Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners because of its low maintenance and affordable nature. However, the material is not as durable as other options, such as wood and brick siding. At some point, vinyl siding will need to be replaced. Knowing how to remove vinyl siding can save you on siding replacement costs. Learn more about removing vinyl siding.
Angi Tip
Contact a pro to diagnose any potential damage to your home's siding, as they may be able to identify damage that is difficult to spot.
There are several considerations to keep in mind before embarking on a DIY vinyl siding project. Here are three of the most important ones.
Know How Vinyl Works
While there are many types of vinyl siding, the panels universally attach to one another through a “strip-and-lip” channel that interlocks. Typically, the strip at the top of the panel is nailed to the exterior base, with the bottom portion locking into the panel below. To remove vinyl siding, unlock each panel from the one above it, working from top to bottom.
Wait for Calm Weather
Don’t start this project in the rain or in overly hot or cold temperatures. A moderate overcast day with minimal wind is the perfect condition for removing vinyl siding. Vinyl planks are long and lightweight, making them harder to handle in windy weather.
Gather Replacement Siding
You don’t want to leave your home exposed to the elements for too long. Moisture can lead to mold and other damage. Cover your home in a tarp, or a similar protective material, until you can replace the siding material you removed.
Start From the Top
Photo: Warchi / E+ / Getty Images
You’ll typically want to set up your ladder and start removing the vinyl siding from the highest point of your home. However, where you start depends on your end goal. If you’re removing a single damaged panel, you should go directly to that panel. If you want a complete vinyl siding removal, start at the top and work your way to the bottom. At the top, watch for trim that may be concealing the nails that hold the vinyl siding in place. Once you remove the trim and dislodge the nails, you may discover that the plank loosens without using the zip tool.
Slide Zip Tool Under Vinyl Siding
Start at one end of the uppermost panel. Slightly push the tip of the zip tool underneath the vinyl; you should feel the tool attach to the underside of the panel. Once latched, steadily slide the zip tool across the length of the siding; pry upward. For best results, slide the tool about 6 inches, and then pry the panel. Repeat this process for the length of the panel until the piece is completely unattached from the panel below it.
Keep in mind the panel length, which is typically between 10 and 12 feet. Only work within your immediate reach—especially if working on a ladder several feet from the ground. This might mean you’ll have to readjust the ladder a few times, but these brief pauses will keep you safe and your project on track.
Pry Nails From the Top Strip
Photo: Dennis Oblander / Adobe Stock
Once the top two panels are unlocked, you’ll see the anchoring nails underneath the higher piece of vinyl. Gently lift the loose vinyl and pry the nails from the siding using a flat bar. Drop the nails in the bucket or trash can beside your ladder. Gradually move left to right, making sure all the nails are removed. Otherwise, the panel may not budge, leaving you to hunt down the singular nail before moving on.
Detach Siding
The siding will still be hooked to the piece below it even after the nails are removed. Steady yourself on the ladder and place the palms of your hands on the siding with your thumb hooked underneath. Push the siding downward in a slow, steady movement. The pressure should allow the siding to pop free. If you don’t feel a pop, pull the vinyl outward away from the channel holding it together. If the siding still won’t move, you may have missed a nail somewhere along the way. After each vinyl siding panel is detached, place it in a pile for easy disposal later.
Repeat this process until you’ve reached the ground. Then, remove the bottom trim.
Clean Up the Work Area
Photo: Anna Khromova / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Once the vinyl siding is removed, safely dispose of the nails and siding. Hundreds of nails help keep vinyl siding in place, so it’s only natural that you might drop a few in the process. Carefully scan your work space’s perimeter, looking for wayward nails. Loose nails can damage a lawn mower and harm feet. Depending on the amount of removed siding, you may need to schedule a pickup with your trash company or local municipality. If the material is still in good shape, you could consider selling or gifting it.
Alternatives to Vinyl Siding
Siding does more than boost the curb appeal of your home. It increases your energy efficiency. It’s also low maintenance, durable, and affordable. And after stripping your house of its siding, an immediate replacement allows you to keep taking advantage of its many benefits. If you’re looking to explore other house siding options, alternatives to look into include:
Wood: Commonly made from cedar, wood siding can be stained or painted for added versatility. It’s environmentally friendly; however, it’s vulnerable to insects and requires more upkeep than other siding options.
Fiber cement: Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Because it’s one of the heaviest—and most durable—materials, it requires professional installation.
Stucco: Similar to fiber cement, stucco siding is also made of cement and sand, but its third ingredient is lime. The material is durable against the weather, but it can crack under pressure as it expands and contracts during temperature changes.
Veneer: The most common types of veneer siding are stone and brick. Both require minimal maintenance, but they are susceptible to moisture issues.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Knowing how to remove vinyl siding can save you money in the long run, but this is one project you might consider skipping. Your time will be the most expensive commodity if you know what you’re doing. Because vinyl siding application requires hundreds of nails, removal does risk damaging the exterior of your home.
The easiest way to remove vinyl siding is with a zip tool, which can be purchased at a local hardware store for less than $10. This tool works by slipping underneath a panel to disconnect two pieces of vinyl siding from one another. Once the tool is hooked underneath, slide the tool across the vinyl panel and pry upward.
Whether vinyl siding needs to be replaced or repaired depends on the severity of its damage or wear and tear. For example, a small hole can be repaired, where large tears may need to be replaced. Cracks, chips, insect damage, loose pieces, and melted side panels are clear signs that the vinyl siding needs to be removed or replaced. It’s relatively easy to learn how to replace vinyl siding, as it’s lightweight and manageable.
Not only is vinyl siding recyclable, but it’s also reusable. If your siding is in good condition after removal, you can save money on new siding and have it reapplied. It’s recommended that you clean vinyl siding once a year, but you should give it an extra wash in between uses. If your siding is damaged, small holes and cracks can be fixed with a caulk gun. For extensive damages, it’s better to drop off your vinyl siding at your local recycling center.
Jouviane has spent eight years covering home and lifestyle, focused primarily on DIY and remodeling. When she isn’t working, she’s busy researching DIY projects to update her 123-year-old Colonial-inspired house.
Jouviane has spent eight years covering home and lifestyle, focused primarily on DIY and remodeling. When she isn’t working, she’s busy researching DIY projects to update her 123-year-old Colonial-inspired house.
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