How to Repair Vinyl Siding

Things can happen that cause damage to vinyl siding. The most common are holes from rocks thrown from a lawn mower, a dent from a bird that flies into the side of your house, or a crack. It’s important to take note of the damage and make repairs quickly. Leaving an opening allows water to seep behind the siding and possibly cause extensive damage. You can repair the damage yourself or hire a professional to do the work for you. If the damage is minor, you should feel fairly comfortable making the fix. However, you may want to call a professional if it is a major effort such as loose or fallen siding. 

If your vinyl siding is close to the end of its lifespan, you might consider this opportunity to replace it.  Contact your New Jersey vinyl siding contractor, Allied Roofing Solutions, to get a free siding repair estimate. This article covers the steps in patching siding with minor damage.

Fixing Small Holes 

To repair small holes that are up to 1 inch in diameter, follow these steps:

Step 1: Smooth the Edges

Use the handle of a putty knife to knock down any roughness around the hole gently.

Step 2: De-Gloss the Area

Use 220-grit sandpaper and lightly de-gloss a small area around the hole so the filler adheres properly.

Step 3: Clean the Surface

After de-glossing, wipe the surface clean so it is free from dust or foreign material.

Step 4: Apply Patching Material

Use an exterior filler that is weatherproof, waterproof, mold- and mildew-resistant, and rain-ready in 24 hours. Place the filler into the hole. If the hole is more than ¾ inch deep, apply the filler in two thin layers, letting the first layer dry before applying the second.

Step 5: Smooth the Filler

Dip a plastic putty knife in water and lightly smooth the filler so it is level with the surface of the siding.

Step 6: Let Dry, Then Sand

The patching material needs to dry for two to four hours. Then lightly sand the patched area, starting with 100-grit sandpaper and finishing with 220-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to damage the surrounding vinyl.

Step 7: Prime the Patched Area

Clean the surface with a damp cloth. Then seal the patch with a primer. After it has dried, paint the patched area to match the siding. Make sure to use paint that is appropriate for vinyl siding.

For Large Holes

For large holes that are up to 2 inches in diameter, follow these steps:

Step 1: Use Backer Material

Larger holes need a backer material such as a thin wood strip or scrap of vinyl siding to give the patch a stable surface to adhere to. Insert the backer material into the hole and behind the siding. Glue it in place with a heavy-duty construction adhesive, Then secure it to the sheathing behind the siding with nails or screws.

Step 2: Apply Filler

Use an exterior filler and apply with a plastic putty knife. If the hole is more than ¼ inch deep, apply the filler in two thin layers. Let the first layer dry before applying the second layer. Overfill the repair area slightly.

Step 3: Smooth, Dry, and Prime

Dip the putty knife in water and then lightly smooth the filler. When the filler is dry, lightly sand the patched area, starting with 100-grit sandpaper and finishing with 220-grit sandpaper. Prime the patched area. Paint the area to match the siding, using a paint that is appropriate for vinyl.

Contact Allied Roofing Solutions for Vinyl Siding Repairs in New Jersey

If your vinyl siding is damaged or getting old, contact our professional siding experts at Allied Roofing Solutions. We use only the highest quality products and are fully certified in James Hardie siding. You can have peace of mind that we will do the job right and that your home looks beautiful when we are finished. 

Contact us today to schedule a free estimate siding repair or replacement by calling us at   (201) 773-0633 or completing our easy-to-use contact form. If you live in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, or Somerset County, choose Allied Roofing as your preferred source of quality and trusted siding solutions in New Jersey.