 

Clean the area

Clean the area around the damaged spot with soap and water and leave it to dry for at least 2 hours in the sun.

 

Cut a patch

Cut out a section that is slightly bigger than the crack or hole.

Cut the upper perforated edge of the scarp piece (while ensuring you leave the curved lip).

Also, cut the bottom portion of the scarp vinyl.

 

Test the patch

Place the patch over the damaged area to ensure its curves fit the curves on the siding.

You can trim the curved edges on the patch to make it fit the siding’s curves if necessary.

 

Patch the damaged spot

Apply some caulk on the back of the patch and the area surrounding the hole.

Place the patch over the damage and secure the patch’s position by applying pressure.

 

Leave the caulk to dry

When the caulk is dry, clean the surrounding area to get rid of any excess caulk.

 

How To Replace A Vinyl Siding Panel

If your damaged vinyl siding cannot be fixed, you may need to replace the whole panel.

But you have nothing to worry about.

The steps below will show you all you need to know to save you money.

 

Separate the panels

While holding the zip tool with the bend facing up, place the hook under the panel that is above the panel you want to remove.

With the handle lifted, slide the zip tool in a horizontal position along the panel to separate the panels.

 

Remove fasteners

Remove the screws or nails holding the panel to the sheathing.

Lift the bottom edge of the upper panel to expose fasteners holding the panel you want to remove.

Remove nails and drill by using a pry bar and drill respectively.

 

Prepare the replacement vinyl

Use a utility knife or saw to cut the replacement vinyl piece to the appropriate length.

Push on the bottom edge of the new panel to make it hook onto the lower piece.

 

Fasten the new panel

Just like what you did when you were removing the damaged panel, lift the bottom edge of the upper panel to have access to the nailing rack.

Fasten the panel using screws or nails; ensure you leave space for the vinyl to expand and contract.

While fastening the panel, use tape to hold it in position.

 

Secure the panels together

Secure the bottom tab of the new panel to the adjacent piece by using the zip tool.

To ensure that both panels lock together, slide the zip tool along the tab and push the panel against the new panel.

 

Once you’re through, take some steps back to admire the finished work.

 

Get Proper Vinyl Siding Installation From A Pro!

Whether you’re siding an existing home or a new home, a quality installation is as necessary as the quality of products you want to use.

Poor vinyl siding installation can lead to poor product performance and dissatisfaction.

Improper installations can also void manufacturers’ warranties.

If you need professional vinyl siding installation in Calgary, Raico Roofing can help.

We will work hand-in-hand with you to understand your specific needs and exceed your expectations with our high-quality vinyl siding installation service.

Contact us today to learn more about our service.