Most siding damage does not mean new siding for the whole house. Cracked panels, loose pieces, small areas of rot and storm damage can usually be repaired, which keeps water out of the walls and costs far less than replacement.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent siding provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Signs your siding needs repair
Look for these around the house, especially after storms.
- Cracked, broken or holed panels
- Loose or missing pieces after wind
- Soft spots or rot in wood siding
- Gaps at corners, windows and doors
- Dents or chips from hail
- Peeling paint on the wall inside
What to do right now
After a storm, stay clear of loose siding with sharp edges and watch for downed power lines. Leave ladder work to a professional.
- Photograph the damage from the ground
- Cover openings with tape or plastic only if you can reach safely
- Check inside for damp walls near the damage
- Note the siding type and color, if you know it
- Call your insurer if a storm caused the damage
- Call a siding provider
Common siding repairs
Replacing panels
Damaged vinyl or fiber cement panels are unlocked and replaced without removing the whole wall.
Rot repair
Rotted wood boards and the damaged sheathing behind them are cut out and replaced.
Resealing
Gaps at corners, windows and trim are sealed to keep water out.
Painting and touch ups
Wood and fiber cement repairs are painted to match and protect the surface.
How siding is repaired
- The provider checks how far the damage goes, including behind the siding.
- Damaged panels or boards are removed.
- Any wet or rotted sheathing is repaired and the weather barrier is patched.
- New panels are installed to match as closely as possible.
- Joints are sealed and repairs are painted where needed.
Getting a good match
- Keep leftover siding from past projects for future repairs
- Older siding may have faded, so new panels can look brighter at first
- Ask the provider to show you a sample before work starts
- Sometimes replacing a whole wall gives a better match than patching
- Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint, so ask about lead safe work
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured for this work in my state? Ask for proof.
- Will you give me a written quote that lists the work and materials?
- Do you pull the permit, and is it in the price?
- What warranty do you give on your work?
- Can you match my existing siding?
Frequently asked questions
Can one damaged panel be replaced?
Usually, yes. Vinyl and many other panels can be unlocked and replaced individually.
How long does siding repair take?
Small repairs often take a few hours. Larger repairs with rot or sheathing damage can take longer.
Does insurance cover siding repair?
Damage from a sudden event such as hail, wind or a falling branch is often covered. Wear and tear is not.
When should I replace instead of repair?
When damage is widespread, rot keeps spreading or the siding is near the end of its life.
Learn more
Our main siding guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.