How to Fix Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is a popular material for covering home exteriors. It is easy to maintain, durable, and less expensive to install than materials like brick or wood. Aluminum siding will last a lifetime if you maintain it and make repairs as needed. Over time, it can crack and become dented. The end caps on the corners may also come loose. If you are capable of handling repairs around the house, you can fix your aluminum siding without the expense of hiring a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Locking pliers
• Paintbrush
• Power drill with 1/8-inch bit
• Aluminum nails
• Self-tapping screws (No. 6)
• Clear silicone sealant
• Damp rag
• Fine and medium-grade sandpaper
• Putty knife
• Patching compound
• Exterior paint

Instructions

Patching Aluminum Siding

1. Slice out the damaged section of siding. Use a utility knife to cut a rectangular piece and remove it. You may need to apply pressure and make several cuts over the same place to penetrate the siding. Clean off the exposed insulation with a damp rag.

2. Cut a piece of aluminum siding to match the section you removed, adding 3 inches to each side. Cut off the nailing strip.

3. Apply a bead of silicone sealant on the back of the patch around the perimeter. Affix the patch to the area you cut out by slipping the top ¼ inch of the patch piece under the section of siding above. The patch should snap into place as you press it against the wall. Wipe away any excess sealant that oozed through with a damp rag.

Repairing Damaged End Caps

1. Pry out any damaged aluminum end caps in the corners of the exterior walls; use a pry bar to remove the end caps and any nails.

2. Apply a bead of caulk to the underside of the new end cap.

3. Insert the new end cap in place of the old one, slipping the side edges underneath the adjacent sections. Hammer aluminum nails into the cap to affix it.

Fixing Dents

1. Hammer a self-tapping screw into the dent on the aluminum siding. Use locking pliers to pull the dent out. Drill a few 1/8-inch holes with the power drill into the dent if it is fairly large. This will allow you to get patching compound into the holes.

2. Sand the dent with medium-grade sandpaper until you reach bare aluminum. Apply patching compound over the dent with a putty knife. Let the compound dry and sand it with fine-grade sandpaper.

3. Paint the sanded area with exterior paint to match the color of the siding.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear work gloves to protect your hands when working with aluminum siding.

References

• All Sands: Aluminum Siding Maintenance and Repair
• Better Homes and Gardens: Repairing Aluminum Siding