How To Patch A Hole In Vinyl Siding

While vinyl siding comes with a lifespan expectation of 10 to 15 years, a multitude of issues can reduce its lifespan. One of the most frequent issues that occur with vinyl sidings is hole formation. Although holes in vinyl siding aren’t a big concern since they can be patched with a few steps, leaving them unnoticed and unrepaired can indeed lead to extensive damage. If you have noticed holes in the vinyl siding of your home and love to DIY, here is a solution-oriented guide for you. 

This blog post presents a step-by-step procedure to repair holes in the vinyl siding and also guides you through the prevention methods you should take to prevent further damage from occurring. 

What Causes Holes In Vinyl Siding? 

Here is a list of reasons why your vinyl siding may have holes and other forms of extensive damage. 

1. Impact Damage

Impacts, whether accidental or weather-related, are the main reasons why vinyl siding develops holes and other forms of extensive damage. Such actions include the vinyl siding being struck with a baseball or small wind-driven stones and rocks, or wind-driven hail. These small actions can create big impacts on your siding as it creates holes. 

2. Accidental Drilling

Sometimes, during construction or renovation projects, individuals may accidentally drill into the vinyl siding while making repairs to objects attached to the siding. This improper use of power tools and carelessness results in unintended holes in vinyl siding, limiting its protective abilities. 

3. Animal Activity

Small animals and pests may cause holes in vinyl siding due to chewing, scratching, or nesting. For example, rodents, birds, insects, or squirrels can gnaw through the siding, creating holes and allowing water to infiltrate behind the panels. 

4. Storms and Hail Damage

While vinyl siding is typically made to be durable enough to withstand storms and hail impacts, sometimes, these impacts are so powerful that they leave holes behind, allowing moisture and water to seep behind the panels. Storms with high winds tend to blow debris such as rocks and stones into the siding panels, and depending on its size and speed, hail will also form holes. 

5. Age 

As vinyl siding ages, it becomes more susceptible to developing holes. Over time, exposure to various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and UV radiation, can cause the siding to deteriorate. The constant expansion and contraction due to temperature changes can weaken the structural integrity of the vinyl, making it more prone to cracking and developing small gaps. Additionally, the aging process can lead to the breakdown of the vinyl’s composition, causing it to become brittle and less resistant to impacts. As a result, even minor impacts can create holes in aged vinyl siding. 

Steps To Repair Holes In Siding

1. Fixing Small Holes In Vinyl Siding

Small holes may not be visible from far, but they are a call to action to prevent further damage. 

Follow the instructions given below. 

• Clean the area around the hole using a mild detergent and water solution.
• Dry the area thoroughly before proceeding with the repair.
• Apply a small amount of exterior-grade caulk to the hole, filling it completely.
• Smooth out the caulk with a putty knife or your finger to ensure a neat finish.
• If necessary, use a vinyl patch kit to cover the hole and secure it with adhesive or screws.
• Wipe off excessive patch material using a utility knife for a seamless appearance.
• Clean the patched area and surrounding siding to remove any residue.
• Consider painting the vinyl siding patched area with matching paint to blend it with the rest of the siding.

2. Fixing Medium Size Holes

To fix a medium size hole in vinyl siding, prepare the work area for the DIY process by cleaning the vinyl siding with mild detergent and water, and then let it dry.

For this, you will be using replacement vinyl siding. This refers to individual siding panels or pieces that are used to replace damaged or worn-out sections of existing vinyl siding on a building.

• Cut a piece of replacement vinyl siding that is slightly larger than the hole.
• Apply exterior-grade adhesive to the back of the replacement piece.
• Press the replacement piece firmly onto the damaged area, aligning it with the existing siding panel.
• Secure the replacement piece in place using galvanized nails or screws along the edges.
• Trim any excess siding using a utility knife for a seamless appearance.
• Clean the repaired area to remove any overflowing caulk.
• Paint the repaired area with matching paint. 

3. Fixing Large Size Holes In Vinyl Siding

Large holes in vinyl siding should be repaired as soon as possible since they are visible from afar and will affect your home’s curb appeal. Follow these given instructions for a successful repair. 

Before starting the procedure, clean the work area and the vinyl siding, as dust and debris may intervene with the patch’s ability to adhere to the surrounding material. 

• Purchase a vinyl siding patch kit that matches the color and texture of your siding.
• Cut a patch piece slightly larger than the hole from the kit.
• Apply adhesive to the back of the patch piece.
• Insert the patch over the hole, and trim away any excess material.
• Press the patch firmly to ensure good adhesion.
• Use screws or nails to secure the patch if needed.
• Wipe off the patched area to ensure that no adhesive is left over.
• Paint the patched area with the same color as the siding. 

The Cost To Repair Holes In Vinyl Siding

The cost to repair holes in vinyl siding depends on many factors, such as the size of the hole, the material loss, and whether you are going for professional repair or doing it yourself. 

In general, the cost of repairing holes in vinyl siding, from small holes to large holes, ranges between $50 to $150. Or if you are repairing holes yourself, the cost can range between $20 to $50. 

Preventing Future Holes In Vinyl Siding

One way to prevent future holes in vinyl siding is by regularly cleaning and removing grime and debris that has accumulated on the siding. Additionally, inspect the siding regularly to detect any wear and tear before it results in larger forms of damage. 

When Should You Replace Your Siding?

Sometimes, the amount of damage to vinyl siding is large enough that it can’t be easily fixed by patching or fixing holes. Instead, the vinyl siding panels will need to be replaced.

If you observe signs like large holes, extensive cracks, rot, color fading, mold and mildew growth, and water damage, then it’s time to replace your siding panels.

Have A Professional Repair Your Vinyl Siding For Increased Efficiency

Not all homeowners are skilled at repairing vinyl siding and fixing holes. In fact, repairing vinyl sidings without prior knowledge and experience may result in extensive damage, which may cause you to pay more for repair and replacement later on. Therefore, choosing professional vinyl siding repair is the best option. Call BRH Enterprises today at (920) 249-4228 for more information if you’re looking for vinyl siding repair in Wisconsin.