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Fixing Exterior Siding

Siding is your home's skin. If it looks like it needs a house call from a dermatologist, there are some things you can do to fix it.
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Exterior siding can easily work loose, especially around window and door openings.

Siding is the wall covering of boards fastened to an exterior building frame or sheathing. Siding can be made of numerous natural and man-made materials including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Most are either overlapping or interlocking, depending on their design, to keep moisture from easily penetrating the wall sheathing. Brick, stone, and stucco are also used as siding material.

Replace damaged wood siding:
  1. Insert wedges under the course directly above the damaged shingle.
  2. Remove the damaged shingle with a nail puller or other tool, or by cutting it into pieces with a chisel.
  3. Drive in or remove nail heads that will be in the way of installing the new siding.
  4. Install the new shingle, cutting as needed to make sure that it fits snugly.
  5. Use galvanized nails or screws to fasten the new shingle firmly in place.
  6. Recess the screw heads and cover them with weatherproofing caulk.

Fix vinyl siding:

  1. Use an installer's zip tool to unlock siding above the damaged piece. These tools are available at larger hardware and building material stores.
  2. Pry down and slide the tool along the edge to free it.
  3. Insert temporary wedges under the loose siding course.
  4. Remove nails above the damaged section with a nail puller or claw hammer.
  5. Remove the damaged area with snips or a utility knife.
  6. Cut a replacement section 2 inches larger than the damaged piece.
  7. Install the replacement through the top flange, centering it in the opening.
  8. Relock the siding edges with the zip tool.

Fix dented aluminum siding:

  1. Drill a small hole at the center of the dent.
  2. Install a screw partially into the siding to give you something to grip.
  3. Use pliers to pull on the sheet metal screw and pop out the dent.
  4. Remove the screw.
  5. As needed, sandpaper the dent, clean, and fill with automotive body filler.
  6. Once the filler is dry, apply a metal primer.
  7. Paint the surface with two coats of a similar color in an area significantly wider than the dent.

Text by Dan & Judy Ramsey - from "If It's Broke, Fix It!"
Artwork by Dan & Judy Ramsey
Copyright Fix-It Club® © 2004


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