Can damaged aluminum siding be repaired?

Aluminum siding is a popular exterior building material due to its durability, low maintenance, and flexibility in design. However, like any facade material, aluminum siding can become damaged over time from weather, animals, and impact. The good news is that minor dents, holes, and gaps in aluminum siding can often be repaired instead of fully replaced.

What causes damage to aluminum siding?

There are several common causes of damage to aluminum siding:

• Weather – Exposure to sun, rain, wind, and temperature extremes can cause aluminum siding to expand, contract, warp, and fade over time. Hail and storm debris can also dent and puncture siding.
• Impact – Flying rocks, sports balls, lawn equipment, and falling tree branches can dent, crack, or hole aluminum siding.
• Animals – Rodents, birds, and insects may chew, claw, or nest in gaps behind siding. Pets can also scratch and damage aluminum siding.
• Improper installation – Aluminum siding that is not installed correctly per manufacturer guidelines can buckle, detach, and become damaged.
• Structural issues – Problems with the underlying wall, flashing, or framing can cause the aluminum siding to warp, detach, or become damaged.

How to inspect aluminum siding for damage

It’s important to regularly inspect aluminum siding and quickly identify any damage issues. Here’s what to look for:

• Dents – Check for small or large dents from impact damage. Dents will appear as depressions in the siding.
• Punctures – Look for holes and perforations in the siding from fasteners, nails, animals, or objects.
• Cracking/splitting – Inspect for cracks and splits in the aluminum, especially along bends and seams.
• Warping – See if siding panels appear wavy, twisted, or buckled out. This can indicate problems with installation or the underlying framing.
• Discoloration/corrosion – Note any abnormal fading, chalking, or corrosion which requires repainting or panel replacement.
• Detached siding – Look for gaps, loose panels, or sections that are pulling away from the wall. This may require re-nailing.
• Leaks – Watch for water leaks, stains, or moisture damage on interior walls which indicate holes, gaps, or flashing issues.

It’s best to inspect all sides of a home’s aluminum siding at least once per year. Use binoculars to inspect high areas closely. Also inspect siding after major storms for new damage.

How to repair dents and holes in aluminum siding

Minor dents, holes, punctures, and other damage in aluminum siding can often be repaired instead of fully replaced. Here are some common DIY repair techniques:

Dent repair

• Use a rubber mallet or hammer and wood block to gently pound dents from the inside to pop them back into shape. Take care not to kink or further dent the siding.
• For deeper dents, stuff the back side with a rag or wood then pound from the outside to flatten.
• Finish by repainting the siding with touch up paint to match the original color.

Puncture and hole repair

• Sand any rough edges of punctures and holes smooth.
• Apply aluminum foil tape to the back side of holes up to 1 inch wide.
• For larger holes, cut a patch of scrap aluminum siding to cover the hole. Affix patch with pop rivets from the backside.
• Seal edges with caulk then repaint siding to match original color.

For dents across large areas or deep damage, siding panels may need professional repair using special dent removal tools or panel replacement.

Fixing gaps and detached aluminum siding

Gaps between aluminum siding panels or sections detaching from the walls require immediate repair to prevent water intrusion and further damage:

• Re-nail any loose siding panels snugly to the wall using corrosion resistant siding nails.
• Add additional nails every 12 – 24 inches along detached sections and into framing studs.
• Use snap-in panel closure strips to cover gaps larger than 1/4 inch between siding seams.
• For larger gaps, cut and install backer strips then apply new trim pieces over the gap.
• Caulk and paint all seams and new trim to seal and match the siding.

Repairing cracks and split seams

Cracks and splitting in aluminum siding are often repairable:

• Thoroughly clean inside the crack then apply metal seam sealer adhesive deep into the split using a caulk gun.
• Use pop rivets to reinforce any cracks wider than 1/4 inch after sealing.
• For long cracks, apply adhesive backed aluminum tape over the damaged area.
• Repaint cracks and repairs to match the original siding color.

Badly damaged siding with multiple splitting cracks will need to be replaced fully.

Correcting warped and buckled aluminum siding

Warped, wavy, and buckling aluminum siding panels indicate an underlying problem that requires correction:

• Inspect framing for bowing or expansion causing siding distortion.
• Check for deteriorated wall sheathing that needs replacement.
• Ensure siding was installed on a flat, even surface per manufacturer specifications.
• For minor warping, remove panels and reinstall in new locations to straighten.
• Severely warped siding may need professional adjustment of framing or full siding replacement.

Proper installation is key to preventing warping and buckling problems over time.

Replacing corroded and discolored aluminum siding

Over time, aluminum siding can corrode, oxidize, chalk, and discolor beyond repair. Here are options for replacement:

• Repaint chalky, oxidized siding with high quality exterior latex paint.
• Replace individual siding panels that are excessively rusted or corroded.
• Install new aluminum siding over existing siding if still structurally sound.
• Fully remove and dispose old siding then install new aluminum siding.

It’s recommended to repaint aluminum siding every 8-10 years at minimum.

When is it time to replace aluminum siding fully?

Even though aluminum siding is durable, there comes a point when full replacement is needed. Indicators include:

• Multiple panels are split, warped, or have major holes/gaps.
• Siding is detached in large sections or pulling away from framing.
• Water damage, mold, and rot is present around siding.
• Frequent siding repairs are required.
• Siding is faded and discolored despite repainting.
• New siding desired for aesthetic reasons.

Replacing all the siding on a home provides the opportunity to install new improved materials and gain updated looks.

Cost to repair aluminum siding

The cost to repair aluminum siding depends on the extent of damage and type of repair needed. Here are average price ranges:

Repair type	Average cost range
Dent repair	$50 – $300
Puncture/hole repair	$50 – $100 per hole
Re-nail detached siding	$100 – $500
Sealing gaps/seams	$200 – $600
Panel replacement	$300 – $1000 per panel
Full siding replacement	$8000 – $12000 for typical home

Get estimates from siding contractors for large repair and full replacement jobs. DIY repairs can save money on smaller holes, dents, and gaps.

Tips for preventing aluminum siding damage

Here are some tips for minimizing damage to aluminum siding:

• Inspect siding each year and quickly repair any minor dents, gaps, and holes.
• Immediately fix any detached areas to prevent wind and water damage.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from the siding.
• Install siding protectors on areas prone to impact damage.
• Consider impact resistant siding for the lowest areas.
• Repaint siding regularly to prevent corrosion and fading issues.
• Ensure proper attic ventilation and control moisture to prevent warping.
• Seal all holes and gaps in siding to deny rodent entry.

Conclusion

Although aluminum siding is vulnerable to damage over time, many minor dents, holes, detaching panels, and gaps can be repaired instead of fully replaced. Keep an eye out for problems by inspecting the siding each year. Make timely repairs to protect the structure and prevent further damage. With proper care and maintenance, aluminum siding can last for over 50 years on a home.