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How To Repair Siding

Vinyl siding sometimes needs repair because of cracks or punctures, or if it pulls away from the house. If this happens, you will probably need to replace the entire damaged section. These are the items you will need:

- A new section that exactly matches the damaged section
- A special “zipper” that will allow you to separate the panels
- Polyurethane caulking
- A carpenter’s square
- A utility knife
- A pencil
- A backsaw or tin snips

If you replace the vinyl when it’s warm outside, your work will be easier, as the vinyl will be pliable and easier to manipulate. Use the special zipper to unlock the panel above or next to the damaged section. After you lift it up, you can pry out the nails holding the damaged section in place. Use a pencil and a carpenter’s square to mark cutting lines on each side of the damaged area.

Using the cutting lines as a guide, cut along the lines using tin snips or a backsaw. Remove the damaged section when you are finished. Your replacement piece should be two inches longer than the damaged section you removed to allow for a one-inch overlap on each end. If the damaged section ends at a corner or joint, cut the replacement section only one inch longer than the damaged section. The top edge of the new section must be snapped in place and nailed with aluminum box nails. Make sure the nails are long enough to go into the studs one inch. Snap in the other edge with the special zipper.

Wood siding can also be repaired if it is damaged. You will need:

- A chisel
- Waterproof glue
- A screwdriver or hammer
- Screws or nails

Use glue to coat the edges of the cracked board after you have pried both sides of the crack apart slightly. Drive the board into position with nails or screws. If you can see the crack in a visible position, hold the board in place by driving nails just below the board. When the glue has dried, you can remove the nails.

If you must replace a milled board, it may be difficult to find an exact match to the pattern of the original. If you can’t find one, you must take a board from another part of the house that is not as visible as where the damaged board is located, and replace that one later. If this won’t work, you may need to find someone to custom mill the pieces.