The siding on a house is one of the first things people notice. Whether vinyl or wood, keeping the siding looking good is essential to increase curb appeal. If vinyl siding is stained or damaged beyond repair, it may need to be removed and replaced. Wood siding can usually be restored by simply cleaning and painting it.
Instructions
Removing Vinyl Siding
1. Purchase a zip tool. This is a tool designed specifically for siding removal. You can usually purchase one for about $5 at most home improvement centers.
2. Begin at the uppermost siding panel and work your way down. Each panel is connected to the one above, so it is necessary to unlatch the top panel to remove the bottom one.
3. Insert the zip tool under the lower corner of a siding panel. Use a curving motion to hook the zip tool to a notch located behind the siding panel. You can feel this notch as you slide the zip tool under the panel.
4. Once it is hooked, slide the zip tool horizontally, while simultaneously pulling down. This will release the siding panel.
5. Move the zip tool to the opposite end of the siding panel to unlatch that end as well. Use the claw of a hammer to remove the nails in each corner still holding the siding in place.
6. Push down on the siding to dislodge and remove it.
Restoring Wood Siding
7. Clean the wood siding. Fill a bucket with water and a few squirts of dish soap. Scrub the wood siding from top to bottom with a long-handled scrub brush, rinsing as you go with a hose. If there is mildew on the siding, mix a solution of 1 qt. chlorine bleach with ¾-gallon warm water, along with a few squirts of dish soap. Scrub the mildewed areas of the siding with the bleach solution.
8. Remove any peeling or loose paint. Begin by scraping the loose paint with a large scrapper, then sand the areas with a coarse 60-grit sandpaper. Go over the area with a fine 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. If the areas to be sanded are small, the work can be done by hand. For larger areas, rent a disc sander to make the process go quicker.
9. Apply an exterior wood spackle to any areas where there are holes. Fill the hole with the spackle using a putty knife. Smooth it out by going back and forth with a plastic squeegee to force the spackle into the hole and remove any excess. Allow the spackle to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once it has dried, gently sand the spackled area so it is smooth and level with the existing wood.
10. Scrape any loose caulk from the joints and cracks using a flat head screwdriver. Clean out the joint with compressed air and recaulk.
11. Apply one coat of wood primer. Use a paint roller to apply a generous coat of the primer to the siding. Allow to dry completely.
12. Paint the wood siding. Use a paint roller to apply a smooth, even coat to the siding. Using a paint brush, go over any areas where the paint has pooled or where the lines from the roller are visible. Allow the paint to dry completely, then apply a second coat in the same fashion.
13. Once the second coat of paint has dried, inspect the siding Due to wood's porous qualities, a third coat is often required.
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