Small Repairs

• You can patch small holes in out-of-the-way locations by marking out a rectangular section that includes the hole and replacing this damaged section with a new matching piece. If color matching is an issue, you may wish to cut the patch from an inconspicuous location and replace it with a near match where the repair will be less likely to be noticed. If you had the foresight to keep extra pieces from the initial install, color correct patching will be easier.
  
  

Suggested Tools

• Use a utility knife, straight edge, tin snips, zip tool and claw hammer to cut, remove and replace small pieces of siding or entire panels where necessary. Vinyl siding has locking channels along the top and bottom and a nailing hem at the top edge of each panel. If you are removing an entire panel you will need the assistance of a helper to manage the eight-foot-long pieces. Leather gloves are essential to avoid cuts to your hands.
  
  

Repair Instructions

• Cut the siding using a straight edge and utility knife. Cut the upper nailing hem and bottom locking channel with tin snips and pull the bottom edge free. Insert the zip tool under the locking channels and pull the tool down and out as you slide it along the joint. Pull the nails from the nailing hem to free the panel. For patching smaller areas, cut a section three-to-four inches longer than the damaged section. Slide the new piece into position and nail and lock it into place.
  
  

Weather Conditions

• Repair or replace vinyl siding on a calm, warm day. Cold weather will cause splitting and breaking as the vinyl becomes brittle. Hot weather is uncomfortable to work in and may soften your siding to the point that it is difficult to handle. Windy weather can pull an eight-foot piece of siding right out of your hands and make working up on a ladder or rooftop a dangerous endeavor.
  
  

Further Tips

• Nail siding pieces to within 1/16-to-1/32 inch of the siding flange. Tighter installation will not allow the vinyl to expand and contract with changing temperatures. Looser nailing may cause your siding to rattle in windy weather. Hammer nails into the center of the nail slots provided on the nailing hem. This will allow for lateral movement and prevent buckling from occurring along the length of the siding panel. Siding should be allowed to hang loose and not be butted too tightly against successive rows of paneling. You want a flat, uniform profile on the wall.