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Repairing Siding On a House: Fix or Replace Vinyl Siding

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated January 7, 2025

Vinyl siding repair is a maintenance task that can be relatively simple. Fixing house siding improves protection against moisture and pests. We’ll show you how to fix a hole in vinyl siding, how to repair a crack and give you tips on replacing vinyl siding panels and corner trim on a house.

A video demonstrating how to fix a hole in siding and how to replace damaged vinyl siding.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Fixing Vinyl Siding as a DIY Project

Fixing siding on a house helps protect the structure and maintains your home’s curb appeal. Many methods of vinyl siding repair are relatively simple if you have do-it-yourself experience, and you save some money when you fix siding on a house yourself. However, there are a few things to think about before you learn how to repair vinyl siding:

  • You need to be comfortable making changes to your home exterior.
  • You’ll need a helper to fix siding on a house.
  • Depending on the location of the siding damage, you must be able to work safely on a ladder. The work may require a ladder for your helper as well. Scaffolding is an alternative that gives you a platform to use as a work area.
  • When replacing vinyl siding panels, match the thickness, width and style to your existing siding.
  • It may be difficult to find a new panel that perfectly matches the color of your existing siding.
  • Your local Lowe’s can color match your existing panel with paint suitable for vinyl siding.
  • Don’t apply dark paint to light-color siding. The darker paint will absorb more heat than the panel is designed to take, causing it to warp.

Tip

You may want to consider using scaffolding instead of ladders. Scaffolding gives you a platform to use as a work area. Lowe’s offers ladder and scaffolding rental in some locations. Check your local store for availability.

Caution

Repairing vinyl siding on a house requires the appropriate safety gear. For example, you’ll need safety glasses and work gloves when using a utility knife. Wear safety glasses, hearing protection and a respirator when cutting with power tools. Follow the safety instructions for your equipment and materials.

Steps for Fixing or Replacing Vinyl Siding

We’ll show you how to repair vinyl siding with the general tips below, but always follow the instructions for the patch material or siding panels that you’re working with.

Caution

If you’re not comfortable with any of the procedures below or with working on a ladder or scaffold, let a pro handle the work.

How to Fix a Hole in Vinyl Siding

A hole in vinyl siding that’s an inch or smaller in diameter is relatively easy to repair with patching or spackling material. Just make sure the material is suitable for vinyl repairs.

Repairing Vinyl Siding Steps: Small Holes

How to Replace Vinyl Siding Panels

If a siding panel has damage that a spackling patch won’t fix, you’ll need to replace the panel. This method is effective for fixing large areas of damage, such as melted siding, and for cracked vinyl siding repair. Measure the damaged panel so you can find the correct replacement.

Good to Know

The steps below show you how to replace a complete or partial panel. Depending on the size of the damage or crack in the vinyl siding, you may be able to modify the steps to cut away only the damaged area and fasten a small patch panel. Keep in mind, however, you’ll be creating additional seams in the siding which will change the look of the façade and interrupt the pattern of the panels.

Repairing Vinyl Siding Steps: Vinyl Panel Replacement

How to Repair Damaged Corner Post Trim

Outside corner post trim covers the outside corners of the house. A nailing fin allows it to fasten to the house and internal J-channels wrap around the ends of the siding panels. You can repair small holes and cracks in the trim using a method like the one we describe above for patching siding, but extensive damage requires replacing the piece.

Good to Know

Replacing a piece of trim is more complex than the previous fixes. Cutting away the damaged part accurately might be difficult since you can’t easily see the internal J-channel. Look at the steps below to see how to do the repair yourself, and if you’re not comfortable doing the work, hire a professional.

Vinyl Siding Repair Steps: Corner Post Replacement

Good to Know

Need a new, full siding installation for your home? Lowe’s offers siding installation in some areas. We can handle other exterior home projects as well. Take a look at all of Lowe’s Installation Services.