If your vinyl siding has been cracked or punctured, or has pulled away from the house, you may need to replace the entire damaged section. But never hesitate to get a quote from a local siding contractor if you feel the job’s too much to handle.

To do the job yourself you will need:

* A new section that matches the damaged section exactly
* A special “zipper” to separate the panels
* Polyurethane caulking
* A utility knife
* A carpenter’s square
* A pencil
* Tin snips or a backsaw

Your work will go more easily if you replace the vinyl when it’s warm outside since vinyl is easier to manipulate when it is flexible.

Using the zipper, unlock the panel next to or above the damaged one. Lift it up and pry out the nails that hold the damaged panel in place.

Mark cutting lines on each side of the damaged area using a carpenter’s square and a pencil. Cut the panel along the lines with tin snips or a backsaw and remove the damaged section. Then cut a replacement piece 2 inches longer than the section you just removed to allow for a 1-inch overlap on each end. (Cut only 1 inch longer if the damaged section ends at a corner or joint.)

Snap the top edge of the new section in place and nail it with aluminum box nails long enough to penetrate 1 inch into the studs. Using the zipper, snap in the other edge.