How to Replace Damaged Vinyl Siding | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner repair sections of his vinyl siding that have holes.

Time: 3 hours

Cost: $100

Skill Level: Moderate

Tools List for Replacing Damaged Vinyl Siding:
Hammer
Utility knife
Speed square

Shopping List:
Vinyl siding pieces
Siding nails
Zip tool

Steps:
1. When vinyl siding is first installed, it is nailed through a nailing strip. The bottom of the next course is locked in to the nailing strip of the course below.
2. When replacing siding, try to purchase a piece from the same manufacturer in the same color.
3. Work your hand in to a seam between pieces, then release the siding from the nailing strip.
4. Pull the nails holding the damaged siding and remove the damaged piece.
5. Push the new piece into the nailing strip of the course below.
6. Nail the siding loosely to allow for expansion and contraction.
7. If the whole piece of siding isn’t damaged, the damaged section can be cut away using a utility knife and speed square.
8. Cut the patch long. Remove a piece of the nailing strip and on the back to allow for expansion and contraction.
9. To lock the final piece in place, use a zip tool.

Resources:
Tom uses a zip tool to reinstall vinyl siding, which can be found at the local home center.

Replacement siding can be found at a building products store or a vinyl siding distributor.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Replace Damaged Vinyl Siding | Ask This Old House

[TheMaritimeHorror]

As a millennial homeowner who didn’t have a father growing up, I really appreciate the channel for teaching me these skills. They’ve saved me so much time, money and headache.

[stevew]

These guys have been around for decades….and for a very good reason. They are amazing.

[MHobbs]

This video has been helpful with replacing some vinyl siding after a grilling accident. I remember my dad watching This Old House when I was a kid. I’m 36 now.

[nolansanders]

I’m licensed and insured and I still come to watch this old man get after it

[harriglnola]

This video is exactly what I needed to help my son to repair some damaged vinyl siding at his home. Thanks immensely! Your video could not have come out at a better time for us.

[carlottasmith]

I love this! I had a rock from the lawnmower put a hole in my siding about a year ago. I am a 48 year old 'do it myself' woman and I now feel like I can do this.

[salbahejim]

I've never known how siding is installed and linked together. This was a wonderful demonstration!

[ajjmunoz]

I love how ATOH is incorporating visualizations for concepts. I love seeing how someone does the work but sometimes having a visual representation of a concept is what makes the difference. Thanks to all that help to put these videos out. BTW I'm a happy ATOH charter member, in fact just got my "Silva brothers construction" ATOH t-shirt in the mail today 😊

[chriswrerup]

Thanks guys! The video helped me repair vinyl siding on my condo that I melted with my BBQ!

30 mins watching video. 2 hours to repair three 6' panels. Now I look like a hero!

Thanks!

[monkeyfinger]

Tommy is the bomb man! I have learned so much from this guy and this old house over the years. I am very thankful for this show, Norm, and Tommy who gave me the confidence to tackle construction projects around my house. I have been able to do everything myself since I was a teen because of these guys. May they live forever!

[ricciodrake]

Simple straightforward directions, well done, sir

[wadup]

I loved the illustration at the beginning, instead of just explaining it.... I already knew all of it, but nice to see that demonstration. Find an owner that actually wants to help/learn next time!! He just stood there during the removal.

[sammythestud]

I'm literally about to replace a section of melted siding and this video is a god send. It's my exact type of siding and everything. Thank you guys for making this content

[colliedogboy]

Thank you, thank you!! I have been needing to do this kind of repair to my siding, and I had no idea how to do it! You guys are tops!

[billhampton]

So glad I watched this before I repaired my siding that pulled away from the wall.

[hecr]

Very detailed, thank you for providing these videos!

[tremendousbookreviews]

Just wanted to say Thank you for posting this video. By showing me how to do this myself you saved me $400. A contractor was trying to fleece me. Thank you again!

[mr.raslyon]

I knew it was a simple job, but not that simple....I feel bad leaving that broken siding up now. Off to Home Depot!!

[ashleym]

Thank you! I had a corner piece that had pulled away, so I needed to pull off several pieces to fix it. This gave me the know how I needed, and also explained a random tool I had found in my garage! TOH to the rescue again.

[dalefancher]

Look forward to repairing my blunder. Caught a chuck of siding with my lawnmower and demolished it. I have a spare piece so I will give it a whirl.. Thanks for sharing.