Aluminum siding is a popular exterior cladding for homes and buildings. It is lightweight, durable, low maintenance and provides good insulation. However, aluminum siding can become damaged over time from weathering, impacts, and normal wear and tear. When this happens, repairs are needed to maintain the siding’s appearance and prevent further damage. There are several effective options for repairing aluminum siding depending on the type and extent of damage.
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Why Choose Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum siding gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s and remains a top choice for home exteriors today. Here are some of the benefits that make aluminum siding a good choice:
- Durability – Aluminum siding is resistant to rot, cracking and insects. It will not warp or split over time.
- Low Maintenance – Aluminum siding does not need frequent repainting like wood siding. Just occasional cleaning is required.
- Energy Efficiency – Insulated aluminum siding improves the thermal performance of exterior walls. This can reduce energy costs for heating and cooling.
- Customizable Appearance – Aluminum siding comes in a wide range of colors, textures and styles. This allows great flexibility in design.
- Cost Effective – Aluminum siding is lighter and easier to install than materials like brick, stucco or wood. This keeps material and labor costs down.
- Dent Resistance – Aluminum siding is more impact resistant than vinyl or wood siding.
- Fire Resistance – Aluminum siding is non-combustible and achieves high fire resistance ratings.
With proper installation and maintenance, aluminum siding can last 40 years or longer before needing replacement. But it will likely need some repairs along the way to fix any damage that occurs.
Common Causes of Damage
There are a few typical causes of damage to aluminum siding:
- Impact Damage – Aluminum siding can dent, bend or tear if impacted by objects like balls, rocks, ladders, etc. This is especially true for softer aluminum materials.
- Weathering – Exposure to sun, rain, snow and temperature extremes over many years can cause the protective finish on aluminum siding to deteriorate. This leads to oxidation, chalking, fading and corrosion.
- Paint Failure – Factory-applied paint finishes will eventually fail, resulting in blistering, cracking, peeling and corrosion.
- Mechanical Damage – Improper installation, movement of building materials, or repeated abrasion can scratch, bend or distort aluminum siding.
- Chemical Interactions – Harsh cleaners, pesticides, lawn fertilizers and other chemicals can interact with aluminum siding finishes and cause damage over time.
Being able to recognize and repair common aluminum siding damage helps maintain the exterior of a home or building.
Repair Methods
There are several good options for repairing damaged aluminum siding, depending on the type and extent of damage:
Spot Repainting
For small areas of paint damage, spot repainting can renew the protection. This involves:
- Cleaning the area – Use a degreaser and power washer to remove chalking and mildew.
- Sanding – Lightly sand damaged areas to smooth and degloss the surface.
- Priming – Apply a bonding primer formulated for aluminum.
- Painting – Use a high quality exterior acrylic latex paint.
Spot repainting matches the existing finish and blends repaired areas into the surrounding surfaces.
Full Siding Refinish
If the aluminum siding finish is failing across large areas, a full refinish may be best. This involves:
- Pressure Washing – Thoroughly clean all siding with a pressure washer and appropriate cleaners.
- Scrape and Sand – Remove any failing paint or corrosion down to bare metal.
- Priming – Apply a corrosion-resistant primer to all bare aluminum.
- Caulking – Seal any open joints or gaps with exterior caulk.
- Top Coating – Apply two finish coats of durable exterior acrylic paint.
Refinishing restores the protective qualities of the aluminum while renewing the appearance.
Siding Replacement
For moderate to severe damage like large dents, cracks, holes or finish failure across more than 50% of the siding, replacement may be the best option. This involves:
- Removing Damaged Siding – Take down damaged courses of siding.
- Inspecting Underlayment – Check wall sheathing and flashing for any needed repairs.
- Installing New Siding – Attach new siding courses in the same configuration.
- Trimming – Install accessories like trim coils and J-channel around edges.
- Caulking and Sealing – Seal all seams, edges and openings.
Replacing severely damaged siding sections restores the exterior function and appearance.
Dent Repair
For small dents and dimples in aluminum siding, dent repair is an option. This can be done by:
- Working the dent out from behind – Use wood blocks and rubber mallets to gently tap out small dents from the backside.
- Suction dent pulling – Use a plunger-like suction cup tool to pull dents out without damaging the finish.
- Stud welding – Weld a small metal stud onto the depression, then pull it out with pliers to pop the dent.
- Filling – For shallow dents, apply exterior putty to fill and smooth the damaged area.
Dent repair saves replacing undamaged siding just for minor damage.
Materials Needed for Aluminum Siding Repair
Repairing aluminum siding utilizes some specific materials to do the job right:
Cleaning Solutions
- Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) – Helps remove chalking, mildew and other surface contaminants
- Household Detergent – For mild general cleaning
- Bleach – Helps kill and remove mildew that causes gray staining
- Mineral Spirits – Used to remove grease, sealants and adhesives
Abrasives
- Sandpaper – For light sanding to degloss and smooth damaged areas
- Steel Wool – To lightly scuff surfaces for better paint adhesion
- Wire Brushes – Help remove loose paint and corrosion
Primers
- Metal Etching Primer – Bites into aluminum for maximum adhesion
- Water Based Epoxy Primer – Resists corrosion on bare aluminum
- Alkyd Primer – Adheres well to tightly adhered existing paints
Paints
- 100% Acrylic Latex – Provides flexible, colorfast finish
- Alkyd/Oil Based – Harder, more glossy finish
- Elastomeric – Bridges over cracks and joints
Caulks
- Silicone – Flexible, strong and waterproof
- Polyurethane – Durable sealant resists UV rays
Using the right materials leads to repairs that restore appearance and protect siding.
Costs of Aluminum Siding Repair
Repair costs depend on factors like:
- Amount of siding needing repair
- Accessibility of damaged areas
- Type of repair technique used
- Choice of repair materials and paints
- Local labor rates
As a general guide:
| Repair Type | Typical Cost |
| Spot repaint small area | $100 – $500 |
| Full siding refinish 2000 sq ft | $2000 – $4000 |
| Siding replacement 10 sheets | $1000 – $2000 |
| Dent repair 10 dents | $300 – $600 |
Professional aluminum siding repairs typically cost $3 to $7 per square foot depending on complexity. DIY repairs can be done for under $2 per square foot.
Tips for Repairing Aluminum Siding
Here are some helpful tips for effective aluminum siding repair:
- Protect landscaping and nearby surfaces from debris and overspray when pressure washing, painting or caulking.
- Use mild cleaners and low pressure when washing to avoid damaging good finishes.
- Always prime bare aluminum before painting to ensure good adhesion and prevent corrosion.
- Allow adequate dry time between coats of primer and paint.
- Apply finish coats within 2 weeks of priming for best results.
- When painting, maintain a wet edge and work to natural breaks to prevent lap marks.
- Use elastomeric caulk and paint at trim and joints to allow for expansion and prevent cracking.
- Work safely with fall protection gear when repairing 2nd story or high siding.
- Dispose of lead-based paint debris according to hazardous waste regulations.
Proper surface prep and application lead to repairs that blend in and restore curb appeal.
Hiring a Pro vs DIY Aluminum Siding Repair
You can either hire a siding contractor to repair aluminum siding or take on the project as a DIY homeowner. Here’s a look at the pros and cons:
Benefits of Hiring a Pro
- Experienced with all siding repair techniques and materials
- Access to specialized tools like brake boxes for custom bent siding
- Available to work at heights safely
- Efficiency from regularly performing repairs
- Better able to match existing finishes
- Can pull work permits if required
- Backed by company liability insurance
Benefits of DIY Repair
- Cost savings from providing your own labor
- Freedom to work at your own pace
- Greater control over repair techniques used
- Learn a new skill improving your home
- Convenient to fit into your own schedule
- No coordination needed with outside contractors
Consider how much siding needs repair, your skill level, and access to tools when deciding between pro or DIY repair.
Conclusion
Damaged aluminum siding detracts from the appearance of a home and can lead to further deterioration if not repaired. Thankfully, there are several effective repair options to restore dented, faded, or otherwise damaged aluminum siding. With some basic DIY skills and time, smaller repairs can be completed successfully. More extensive refinishing or full siding replacement may benefit from hiring an experienced siding contractor. Regardless of approach, keeping up on occasional aluminum siding repairs helps maintain the beauty and function of the exterior of a home.