How To Replace Siding On A House [Step By Step Guide]

Damaged house siding can look unsightly. Now, you’re looking at it, wondering what you need to do to replace the wrecked part. We researched this concern for you to give you the following answer.

The exact steps to replace the siding on the house often differ depending on the material. For instance, the procedure to replace damaged vinyl siding might have some unique steps or tools that you would not find in a wood or steel siding replacement job.

So continue reading as we tackle different step-by-step methods to replace house sidings made from various materials. We'll cover step-by-step procedures for replacing a piece (or section) of vinyl, wood, and steel sidings.

What To Do First Before Starting Home Renovations?

Close up of exterior suburb house siding repair of missing blue wood shingles under construction remodeling

It’s safe to say that relatively any home renovation project should have proper safety measures in place. Some of the protocols to follow are:

  • Only use sturdy stepladders. If you see bends or other signs of harm on your stepladder, dispose of it properly and use a more durable model.
  • Allow another person to hold the stepladder at its base. Provide extra safety as you’re working on your siding by letting the other individual secure the ladder as you climb and go down.
  • Always wear the right safety gear. Protect yourself by wearing protective goggles, gloves, respirators, and other safety equipment.
  • Ensure that all tools are in good working condition. Signs of harm to a particular tool may reduce its efficacy and promote risks of on-site accidents and injuries.
  • Bring a well-stocked first-aid kit to the job site. Remember, accidents and injuries can still occur while working on your home renovation project.

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How Do You Replace A Bad Piece Of Vinyl Siding?

Close up look at vinyl siding on a new home.

It’s best to purchase vinyl siding with the same color and manufacturer as the damaged unit. Otherwise, the replacement unit’s look may not fit with the rest of your home’s exterior theme.

After purchasing the correct vinyl siding piece(s), continue this process by following these steps:

What You’ll Need

  • Hammer
  • Nail
  • Replacement vinyl siding strip(s)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step #1: Remove The Bad Vinyl Siding

Stick one of your hands into the gap at the end of the bad vinyl siding panel and pull it out of the exterior wall slightly. Then, use your other hand and slide it at the bottom of the bad panel. Doing so should help release the bad panel from the exterior wall.

With the siding loose, use the claw part of the hammer to remove the nails securing it. Next, push the bad vinyl siding down to remove it from the wall.

You can repeat this step as many times as needed, particularly if you need to remove multiple pieces of bad vinyl siding.

Step #2: Install A New Vinyl Siding Strip

A worker installs panels beige siding on the facade of the house - How To Replace Siding On A House [Step By Step Guide]

Align the new vinyl siding with its adjacent strips. If you’re installing a siding that comes from the same manufacturer, the new unit should snap in place with the other strips easily. Once it snaps in place, slide the new strip to the left or right to connect it to its adjacent siding.

Next, secure the new vinyl siding strip by nailing it to the exterior wall. Ensure that you pull the strip up slightly for this step. Also, the nail should be at the center of the provided hole. The nail must not also be flush against the exterior wall to allow the vinyl material to expand and contract safely.

Again, repeat this step if you need to install multiple pieces of new vinyl siding strips for your house.

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You can also watch the video below for a visual guide to the steps mentioned above:

Also, read our post on how to match new vinyl siding with old if you’re having trouble searching for replacement strips for this replacement job.

How Do You Replace Bad Wood Siding?

Old wooden wall background

Like replacing vinyl siding, ensure that the replacement wooden siding matches the other wood panels on your house’s exterior wall. Otherwise, the newly installed unit will have a look and feel that’s different from the rest, making it stick out like a sore thumb.

Once you purchase the correct wood material for your replacement siding, continue this task by following these steps:

What You’ll Need

  • Razor blade
  • Utility knife
  • Crowbar
  • Siding remover tool
  • Metal ruler
  • Circular saw
  • Replacement wood siding
  • Nail gun
  • Nails

Step-by-Step Guide

Step #1: Remove The Bad Wood Siding

Run a utility knife or razor blade at the bottom of the bad siding panel to remove the caulk. Then, insert a crowbar or another similar tool underneath the damaged panel. Tilt and move your way from one end of the siding to an unharmed point on the panel to loosen it from the wall.

You’ll know if you can remove the bad panel if you can wiggle it significantly. If so, pull it down to remove it.

Once you arrive at the point that you don’t need to remove, insert your crowbar into the newly formed gap. Doing so should prevent the loose board from returning to the wall.

Next, mark the point where the bad portion ends with a pen, pencil, or marker. Place a metal ruler next to that marked area, and use that tool as a guide when you cut the piece with a circular saw.

Step #2: Prepare The New Siding

Measure the piece that you removed from the exterior wall. Then, place a new wood siding panel on top of your saw horse or workbench. Cut the new unit with the same dimensions as the removed piece.

Step #3: Install The New Siding

Insert the new siding panel into the location where you removed the old piece. You can slide it upward, which should set it into place. Secure the installation by nailing it to the siding above.

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Check out the video below to see a visual representation of this procedure:

If you want to replace your entire house’s entire wood siding, read our post on 11 awesome exterior wood siding ideas to help finalize your decision.

How Do You Replace Damaged Steel Siding?

Construction of the roof of the house. Siding

Some steel siding manufacturers make it reasonably easy for their customers to replace bad or worn panels. The following steps show one way to replace damaged steel siding:

What You’ll Need

  • Siding remover tool
  • Utility knife
  • Snips
  • Circular saw

Step-by-Step Guide

Step #1: Remove The Bad Steel Siding

Insert the siding remover tool underneath the bad panel. Next, slide the tool by scoring the bottom of the panel to loosen the board.

Once you get to the center of the bad board, pull the siding tool. Doing so should also pop the fasteners that secure the panel loosening it.

Then, use a utility knife to cut the top of the bad steel siding panel. If you can wiggle the board fairly well, cut it into small pieces by using the snips. Next, pull the small metal pieces out of the exterior wall and dispose of them properly.

Step #2: Install The New Steel Siding Panel

Cut the replacement steel panel to the correct size. Next, place it onto the flange of an adjacent board on the wall. You should hear audible clicks to indicate that the new piece is in place.

If you need to make adjustments to the size, draw a line on the newly placed panel with a pencil. Remove it from the assembly and place it on a flat surface. Next, run your utility knife over the line until you can cut the excess portion.

Keep in mind that you can only do those adjustments if the panel is larger than intended. If the new siding is smaller than expected, you may need to use a new piece for the installation.

This video shows you a visual representation of this process:

How Expensive Would It Be To Replace Siding On A House?

The overall cost to replace siding on a house often depends on multiple factors. These elements typically include:

  • House shape and size
  • Materials to use
  • Job difficulty
  • Current season

Apart from these factors, the property’s location also plays a role in affecting the fees associated with professional siding replacement jobs. For instance, if you live in Boston, MA, prepare to spend around $840 for the procedure. On the other hand, property owners in Miami, FL, often need to spend approximately $1,175 to replace siding on their homes.

Final Thoughts

Remember to check your siding’s material before you start the replacement process. Then, buy the correct replacement unit to prevent compatibility and consistency issues. If done correctly, you can experience peace of mind, knowing that the new siding panel fits your home’s visual and functional appeal.

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