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Home and Garden
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Walls and Ceilings
Siding
How to Remove Vinyl Siding Download Article Co-authored by Jacob Pischer
Last Updated: February 24, 2025
Download Article
Setting Up Your Work Area
|
Detaching Pieces of Vinyl Siding
|
Finishing the Process
|
Expert Q&A
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Jacob Pischer. Jacob Pischer is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Helpful Badger, a home repair service in Portland, OR. With over four years of experience, Jacob specializes in a variety of handyman services including pressure washing, cleaning gutters, repairing drywall, fixing leaky plumbing fixtures, and repairing broken doors. Jacob studied at Madison Area Technical College and has a background in real estate investment. This article has been viewed 142,885 times.
When your vinyl siding has become warped or damaged, it’s time to pull it off and revive the exterior of your house. There are many reasons why it may become necessary to remove, or replace, your exterior vinyl siding. The good news is that, with the right knowledge, the right tools, and a bit of time and energy, the removal of your vinyl siding is a simple project.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Setting Up Your Work Area
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1 Clear obstacles and clutter. Remove any obstacles or ground debris that may interfere with the proper use of a ladder. Move lawn furniture, potted plants, toys, sticks, and rocks away from where you’re working. Make sure there is a stable spot for the ladder to be set up.
2 Designate a large area to pile the pieces of vinyl siding. If the siding is still in good condition, lay a tarp our to keep the siding clean. If you are going to throw it away, or recycle it, park a truck nearby, so you can throw the siding directly into it for removal from your property.
However you decide to pile the siding up, pieces are often 10-12 feet long, so make sure you have a large enough space. If you’re taking off a whole wall of siding, it will take up more space than you might think.
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3 Set up a ladder if you need one. Find a stable piece of ground to set up a ladder on. Make sure it reaches to the highest piece of vinyl siding that you need to remove. If the ladder is the type that leans against the house, make sure to place it at a 45-degree angle for the most stable setup.[1]XResearch source
When working on a ladder, it’s always good to have a partner standing by to help you balance.
If you are only removing one piece of siding and you can reach it from the ground, a ladder is not necessary. If you are removing an entire wall, it’s best to start removing the siding from the top because of how the pieces are connected.[2]X Expert Source Jacob PischerHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview
4 Set a bucket nearby for nails. Vinyl siding is held on by hundreds of nails, which you’ll be removing along the way. Make sure to have a trash bucket of some kind close to your work area so you can throw all of the nails in it as you go.
Nail puller pliers are a useful tool for easily removing siding nails.
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Detaching Pieces of Vinyl Siding
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1 Use a zip tool to disconnect two pieces of siding. Zip tools disconnect a higher piece from a lower piece. Reveal the nails anchoring a piece to the wall by sticking the zip tool under the bottom of the piece above it. To remove a piece at your eye level, slide the zip tool under the piece above that one.[3]XResearch source
If you don’t have a zip tool, buy one at a hardware store. It should cost around $5 and is perfect for removing the siding.
You can also get a tool made specifically for removing siding, called a siding removal tool, for around the same price.
The top piece will have a piece of channel, rather than another piece of siding, covering its nails. You may have to remove this top piece of channel to remove the top piece of siding.
2 Slide the tool sideways and pry upward. Slide the tool about six inches (15 cm) from where you inserted it and pry it upwards. Then slide it a bit farther and pry again. Continue this process going back and forth between sliding and prying until the entire length of the piece of siding is unhooked from the piece below it.[4]XResearch source
Once the higher piece is unhooked from the lower piece, lift the higher piece up and look under it. You’ll see the nails which anchor the lower piece to the wall.
3 Remove the anchoring nails. Use a crowbar, flat bar, or a claw hammer to pull all of the exposed nails from the piece of siding. Work methodically from left to right, taking care not to skip any nails. If you happen to miss a nail, the piece of siding will not come off of the house.
A flat bar is the easiest tool to use because its shape works better than a hammer when removing siding. Find a flat bar at a hardware or home improvement store, or some big-box stores.
4 Push the siding downward to remove it from the piece below it. After you remove the nails from the top of the piece of siding, it is still hooked to the piece below it. Place the palms of your hands on the siding and apply downward pressure until the piece pops free.[5]X Expert Source Jacob PischerHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview
If the piece still seems attached to the wall, gently pull it outward so it comes free of the channel holding it in place at the end of the wall.
If the siding is hard to remove, try tapping it with the palm of your hand. If it remains stuck, double check to see if you have overlooked any nails.
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Finishing the Process
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1 Check the ground for nails when you’re finished. If you removed a whole wall of siding, it’s likely you dropped at least a couple of nails. Carefully scan the area you’ve been working in to locate any lost nails. They pose a danger to feet and lawnmowers if left in the yard. It’s a good idea to use a lawn magnet, which easily picks up nails you can’t see.
Dump the nails in a garbage container or keep them for use later on. Don’t put them in a trash bag to transport them, as they’ll rip the bag and spill.
2 Dispose of the siding. You’ll have more siding than you can realistically throw away in your regular garbage. You’ll need to schedule a large item pickup with your trash company or take the siding somewhere on your own. You may be able to recycle it. If the siding is in good shape, you may be able to sell it for secondhand use.
3 Replace removed siding as soon as possible. Most of the time if your house has siding, the area of wall you uncover is not meant to be exposed to the elements. Hang new vinyl siding, or some other type of siding, as soon as possible to avoid damage to the exterior wall of your house.
If you only remove one piece, you might be able to cover the area with a tarp to protect it until you replace the piece. Measure the area you uncovered so you know what size replacement piece you need.
Don’t leave exterior walls exposed for long periods of time or you risk damage to your house.
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Expert Q&A
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Question Is it possible to repair vinyl siding instead of removing and replacing it? Jacob Pischer Home Improvement Specialist Jacob Pischer is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Helpful Badger, a home repair service in Portland, OR. With over four years of experience, Jacob specializes in a variety of handyman services including pressure washing, cleaning gutters, repairing drywall, fixing leaky plumbing fixtures, and repairing broken doors. Jacob studied at Madison Area Technical College and has a background in real estate investment. Jacob Pischer Home Improvement Specialist Expert Answer There's not really a way to repair vinyl siding. You'll need to remove and replace it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
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↑ Jacob Pischer. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: Jacob Pischer Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Jacob Pischer. Jacob Pischer is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Helpful Badger, a home repair service in Portland, OR. With over four years of experience, Jacob specializes in a variety of handyman services including pressure washing, cleaning gutters, repairing drywall, fixing leaky plumbing fixtures, and repairing broken doors. Jacob studied at Madison Area Technical College and has a background in real estate investment. This article has been viewed 142,885 times. 23 votes - 75% Co-authors: 14Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 142,885 Categories: SidingArticle SummaryX
Removing vinyl siding is relatively straightforward if you have the right tools and a bit of time to commit to the project. First, you’ll need to set up a sturdy ladder to help you reach the siding. It also helps to set out a large bucket on the ground you can drop nails into. When you're ready to start, slide a zip tool sideways underneath a piece of siding, then pry upwards. Once you've pulled the piece up, you can use a crowbar or a claw hammer to remove the anchoring nails. After you've removed the nails, pull the siding piece downwards to remove it from the piece above it. If you don’t have a zip tool, you can also use a siding removal tool. Make sure to check the ground for nails when you’re finished so you don't hurt yourself. To learn how to set up your work area, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Char Shelton
Oct 21, 2017
"This helped with the removal of my siding. I am reusing the siding and this info has helped me remove it without tearing the siding up! Thank you."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Jacob Pischer Home Improvement Specialist 23 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 14Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 142,885
Char Shelton
Oct 21, 2017
"This helped with the removal of my siding. I am reusing the siding and this info has helped me remove it without tearing the siding up! Thank you."..." more
Terry Thomas
Jun 2, 2016
"Needed to know how to get my siding off my mobile home. This article helped. "
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Co-authored by: Jacob Pischer Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Jacob Pischer. Jacob Pischer is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Helpful Badger, a home repair service in Portland, OR. With over four years of experience, Jacob specializes in a variety of handyman services including pressure washing, cleaning gutters, repairing drywall, fixing leaky plumbing fixtures, and repairing broken doors. Jacob studied at Madison Area Technical College and has a background in real estate investment. This article has been viewed 142,885 times. 23 votes - 75% Co-authors: 14 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 142,885 Categories: Siding Article SummaryX
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1 Clear obstacles and clutter. Remove any obstacles or ground debris that may interfere with the proper use of a ladder. Move lawn furniture, potted plants, toys, sticks, and rocks away from where you’re working. Make sure there is a stable spot for the ladder to be set up. 
2 Designate a large area to pile the pieces of vinyl siding. If the siding is still in good condition, lay a tarp our to keep the siding clean. If you are going to throw it away, or recycle it, park a truck nearby, so you can throw the siding directly into it for removal from your property. 
3 Set up a ladder if you need one. Find a stable piece of ground to set up a ladder on. Make sure it reaches to the highest piece of vinyl siding that you need to remove. If the ladder is the type that leans against the house, make sure to place it at a 45-degree angle for the most stable setup.[1] 
4 Set a bucket nearby for nails. Vinyl siding is held on by hundreds of nails, which you’ll be removing along the way. Make sure to have a trash bucket of some kind close to your work area so you can throw all of the nails in it as you go. 
1 Use a zip tool to disconnect two pieces of siding. Zip tools disconnect a higher piece from a lower piece. Reveal the nails anchoring a piece to the wall by sticking the zip tool under the bottom of the piece above it. To remove a piece at your eye level, slide the zip tool under the piece above that one.[3] 
2 Slide the tool sideways and pry upward. Slide the tool about six inches (15 cm) from where you inserted it and pry it upwards. Then slide it a bit farther and pry again. Continue this process going back and forth between sliding and prying until the entire length of the piece of siding is unhooked from the piece below it.[4] 
3 Remove the anchoring nails. Use a crowbar, flat bar, or a claw hammer to pull all of the exposed nails from the piece of siding. Work methodically from left to right, taking care not to skip any nails. If you happen to miss a nail, the piece of siding will not come off of the house. 
4 Push the siding downward to remove it from the piece below it. After you remove the nails from the top of the piece of siding, it is still hooked to the piece below it. Place the palms of your hands on the siding and apply downward pressure until the piece pops free.[5] 
1 Check the ground for nails when you’re finished. If you removed a whole wall of siding, it’s likely you dropped at least a couple of nails. Carefully scan the area you’ve been working in to locate any lost nails. They pose a danger to feet and lawnmowers if left in the yard. It’s a good idea to use a lawn magnet, which easily picks up nails you can’t see. 
2 Dispose of the siding. You’ll have more siding than you can realistically throw away in your regular garbage. You’ll need to schedule a large item pickup with your trash company or take the siding somewhere on your own. You may be able to recycle it. If the siding is in good shape, you may be able to sell it for secondhand use. 
3 Replace removed siding as soon as possible. Most of the time if your house has siding, the area of wall you uncover is not meant to be exposed to the elements. Hang new vinyl siding, or some other type of siding, as soon as possible to avoid damage to the exterior wall of your house. 
Jacob Pischer Home Improvement Specialist Jacob Pischer is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Helpful Badger, a home repair service in Portland, OR. With over four years of experience, Jacob specializes in a variety of handyman services including pressure washing, cleaning gutters, repairing drywall, fixing leaky plumbing fixtures, and repairing broken doors. Jacob studied at Madison Area Technical College and has a background in real estate investment.