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Follow these simple steps to repair cracked vinyl siding.
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To remove the damaged section, insert a zip tool (which can be purchased from a siding supplier) beneath the bottom edge of the overlapping section. Pull down while sliding the tool horizontally. Then remove the nails with a hammer or pry bar.
Clean the back of the panel with a PVC cleaner. Cut a section of scrap vinyl to cover the tear. Glue the scrap, finished side down, to the prepared surface with PVC cement.
Nail the repaired panel in place. Relock the siding by pulling down the bottom edge of the overlapping siding with the zip tool and, with your other hand, pressing the edge of the top panel over the ridge of the bottom one.
Can't find scrap vinyl to repair a crack? Cut out a patch from a plastic milk jug or laundry detergent bottle. It does the job, and you can't beat the price. Repair shallow cracks without removing the siding. Gently lever up one side of the crack with a toothpick, apply some adhesive from a vinyl-siding repair kit, and then press the crack closed.
Don't skimp on the patch size when repairing vinyl siding, or you'll just wind up doing it again. As a general rule of thumb, the patch should be at least an inch wider and longer than the crack that is being repaired.
