If you can’t find tinted caulk, use a vinyl caulk that can be painted. When the caulk is dry, you can paint it to match the vinyl siding. [1] X Research source
Use a damp rag to wipe over the caulk to ensure it is flush with the surface of the vinyl. Try to get the tip of your caulk gun as deeply in the hole as possible. Aim to fill the entire hole and the surrounding behind-panel area with caulk.
Fresh coats of paint generally stand out next to older coats. Make this difference less noticeable by painting the entire repaired side or segment.
Zip tools are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware stores and home centers. If your panel was damaged around the nail strip fastening it in place, you’ll need to remove the nails before the segment will come free.
Cut off any overhanging vinyl. Your replacement patch should be the same height as the removed segment, but 2 inches (5. 1 cm) wider on either side.
The snap flange is the curved lip at the bottom of the replacement panel. This part will connect to the panel below the replacement with your zip tool later.
Some brands of caulk may dry faster than others. Check the label directions to find out how long you’ll need to wait for your caulk to dry.
Panels should be unzipped a little bit at a time. Unzipping panels will open access to the nails holding the damaged panel in place. You may need to unzip the panels above and below the damaged one to fully gain access to nails. [9] X Research source If you’re removing multiple panels, work from the top down. You’ll need to put a little pressure on the bottom part to release it from the next section. [10] X Expert Source Jacob PischerHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 4 September 2020.
Only bend panels enough to gain access to the nails fastening the damaged panel to the side of your house. Avoid working on vinyl siding in cold weather, especially if it’s below freezing. Vinyl will become brittle and more prone to cracking at low temperatures. [12] X Research source
The roofing flange will have sturdy holes where nails are supposed to connect the panel to the house. [13] X Research source If you took off more than one panel, replace them from the bottom up—the opposite of how you took them off. [14] X Expert Source Jacob PischerHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 4 September 2020.
