A $5 tool makes the job quick and easy.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
A $5 tool makes the job quick and easy.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Cracked or broken vinyl siding is no reason for despair. A simple $5 tool gets the job done in 15 minutes. This article also includes some useful tips on how to get the best match possible for your original siding.
Vinyl siding is tough but not indestructible. If a falling branch or a well-hit baseball cracked a piece of your siding, don’t fret — replacing vinyl siding is a breeze. You can make it as good as new in about 15 minutes with a zip tool and a replacement piece. It’s as simple as unzipping the damaged piece and snapping in a new one.
The downside of replacing older vinyl siding is that it can be hard to match the style and color, and siding rarely has any identifying marks. The best way to get a replacement piece is to take the broken piece to vinyl siding distributors in your area and find the closest match.
If the old vinyl has faded or you can’t find the right color, take the broken piece to a paint store and have the color matched. Paint the replacement piece with one coat of top-quality acrylic primer followed by acrylic house paint — acrylic paint will flex with the movement of the vinyl.
It’s best to repair vinyl in warm weather. In temperatures below freezing, it becomes less flexible and may crack.