The replacement of aluminum siding is a process that requires the removal of the old siding and the installation of new siding. A professional contractor usually does the process, but homeowners can also do it by following some basic instructions.
There are many reasons why you might want to replace your aluminum siding. If you have an old house, you may have noticed that the aluminum is starting to corrode. This can lead to peeling paint, rust stains, and water damage in your home. If your aluminum siding has been damaged by weather or other hazards, it might be time for a new coat of paint or some repairs.
You may also want to replace your aluminum siding if it doesn’t match your house’s color scheme or if you’re tired of looking at its dull silver color all day long.
It is important to know that aluminum siding replacement is not simple. It requires a lot of planning and preparation.
This article will provide the necessary information on replacing old aluminum siding with new, more energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing panels.
How To Replace An Aluminum Siding In Your House?
| Steps | Estimated Required Time |
| Locate the Siding’s Outside Edge | 15 – 20 minutes |
| Separate The Interlocking Pieces | 20 – 40 minutes |
| Expose The Nail Flange | 10 – 15 minutes |
| Create A Replacement Strip | 15 – 30 minutes |
| Set the Nail Flange In Line | 30 – 60 minutes |
| Connect The Interlocking Pieces | 20 – 40 minutes |
Step 1: Locate the Siding’s Outside Edge
Required Tools
- Hydraulic flange separator.
- Pry bar.
- Hammer.
- Work gloves.
Steps
- Locate the siding’s outermost edge on either side as you isolate the section that needs to be removed.
- Slide the hydraulic flange separator beneath the bottom edge of the siding piece that is above the piece intended to be removed.
- If you want to remove the wall completely, start at the top section of the wall and work your way down to the bottom.
- To save the pieces, remove each row by its nails to move gently because if you are not careful, they will bend.
Step 2: Separate The Interlocking Pieces
Required Tools
- Hydraulic flange separator.
- Pry bar.
- Hammer.
- Work gloves.
Steps
- To separate the interlocking components, gently twist the hydraulic flange separator from side to side.
- Keep working your way down the entire pipe length.
- When you are done, use your hands to remove the upper edge of the piece below from the bottom edge of the piece you want to replace.
Step 3: Expose The Nail Flange
Required Tools
- Hydraulic flange separator.
- Pry bar.
- Hammer.
- Work gloves.
Steps
- Tuck several bits of wood beneath the edge of the higher piece to expose the nail flange of the piece you are removing.
- Using the pry bar and hammer, gently pry the nails holding the siding strip in place.
- Remove the aluminum siding piece.
Step 4: Create A Replacement Strip
Required Tools
- Carpenter’s square.
- Measuring tape.
- Pencil.
- Utility knife.
- Tin snips.
- Work gloves.
Steps
- Cut and size a replacement strip.
- Make sure the replacement piece is at least 3/4 inch (or more) bigger than the gap it is intended to fill.
- Use the carpenter’s square as a guide for your utility knife while you cut the length.
- Or you can measure the piece with tape, mark it with a pencil, and cut it with tin snips.
Step 5: Set the Nail Flange In Line
Required Tools
- Hammer.
- Roofing nails.
- Work gloves.
Steps
- Slide the new piece into position using the existing pieces on each side as a guide.
- Set your new piece’s nail flange in line with the adjacent pieces in that row.
- Remove the wooden scraps and drive the roofing nails into the flange’s holes.
- Follow the nail placement instructions provided by the siding manufacturer.
- If in doubt, hammer in a nail at least every 4 inches.
Step 6: Connect The Interlocking Pieces
Required Tools
- Siding tool.
- Hammer.
- Work gloves.
Steps
- Reassemble all the interlocking parts using the siding tool.
- Your replacement piece’s bottom edge should be hooked over the upper edge of the piece below.
- Attach the bottom border of the piece above your replacement aluminum siding similarly.
How To Tell If Your Aluminum Siding Needs Replacement?
Even the untrained eye can tell when parts of your home’s aluminum siding are missing or beginning to come off.
You’ve already delayed too long, and there can be deeper structural issues if you see noticeably damaged areas.
- Since the color of aluminum siding is not baked on, long exposure to the sun damages it. Due to the siding’s loss of color, you will need to paint or fully replace it.
- Aluminum contracts in colder temperatures, resulting in gaps between panels. If you notice any, it’s your signal to replace your aluminum sidings.
- Aluminum won’t rust, but it can corrode. Additionally, rust on a nearby substance can stain aluminum. If there are any rusts on your siding, replace it immediately.
- Aluminum is not the siding you want if you’re seeking a material that can improve your energy efficiency and reduce your energy expenditures.
4 Steps To Clean Your Aluminum Siding Panels Easily
Step 1: Rinsing
Before cleaning your aluminum siding panels properly, you need to rinse them well. You may do this by using your garden hose to direct a stream of water. Make sure to spray the siding with your water in a downward direction.
If you spray upward, water will undoubtedly enter the drain holes beneath the lower part of the siding and go under the siding panels.
Work from the top down when cleaning. Most of the grime and dirt will fall off with a fast rinse.
Step 2: Hand Washing
Scrub away any filth or grime still present using a long-handled soft, bristled brush and a bucket of warm water mixed with Spic and Span, 409, or any other all-purpose cleaning.
Begin at the top and move below; scrub the aluminum siding along its length.
Work in 3 or 4-foot portions from top to bottom, then rinse to avoid letting the surface dry up and scrub the area once more.
Use your garden hose to rinse away soap, filth, and grime while aiming the water stream downward.
Step 3: Mildew
Use a solution of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water to clean aluminum siding with mildew.
Spray the remaining areas with this mixture.
If mold or mildew is the problem, it can be eliminated by spraying with a bleach solution.
Depending on where your home is, aluminum siding frequently develops a mildew problem.
This issue occurs more frequently in locations with higher humidity.
Step 4: Pressure Washing
You might need to pressure wash the aluminum siding if any stains remain. Any home improvement store will rent pressure washers out or sell them for a reasonable price.
When connecting the pressure washer and using it, follow the usage instructions that come with it.
You should pick a washer that allows you to combine water and your cleaner. You don’t want a pressure washer with a lot of power because it might easily harm your siding.
Beginning at the top, work your way down.
Final Words
Although aluminum siding has a 40-year lifespan, it generally won’t look as good without routine siding maintenance.
Consider siding maintenance in the same way you would do car maintenance. Both are smooth metal surfaces that should be painted, cleaned, and polished frequently to keep them shiny.
Well, that’s all for today. I hope this article has helped you with every question regarding aluminum siding replacement.
Stay tuned for more hacks and tips like this one!
FAQ
Can you replace pieces of aluminum siding?
Keep in mind that aluminum siding allows you to replace individual pieces, such as damaged areas, rather than having to take down or replace the siding on a complete wall.
Is it better to paint aluminum siding or replace with vinyl siding?
One of the best home improvement tasks for your home is replacing the aluminum siding with vinyl.
Although painting costs less up front, vinyl siding is more cost-effective in the long run.
How often should aluminum siding be replaced?
The popularity of aluminum siding is for its appearance. It needs to be replaced every 20 to 40 years.
It may fade and start to seem flaky despite being made of metal. You may frequently paint aluminum siding to counteract this situation.
