How To Remove Aluminum Siding Without Damaging It

Aluminum siding can be a huge benefit to homeowners. A house outfitted with aluminum siding is easy to maintain and doesn’t require painting. However, there may come at a time that you need to repair or replace some of your aluminum siding. Such situations raise the question, “How do I remove the aluminum siding without damaging it?”

Removing aluminum siding without damage is much easier than most people think. The process is almost exactly the reverse of the installation process. The trick is getting the first piece started. With the first piece of aluminum siding free, you can work methodically in reverse to remove as much siding as you need for replacement or repair.

Following a few step-by-step instructions, having the right tools, and taking some time are the key ingredients to a successful aluminum siding repair. Out tips, tricks, and instructions will help you repair your aluminum siding without damaging it further in the process.

Figuring out where to start can be the biggest challenge. If you are removing old siding to install new sections, the choices may be much easier. However, if the repair you are doing is to the structure of the house, you may want to reinstall the existing siding. Take a moment to consider the following.

The first step is to look at the siding to see if you understand how the installation works. Most aluminum siding has nails across the top of each section. The sections lap together with a simple join between the lower edge and the upper edges of the aluminum siding.

Are there any loose pieces of siding in the area you need to remove? Sections of aluminum siding that are already loose are a perfect place to start removing the existing siding. Unzip the lap joint between the upper and lower section of aluminum siding.

Where the aluminum siding is in good shape, you should look for an edge on the damaged section. An edge that butts against a window frame or door frame are your best option. Using a thin tool or a piece of wire, work the lap joint loose and then unzip the joint.

Having the right tool handy is the best start for a successful project. In this case, determine the proper tools by looking at the installation method. On older homes, the aluminum siding will have nails along the top edge. Newer installations may have special screws.

Carefully lift the section of siding where you unzipped the lap joint and look underneath. You should be able to see the fasteners along the top edge. You will need the proper tool to remove the fasteners without damaging the siding.

If nails hold the siding to the house, a small pry bar and a pair of pliers are your best choices. Don’t use the siding as a fulcrum for the prybar. You will dent and crease the thin aluminum. A small piece of thin stiff material under the pry bar can help prevent damage to the aluminum siding.

With the fasteners on the section removed, carefully slide the length of aluminum siding down and free of the house. Lay the section of siding flat somewhere out of the way.

Continue the steps until you have removed as much siding as necessary to allow the repairs. Number the sections of the siding as you remove them. Siding installation requires custom cuts and it is crucial to replace the sections in the same order.

If you are removing several sections of siding over a larger area, you may need to draw a diagram of the siding. Numbering the pieces of siding can help return the sections to the same spot on the wall. Number the siding sections and put the corresponding number on the diagram.

Before you replace the aluminum siding, inspect, and clean the panels. Look at the edges, especially where the lap joint edge. If there is any damage to these edges, consider replacing that section of siding.

When nailing or screwing the sections back in place, leave a little wiggle room. The nails or screws should not be so tight that they dimple or bend the edges of the holes. The section of siding should be able to move slightly to allows for contraction and expansion.

Aluminum siding can add value and curb appeal to your home. The proper maintenance and repair of your aluminum siding are crucial to keeping your siding performing. Aluminum siding removal and replacement are well within the capabilities of most home do-it-yourselfers.

With the proper tools and a little preparation, you can keep your siding looking good and working correctly. These simple steps outlined above should help you with the tasks of removing and replacing your aluminum siding.