- Working time: 1 hour
- Total time: 4 hours
- Skill level: Beginner
- Project cost: Less than $50
Patching vinyl siding is a fairly simple task with a little know-how. The length and cost of vinyl siding repair depends on the scope of the damaged siding. Small holes typically just need color-matching caulk and a couple of tools. Larger vinyl siding patches will require more material and a few more tools. You can repair vinyl siding in a day, but beware, you also need the caulk to set for a day.
Featured Partner
1
Angi
Task Type
Siding
Estimation Fee
None, Free Estimates
Response Time
Excellent
When to Patch Vinyl Siding
Since vinyl siding tends to expand and contract, it’s best to patch any vinyl siding holes in warm weather to prevent any cracks that may occur in colder weather. It’s important to repair any holes in vinyl siding because water can seep through and damage the wood behind it. Replacing vinyl siding and that damaged wood is expensive and typically requires a pro.
Safety Considerations
Large holes and vinyl siding patches will require the use of tin snips or a circular saw in order to cut the new piece to length, so be sure to wear safety goggles when using a circular saw and gloves when cutting. Also, if the vinyl siding hole is out of reach, you’ll need a ladder, so if you’re using one, do so safely and cautiously.
Tools
- Tin snips
- Zip tool
- Ladder
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife
Materials
- Caulk
- Foil tape
- Replacement siding
- Construction adhesive
- Exterior paint that matches siding color
How to Fix Small Vinyl Siding Hole
1. Clean Damaged Area and Spread Caulk to Cover the Hole
Be sure to prep the damaged area by cleaning it with a sponge, soap and water. Let it dry for two hours before you begin caulking the area. You’ll want to find a caulk that matches the siding color or some paintable caulk to fill the vinyl siding hole. Use a caulk gun to spread an even patch.
2. Let Caulk Dry
Caulk can take a day or more to dry, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how long to let the caulk dry.
3. Trim Caulk
If you have uneven patches of caulk or some excess caulk, you’ll want to trim it with a scraper or utility knife, so it’s flush with the siding. If you’ve chosen to use a paintable caulk, you’ll want to paint it with a color that matches the siding.
How to Fix Medium-Sized Vinyl Siding Hole
1. Unlock Damaged Siding
You’ll need a zip tool from a home improvement store to unlock the damaged siding. A zip tool typically costs around $10. Use the zip tool by pulling it down and out to unhook the bottom lip, then slide it along the edge and pull the siding out as you move along the edge.
Then, using a pry bar, remove any nails that have fastened the siding into place.
2. Place Foil Tape and Place Siding
Add some foil tape over the siding hole on the back of the siding. Once in place, lock the piece of siding back in.
3. Apply Caulk
Use a caulk gun to apply an even layer of caulk over the exposed foil tape. If you’ve purchased a paintable caulk, paint the caulk a matching color after letting it dry.
How to Fix a Large Vinyl Siding Hole
1. Find Replacement Siding
Oftentimes homeowners will have additional siding around that they can use for vinyl siding repairs. But, if not, try a home improvement store or a siding supplier.
2. Cut Replacement Siding
Don’t cut the replacement siding piece to length. Instead, leave a little extra siding.
3. Trim Off Nailing Strip
You’ll want to remove the top nailing strip on the replacement siding because you attach it later with construction adhesive.
4. Add Replacement Siding Piece
Place the replacement siding piece over the damaged piece and trim to fit, if needed. Once in place, apply construction adhesive to the new piece and let it set.
When to Call a Pro
As you start patching vinyl siding, it’s important to take a look at the wood underneath it. Look for any moisture, mold or mildew because that will signal a bigger problem that will require a pro to fix. Any major type of siding project will require a pro if you’re not an experienced DIYer.
