Whether a stray golf ball recently hit your home or a major hail storm struck the area, you may have damaged vinyl siding. Luckily, holes in vinyl siding only require simple, relatively affordable repairs.
Below, our highly trained and experienced team from Nelson Contracting in Lincoln and Omaha, NE, discusses what you need to know about fixing vinyl siding holes. Repairing vinyl siding damage correctly requires knowledge in the field, so we recommend calling our team for a free inspection before attempting any DIY fixes. Give us a call at (402) 464-2418 to schedule your free consultation.
Safety Considerations First
While vinyl siding patching may seem like a simple job, it still involves dangerous tools and materials. Professionals must use a ladder to access high points of the home, and in most cases, the caulking requires trimming with power tools. Anyone attempting to conduct a vinyl siding repair should be trained in the following:
- All caulking materials
- Siding repairs
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ladder safety
Even if you understand how to complete a simple patchwork job inside your home, you must remember that exterior siding works differently. One minor gap or pinhole in the patch job can result in moisture leaks, mold, and major problems over time. Ultimately, you should leave the work to siding professionals.
Small vs. Medium vs. Large Holes
Before repairing any holes in vinyl siding, the first step typically involves assessing the size of the damage. Small holes can be patched with caulking, while medium or larger holes require an entire board replacement. Again, this is why you must seek a professional inspection before attempting to caulk a hole that should be replaced instead.
Patching Small Holes
The process for patching small holes is relatively simple. Here are the steps your siding repair team will complete:
1. Clean the Area
First, the damaged area must be thoroughly cleaned; otherwise, the caulking will not properly adhere. Professionals typically use a simple water and soap treatment to remove debris and dirt, then wait for the area to fully dry before proceeding to the next step.
2. Apply Caulk
Next, the caulk will be applied inside the hole until it overflows. Caulk selection is crucial, as it must be waterproof and suitable for outdoor applications. Your siding team may choose a color-matched caulking or a paintable caulk that they can cover with your siding’s paint after the fact.
Immediately after applying the caulking, any excess is wiped away until the surface is flat.
3. Allow the Caulk To Dry
When fixing holes in vinyl siding, the caulk must dry for an extended period per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Your repair team cannot do additional painting or sanding until the caulking dries.
4. Trim the Caulk and Paint
Once dried, the repair team can sand and trim down the caulking until it’s perfectly flushed with the wall. At this point, you should hardly be able to see where the hole used to be.
If your team chose a color-matched caulking, the job will be complete at this point. If you went with a paintable caulk, they must paint over it with your siding color to finish the look.
Schedule Professional Repairs for Your Vinyl Siding Holes Today
Now that you know more about fixing holes in vinyl siding, you can call our team the next time your home needs repairs or vinyl siding maintenance. We have over 20 years of experience providing high-quality, fast repairs for homes in and around Lincoln and Omaha, NE. Our top brands include Ply Gem, Norandex, and CertainTeed. Call Nelson Contracting today at (402) 464-2418 to answer your questions and schedule a top-notch repair.
