How to Patch Vinyl Siding
Repairing or replacing any break in vinyl siding can be somewhat tricky depending on the size of the spot needing repair. You must find a replacement piece, which can often be purchased at a local hardware store. However, the contractor who installed your vinyl siding may have left several spare pieces in your basement or shed. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- 1 box of nails, approximately 1 inch long
- New piece of vinyl siding in matching color
- Utility knife
- Caulk
- Flat pry bar
- Measuring tape
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the damaged patch of vinyl siding and measure the length and height of the spot that needs to be repaired. If you are simply replacing a missing piece of vinyl siding, measure the area that needs replacement.
-
2
Find a piece of matching color vinyl siding at your local store. Take the piece of damaged siding to help you best match up the color and texture. If you do not have a damaged piece and are looking to replace a piece of siding, remove a small piece from another location on the home. Remove a piece by prying the siding off with a flat pry bar, being careful not to damage the siding in the process by ripping it off completely from the installed nails.
-
-
3
Measure and cut a piece of new siding that matches your vinyl siding that is 4 inches longer than needed (2 extra inches on each side). The pieces will overlap on the pre-existing vinyl siding.
-
4
Place the new piece in place to be sure it fits accordingly. Be sure that the top part snaps into place in the grooves that are already on the new piece of vinyl, and the already installed piece of vinyl. Pull the piece back off to prep it for final installation.
-
5
Apply a generous amount of caulk to the edges of the piece, and snap the piece into place with the top grooves. Allow the piece to dry and set for about 24 hours. Next, nail in several small nails to the top part (where the snaps are located) to give it more security.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you can't find the exact vinyl siding you need that matches your current siding, take off a small portion installed on an inconspicuous location on your home -- perhaps an area covered by a bush or other plant. Use that piece on the readily visible location, and then you can install a similar but not exact piece in that area behind the bush or plant since no one will really see it.
