How to repair damaged vinyl siding

[@sonnyblazer5504]

That was very good cuz it was *REAL WORLD - CANDID* ! Thanks!

[@sidingschool]

No problem! Trying to keep it somewhat real. 🤙🏼

[@OldSchoolLFCGeezer]

Hi Brandon ~ I previously posted this in your "how to identify" video, but, later, I thought that it might be more useful to others to put in your repair video, so here goes ... It took a while for the weather to cooperate, but I finally managed to remove the vinyl siding I damaged. After employing the numbers I found printed on the damaged siding to purchase replacement siding, I discovered that the damaged rigid foam board - underneath the vinyl siding - is practically impossible to find. To clarify, there is silver foil-backed foam board over the plywood and under the vinyl siding on our house. It seems to be very unusual because it is thinner than 0.5 inches and thicker than 0.25 inches. Specifically, I measured it with a known reliable micrometer at about 0.35 inches. Considering that 3/8 inches is 0.375 inches, this is a very unusual thickness. The point is that I can't find this Viking brand EPS (white styrofoam) rigid foam board, so I was wondering if you've ever run into this problem? I'd also like to know what kind of nails you recommend for installing vinyl siding? The ones I removed to take down the damaged pieces are very fragile. Thank you very much any help with this.

[@sidingschool]

It sounds like you have a 3/8” foil backed fanfold insulation (the variance from 3/8” could just be manufacturing tolerances and shouldn’t be a noticeable difference through the siding). Fanfold is available in a lot of places, pretty much all the big box stores and a lot of the smaller lumber companies. As far as nailing goes, if you’re by the sea coast or high salt area - go with stainless steel roofing nails that penetrate the wood substrate at least 1 1/4”, if there’s nothing special going on where you live you can use electro galvanized roofers or you can upgrade them for a couple extra bucks to hot dipped galvanized. Since your nails are corroded I’m guessing it’s either your climate or the quality of the nails that caused that. Hot dipped galvys also grip a little better typically so they are a good choice. You need the same 1 1/4” into nailable substrate with any choice you make. Good luck!

[@FixItWithMe]

I just discovered ur channel and now I’m obsessed about learning about siding!!! Thanks for all the details, tips/tricks and showing us the failures as well so we know what problems we can face when tackling a repair! I find the hardest part is finding a supplier that will order the precise siding to a homeowner. I am going to try beacon or ABC supply this week to see if I can have certainteed 4” and 4.5” double dutchlap herringbone woodgrain vinyl siding! (Thanks to ur identifying video I was able to confirm what exactly I need!!). There’s no online retailer that we can purchase and have it delivered?

[@sidingschool]

You’re welcome! I’m happy you are finding it useful 😊. I’m not sure if there’s online retailers that sell to the public, but there may be… if a big distributor wouldn’t sell to you I’d probably wait in the parking lot and flag down the first contractor lol. It would be helpful to cross check prices at Home Depot that way you know you’re not way overpaying.

[@robertf.601]

Oscillating tool with fine tooth blade might work when cutting in cold weather

[@sidingschool]

Absolutely! I usually use one of those to cut corners. 👍🏼

[@tailzzzzz]

Can't you take the siding inside to cut it and warm it up? Also, the siding I need to replace has mildew on it. If I clean it and hose it down on a warm day, must I wait until it dries to work on it?

[@sidingschool]

Yeah I could’ve warmed it up a bit… I figured I could get it done though. If you’re dealing with vinyl siding there’s no need to let it dry. I’ve siding plenty of houses in the rain. Once the sun hits the wall it should dry out and be mostly dry from there on out.

[@Slaphappy-_-]

Question 🙋🏼‍♂️ I replaced siding on my storage shed. It matched up by color and texture but when you look at it from a side angle it’s gray???

[@sidingschool]

It could be that the new vinyl is more glossy and the old has turned more matte from the suns uv rays. So when you look straight on there’s not as much reflection as from the side. I don’t know much about touching up old vinyl siding, but it looks like there are a few clear protective coating products out there that “restore color and finish to like-new condition”. It might be worth a try in an inconspicuous area?

[@jerryfurberg1738]

Heat gun?

[@sidingschool]

A heat gun would’ve helped, that’s not a bad idea. As long as you don’t get too close and melt the siding!

[@ccmer1956doc]

Using a heat gun very carefully helps.

[@sidingschool]

For sure! Emphasis on “very carefully” 👍🏼

[@netwt449]

How about using a torch lightly? (Heat gun) like Furberg1738 said!

[@sidingschool]

A torch could leave a residue and is more likely to burn the siding since it is an open flame. But I did mention that a heat gun would’ve helped in this scenario. I’m pretty accustomed to not using one for the sake of speed, when it is colder out I’ll blow on j-channel to warm it up just enough to snip without it cracking.

[@genbriril3748]

You say don't do that in the cold but do I see snow over to your right, I'd say that's cold bruh

[@sidingschool]

It was a little warmer out that day. Snow was melting.