How to Repair Aluminum Sidings

Aluminum siding cladding materials are versatile products that cover the construction and applications that require durable facade systems. They are ideal choices for regions that have low to mid-temperature. These sidings do not rust, blister, burn, rot, or get eaten by insects. However, they can scratch, dent, fade in time and corrode. The good news is that it is straightforward to replace or repair aluminum sidings. It is essential to improve the product as soon as any issue starts appearing on the surface to avoid further damage. The process has the flexibility for DIY terms, but it is better to rely on professionals for achieving better results.

Aluminum sidings join together similar to other metal cladding systems such as ACM panels, which means that patching a damaged area or replacing a board is the primary step of repairing these products. It is crucial to remember that instead of corner posts, they are metal corner caps present in these products. These materials were often suitable for wood sidings cladding systems in older installations. With the growth of technology and the internet, even if not finding local suppliers for caps, it is straightforward to find essential tools and products to repair aluminum siding in online sources. It is possible to shape and cut a piece of sheet metal in a pinch to fit with the old cap as a template. It is also crucial to know that aluminum sidings should receive painting maintenance once in a while. It will only take you a few hours to repair aluminum siding with the best results, and the only thing you should be good at is taking measurements and cutting the panels.

Essential Materials and Supplies to Repair Aluminum Sidings

Regardless of the simplicity of the aluminum siding repairing process, experts should utilize some special equipment and supplies. Followings are the most common materials for the repairing process:

• Electric Metal Shears: This is a tool to cut metals while providing a pressure-sensitive trigger for rotating the cutter and doing the work.
• Metal Snips: One of the valuable tools for repairing sidings is metal snips that allow experts to improve cut quality and minimize the burrs.
• Repair Aluminum Siding with a Scrap Metal: It is best to save the removed sidings and utilize them when a similar product is required during the repair work.
• Waterproof Repair Tape: This tool is perfect to create a watertight bond for sealing up gaps and holes in every type of siding product.
• Gutter Sealant: This type of sealant helps seal up seams and gasps present in the siding’s cut edges.
• Repair Epoxy for Aluminum: Repair Aluminum Epoxy is ideal for filling small holes from nails, bolts, and screws.
• Protection Equipment: Like every industrial procedure, aluminum siding repair requires safety and protection equipment. These equipment include latex gloves that are perfect for working with sealant and epoxy, cut-resistant gloves that can protect hands from the sharp edges of the siding, and safety glasses to protect the eyes from the cutting process.

Repairing Process

Repairing Aluminum sidings follow standard yet straightforward procedures. Every step of the process requires precision for better results. Here are the main stages of repairing aluminum siding.

• Cutting Away the Area That Has Issues to Repair Aluminum Siding: The first step is ripping and cutting down every piece covering the damaged part and removing it with a crowbar or another suitable tool. This step is also beneficial for ensuring that there is no water damage beneath the siding. You can utilize oscillating multi-tool tools to cut the framing back to create a level with the surrounding aluminum claddings. Then apply plywood or other durable materials to the backing with good brad nails.
• Applying the Waterproof Repair Tape to The Edges of Aluminum Sidings: The second step is to cover the gaps to provide extra insurance and a sealing system against moisture. The tape can bond to the aluminum cladding for a water seal purpose while allowing for contraction and expansion of the product as the temperature changes. It is essential to apply the tap around the hole and overlap it with the intact siding at a certain distance. This stage is beneficial for holding down the edges of existing cladding panels to repair aluminum siding that is installed on the wall.
• Cutting off the Flange from the Bottom Strip: In this step, it is better to use electric metal shears and cut off the bottom Flange at a high pace to repair aluminum sidings. It is effortless to trace the conduit’s shape onto the panel’s back and cut it out with the same tool. Additionally, it is good to cut away the nailing strip on the top to overlap with the existing product.
• Applying Gutter Sealant to The Back Edges: This step is efficient if the old aluminum siding is not in the best shape and has dents at the edges. Gutter sealant can hold the patch’s borders to the existing cladding material. It is essential to put on latex gloves to provide safety and then run a bead of the sealing product along all the cut edges except the nailing strip, which is usually at the top. Then comes the pressing siding piece process into its place and driving nails through the ribbon and backing. It is essential to remember that the aluminum siding should hang on the pins to have the required expanding and contracting freedom in warm and cold seasons.
• Work Your Way Up the Cladding System to Repair Aluminum Sidings: The following pieces of aluminum sidings will only need notches cutouts on the ends for having the allowance for sliding under the existing aluminum panel. Once you reach the top to repair aluminum sidings, you should cut off the nail strips similar to the cuts in the bottom flanges.
• Sealing All Edges with Silicone or Gutter Sealant: For preventing water insulation, it is essential to fill all the edges with more gutter sealant while ensuring seasonal movements.
• Fill Small Holes with Epoxy to Repair Aluminum Sidings: It is better to remove the old hose holder from the claddings and move the potting bench to the repairing spot that already has a reel on the side. Screw it from the aluminum siding panel and patch up the holes on the boards. Wear the latex gloves and pull off a small piece of epoxy to repair aluminum sidings. You will have to mix two components and push the putty into the existing holes with your fingers. Then, peel off any excess fast since these substances are set up quickly.
• Painting: Once the sealant and epoxy repairs the damaged parts, it is possible to touch the paint in specific areas. It is better to clean up the aluminum siding before applying the new finish to the product. Then start painting the aluminum sidings and the repaired parts with a color that matches the facility’s overall design.