Aluminum siding, a prominent form of siding material used to cover homes, is sturdy and long-lasting when correctly put in. However, they may get damaged over time, and you may want to replace them with new panels. If you don’t know how to do it, we are here to help you. Read this article and you will learn how to replace aluminum siding like a pro.
Before that, lets take a look at the important pros and cons of aluminum sidings.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Siding
Pros:
- The Price: Aluminum siding is an inexpensive material. One reason for its low cost is that it is frequently produced from recycled materials.
- Simple Installation, because aluminum is incredibly lightweight, installation is a breeze. So, if you hire contractors to build your aluminum siding, you won’t have to spend much on labor. Aluminum siding can be put over existing siding in some circumstances.
- Environmental friendliness, aluminum siding is not only created from recycled resources but also totally recyclable. This implies that when it comes to removing the aluminum siding, it will not end up in a landfill.
- Durability, aluminum siding is often made from aluminum coil stock and other strong materials, making it extremely durable. Although this will not prevent dents or dings in the material, it will safeguard your house.
- It doesn’t rust because of a protective coating commonly put on aluminum siding.
- It will not shrink or swell due to humidity fluctuations.
Cons:
- Aluminum siding has several disadvantages. They are summarized below:
- The aluminum siding must be painted to disguise the fading caused by sun exposure.
- It can make irritating dinging noises.
- Aluminum panel contraction can cause gaps in the siding.
- Because of its link with industrial structures, aluminum siding is disliked.
- It is prone to corrosion and discoloration from nearby rusting materials.
- It might have been put just to conceal structural difficulties beneath.
- It is inefficient in terms of energy.
Steps to Replace the Aluminum Siding
Like any other external home covering, it is susceptible to wear and tear and the weather and may fail. Removing and reinstalling new pieces of aluminum siding to repair old sections of aluminum siding is a frequent maintenance part of owning them, and it just involves a few basic hand tools.
1. Find the siding’s outermost edge
Isolate the siding to be removed and locate its furthest edge on both sides. Insert the separation tool beneath the bottom edge of the siding piece directly above the piece to be removed.
Remember that you may repair pieces of aluminum siding, such as broken places, rather than remove and replace the aluminum siding of the whole wall.
If you must remove a complete wall, begin at the top, then work your way down, removing each row through its nails and working gently to rescue the parts since they will bend if you are not cautious.
2. Separate interlocking pieces
Wiggle the tool from side to side to separate the interlocking components. Continue down the whole length of the article.
When you’re finished, use your hands to separate the bottom edge of the component. You can proceed to replace the aluminum siding from the upper lip of the piece below.
3. To replace the aluminum siding, you need to expose the nail flange
Scraps of wood should be placed beneath the top piece’s edge to expose the nail flange of the component being removed. The wood will keep the upper piece of siding in place.
Using the pry bar and hammer, carefully pry the nails holding the piece of siding in place. Take out the aluminum siding.
4. Cut a strip to replace the aluminum siding
If needed, cut a new strip to size. Ensure the component you want to use to replace the aluminum siding is at least 3/4 inch broader than the space it intends to fill.
Using the carpenter’s square as a reference, cut the length. Alternatively, use a pencil and a tape measure to label the piece. It was cut using tin snips.
5. Line up the nail flange
Slide the new piece of siding into position, guiding it with the old pieces on each side. Align your new piece’s nail flange with the surrounding pieces on that row. Remove the wooden scraps and hammer the roofing nails into the flange holes.
Remember to follow the nail placement instructions provided by the siding manufacturer. If in doubt, insert a nail every 4 inches at the absolute least.
6. Reassemble the Interlocking Pieces
After you replace the aluminum siding, use the siding tool to assist you in reconnecting all of the interlocking parts. Hook the new piece’s bottom edge over the upper edge of the piece below. Repeat the process for the bottom edge of the piece above your aluminum siding replacement.
Tools You Will Need When Replacing Aluminum Siding:
- Siding-removal tool
- Scrap wood
- Prybar
- Hammer
- Carpenter’s square
- Tape measure
- Work gloves
- Utility knife or tin snips
- Polyurethane caulk or silicone
- Galvanized or aluminum roofing nails, 1 to 1/2-inch
Conclusion
Aluminum siding is put in an interlocking pattern, with the upper edge of each piece having a nail flange and a lip (like a reverse, upside-down “J”) that acts as the locking mechanism for the one above.
The following piece is likewise nailed into place, but its bottom edge has a similar J-piece that locks into place with the lip on the lower piece.
These two edges click together with the lips of the “J” pieces interlocking and may be detached with a special tool obtainable at any home improvement store. A word of caution, if you want to replace the aluminum siding, always wear work gloves.
If you feel that removing and replacing aluminum sidings can be time-consuming, you can paint the panels. If you don’t know how to do it, we recommend you read how to paint aluminum siding.