How to Repair Vinyl Siding ‌

An Easy Do-It-Yourself Guide to Repairing Your Siding

It’s inevitable. If you own a home, repairs are going to need to be made, and one part of your home that sometimes gets overlooked is the exterior. It is important to regularly clean your siding with soap and water. Not only will this keep your home’s exterior looking nice – it will give you the opportunity to keep tabs on the condition of your siding.

Your home or business’s vinyl siding will likely grow mold, get dings, and sometimes crack or get holes in it. When that happens, it needs to be repaired so you can prevent structural damage to your home. Here are some ways to repair your vinyl siding without the help of an expert. 

Know Where to Start and When to Call in the Professionals

Before you get started with your home improvement project, take into account your skill set. Do you have some experience with home repairs? Are you savvy enough to tackle this on your own? Do you have the tools you need?

Your next step is to inspect the damaged area. Is it a small hole or a larger one? Is there structural damage to your home, or is it just a hole in the siding?

Getting Help

If you have widespread damage, or if the existing siding has been cracked or broken for a long time, there may be additional structural damage behind the siding from termites or other insects, rodents, or even from mold. You may see warping or twisting of the boards behind the siding or swelling from water damage. 

Another sign to watch for is water stains or peeling paint on the interior of your home. This means you have a serious problem that goes beyond a simple siding repair.

If you see any of these signs or suspect structural damage or a mold problem, call a professional to come out for an inspection. They will not only inspect the siding but can also do a thorough inspection to let you know how big your problem is. They can let you know if it’s a quick fix or if your home needs more extensive repairs. 

Once you’ve determined that the damaged area is something you’re going to do on your own, pick the method that best fits your siding repair needs.

Learn more about the lifespan of your siding by checking out our recent post – The Lifespan of Siding — Just How Long Does Siding Last? 

Fixing a Small Hole in Your Vinyl Siding

Oftentimes, nails or screws will cause small holes in your home’s siding. If the hole is on the smaller side, you can often fill the hole with caulk simply enough. This quick and easy method doesn’t take much time and protects your home from additional damage due to exposure. 

Make sure you have everything you need before starting your project. You’ll need a caulk gun, a tintable or paintable caulk, and a paint scraper.

1.  Fill the hole with the caulk until it is overflowing. 
2. Use the scraper to scrape any excess caulk away, making the caulk flush with the siding. 
3. Allow the caulk to cure. This usually takes a couple of days. Read the directions on your caulk. 
4. If your caulk is tinted the same color as your siding, you’re done. If it is white caulk, you can now paint it to match your house. 

Fixing a Medium Hole in Your Vinyl Siding 

Residential vinyl siding repair doesn’t have to be difficult, even as the holes get larger. You can use a patch kit to seal the hole and keep moisture out, protecting your home from further damage. You’ll need a patch kit, a scraper, a utility knife, and paint. 

1. Cut the patch slightly larger than the hole.
2. Apply the patch over the hole, similar to how you’d apply a screen protector to your phone. Go slow. Start in one corner and push the patch up while smoothing it flat. Try to avoid creases and air bubbles.
3. Paint the patch using exterior paint. It will take 2-4 coats of paint to cover your patch. Make sure to let each coat dry completely before applying the next coat. 

Fixing a Large Hole or Replacing an Entire Panel

Fixing larger holes or entire sections of vinyl is a little more difficult than just filling the holes, but it can be done. It’s a little more time-consuming and intensive but well worth it to protect your home from the mold that is waiting to grow if you let the moisture seep in. 

Ideally, you’ll have some siding left from when you initially had it put on your house. If not, your local siding supplier may have a match.

For this method, you’ll need a zip tool, a replacement piece of siding, roofing nails, a pry bar, a hammer, and a utility knife. 

1. Slide the zip tool under the vinyl to pry up the pieces around the one you are replacing. 
2. Once the damaged piece is loose, remove it from your home. You may need the pry bar to pry the nails out if the nails stay in your house when you remove the piece. 
3. Take the piece of siding that you removed, and use it as a template for the new piece. 
4. Attach the replacement piece to the house using the roofing nails. Leave about 1/3″ between the wall and the nail head to allow for expansion as the weather changes from hot to cold. 

When to Call in the Pros

Now that you know how to repair holes in vinyl siding, it’s time to get started with your home improvement project. If your siding just needs a small repair, there is no reason not to do it yourself, and it can be easy if you follow the simple steps listed above.

But if you have more extensive damage or struggle to get your home repaired in a timely manner, reach out to JET Contracting. Our siding repairs can save you money and allow you to maximize your budget. 

JET Contracting has been working as a vinyl siding replacement, restoration, and repair contractor for over 20 years in the Athens, GA area. Our highly qualified team can assess the damage and determine the best course of action for your repair. We provide quality service at affordable prices and do the job right the first time. 

Contact our professionals today to get your free estimate or for additional information on any of our services, from roofing to siding.