How To Replace Damaged Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular and durable exterior option for homes, but impacts, severe weather, or general wear and tear can degrade it over time. Fortunately, replacing damaged vinyl siding is a straightforward DIY project for many homeowners. In the video above, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva removes and replaces damaged vinyl siding sections for a seamless look.

Is Vinyl Siding Easy To Replace?

Vinyl siding is designed for easy installation and replacement. Each piece of siding is molded to resemble two courses of traditional siding, with a nailing strip at the top featuring holes or slots for attaching to the wall. Below the nailing strip is a small channel that allows the bottom of the next piece to snap into place, creating a secure and weathertight seal.

The siding is secured to the house through the nailing strips. The bottom edge of each course locks into the nailing strip of the course below, creating a continuous, interlocking system. Small gaps and overlapping between pieces of siding allow for expansion and contraction because of temperature changes while still keeping a seamless look.

Materials and Tools for Replacing Vinyl Siding

Silva used a zip tool to reinstall vinyl siding. You can find one at your local home center. You can buy replacement siding at a building products store or a vinyl siding distributor. Here’s a full list of the materials and tools you’ll need:

• Replacement vinyl siding matching the existing siding in color and style
• Roofing nails

• Hammer
• Pry bar (if needed)
• Safety glasses and work gloves
• Speed square
• Tape measure
• Tin snips (for cutting siding)
• Utility knife
• Zip tool (for unlocking siding panels)

Removing Damaged Vinyl Siding

The first step in replacing damaged vinyl siding is carefully removing the affected pieces without damaging surrounding sections. Silva demonstrates this process in his tutorial:

1. Begin by locating the seam between two pieces of siding near the damaged section.
2. Insert your hand into the seam and gently pull down to release the siding from the nailing strip.
3. Continue this process along the length of the damaged piece, exposing the nails holding it in place.
4. Use the claw end of a hammer or a pry bar to carefully remove the nails securing the damaged siding.
5. Once all nails are removed, slide the damaged piece downward to disengage it from the course below.
6. Repeat this process for any additional damaged pieces that need replacement.

Installing New Vinyl Siding

With the damaged sections removed, you’re ready to install the new vinyl siding:

1. Measure the length needed for the replacement piece, adding about an inch for overlap.
2. Cut the new siding to size using tin snips or a utility knife and speed square.
3. Remove about two inches of the nailing strip from one end of the new piece to allow for expansion.
4. Insert the bottom edge of the new siding into the locking channel of the course below. Gently push the new piece upward until it snaps into place.
5. Slide the new piece horizontally to ensure proper overlap with adjacent pieces on both sides.
6. Nail the new siding in place, centering the nails in the slots of the nailing strip. Leave a small gap between the nail head and the siding to allow for movement.

Using a Zip Tool for Final Locking

For the last piece or in tight spaces where you can’t easily snap the siding into place by hand, try this:

1. Position the new siding piece where it needs to go.
2. Use a zip tool to catch the bottom edge of the siding.
3. Pull down gently with the zip tool. At the same time, bend the siding away so that when you push on it, it’ll snap into place.
4. Work your way along the length of the piece, ensuring it’s fully secured.

Tips for a Seamless Repair of Vinyl Siding

Here are more tips to blend new vinyl siding seamlessly with your existing siding:

• Keep your cuts as straight as possible. Use a square or other tool if needed.
• When buying replacement siding, try to match the manufacturer and color as closely as possible to minimize differences in shade or texture.
• If the damage is near the corner, you may need specialized corner pieces. You can order these separately from the same manufacturer to guarantee a match.
• If your siding has faded over time, consider replacing an entire section or using a piece from a less visible area of your house for the repair.
• If you have leftover siding from the initial installation, you can use these sections as patches or take them to the store to check color and texture match.
• Be mindful of the siding’s expansion and contraction needs by not nailing too tightly and leaving appropriate gaps at the ends of pieces.

Dealing With Partial Damage of Vinyl Siding

In some cases, only a portion of a siding panel is damaged. Silva demonstrates how to address this situation, too:

1. Use a utility knife and speed square to cut out the damaged section, ensuring the cut is straight and clean.
2. Cut a replacement patch slightly longer than the removed section.
3. Remove a portion of the nailing strip and locking mechanism from the patch piece so it lays flat.
4. Install the patch using the same method as a full piece, overlapping appropriately with the existing siding.

Maintaining Your Vinyl Siding

Regular maintenance can help prevent damage and extend the life of your vinyl siding:

• Clean your siding once or twice a year using a soft-bristled brush and a mixture of warm water and mild detergent.
• Inspect your siding regularly for signs of damage, loose pieces, or areas that may need attention.
• Trim trees and bushes away from your home to prevent scratching or impact damage during windy conditions.
• Address any issues promptly to prevent water infiltration or further damage to your home’s exterior.