How To Replace Vinyl Siding (DIY) | Family Handyman

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A Full Guide to Replacing Vinyl Siding

Total Time:15 minutesComplexity:BeginnerCost:$10 plus the cost of replacement siding

By Laurie M Nichols

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Dec. 18, 2024

Easily replace damaged vinyl siding with these simple step-by-step instructions for a seamless repair.

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Time

15 minutes

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$10 plus the cost of replacement siding

Introduction

Easily replace damaged vinyl siding with these simple step-by-step instructions for a seamless repair.

Vinyl siding is tough and durable, but it’s not indestructible. If a falling branch or a well-hit baseball cracked a piece of your siding, don’t fret — replacing vinyl siding is a breeze. You can make it as good as new in about 15 minutes with a zip tool and a replacement piece of siding. “A siding zip tool is essential for unlocking and relocking pieces of vinyl siding. It allows you to remove damaged pieces without causing further harm and reattach new siding seamlessly,” Robert Croteau of Adam Quenneville Roofing and Siding says.

It’s as simple as unzipping the damaged piece and snapping in a new one. However, it can be challenging to match the style and color of your existing siding. Take the broken piece to a local vinyl distributor for the closest option. Ahead, find a comprehensive how-to guide to replacing damaged vinyl siding with help from Croteau and Dustin Luby from The Home Menders.

What Causes Vinyl Siding Damage?

Weather and sunlight are common causes of vinyl siding damage. The sun causes fading over time and can even warp or melt siding if reflected off of windows. Weather events like hurricanes and tornados can blow debris into siding, causing holes and cracks or even lifting siding away from the house.

Vinyl siding is durable but can be brittle. Any direct impact on its surface has the potential to cause damage. For example, trimming grass too close to vinyl siding with a line trimmer can damage it. Vinyl siding near driveways and garages can also be damaged by accidental vehicle collisions.

Additionally, Luby cautions that placing grills too close to vinyl siding can cause the material to melt or warp due to the heat.

Signs of Vinyl Siding Damage

Whatever the cause, “warping, discoloration and visible cracks,” Luby says, are tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace vinyl siding.

Tools Required

• Flat pry bar
• Hammer
• Vinyl siding zip tool

Materials Required

• 1-1/4-in.Roofing nails
• Replacement vinyl siding

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Unzip damaged siding

To begin replacing vinyl siding, “remove the damaged piece and surrounding areas if needed,” Luby says.

• Starting at one end of the damaged piece, push the end of the zip siding removal tool up under the siding until you feel it hook the bottom lip.
• Slide the zip tool along the bottom edge to release the vinyl siding from the piece below it.
• Pull the zip tool downward and out to unhook the bottom lip, then slide it along the edge, pulling the siding out as you go.
• Then unzip any pieces above the damaged piece.

Pro tip: Repair vinyl in warm weather. In temperatures below freezing, it becomes less flexible and may crack.

Step 2

Remove nails

• Slip a flat bar behind the vinyl siding and lever out the nails.

Pro tip: Hold any pieces above the damaged piece out of the way with your elbow while you pry out the nails that hold the damaged piece in place.

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Install new siding

“Before installing the replacement piece, check for any damage to the sheathing or house wrap underneath. Addressing these problems now can prevent bigger issues later,” Croteau says.

• Slide the replacement piece up into place, pushing up until the lower lip locks into the piece below it.
• Drive 1-1/4-in. roofing nails through the nailing flange. Space them about every 16 inches (near the old nail holes).
• Nail in the center of the nailing slot and leave about 1/32 inch of space between the nail head and the siding, so the vinyl can move freely.
  • Pro tip: Don’t nail the heads tightly, or the siding will buckle when it warms up.

Step 4

Zip the siding to the piece above

• With the new piece nailed, use the zip tool to lock the upper piece down over it.
• Start at one end and pull the lip down, twisting the siding removal tool slightly to force the leading edge down.
• Slide the zip tool along, pushing in on the vinyl just behind the siding removal tool with your other hand, so it snaps into place.

FAQ

How long does vinyl siding last?

“Vinyl siding typically lasts 20–40 years, depending on factors like climate, maintenance and the quality of the siding,” Croteau says. “Proper cleaning and care can extend its lifespan significantly.”

Can vinyl siding be painted?

“While it’s possible to paint vinyl siding, it’s generally not recommended,” Croteau says. Not only can painting void the manufacturer’s warranty, but the siding will now need regular maintenance as the paint cracks, peels or fades over time. “Replacing the siding or using professional-grade cleaning products to refresh its appearance is often a better long-term solution,” Croteau says.

If you choose to paint your vinyl siding, take the broken piece to a paint store and have the color matched. Paint the replacement piece with one coat of top-quality acrylic primer followed by acrylic house paint — acrylic paint will flex with the movement of the vinyl. Do not use a dark paint color, as this can cause vinyl siding to warp due to heat absorption.

Step 5

About the Experts

• Dustin Luby is a contractor and owner of The Home Menders, a home improvement company in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name, offering home improvement tutorials to his 150,000 subscribers.
• Robert Croteau is Director of Sales and Financing at Adam Quenneville Roofing and Siding, a full-service residential and commercial exterior improvement company in Western Massachusetts.