The easiest way to remove or replace damaged vinyl siding is to use a vinyl siding removal tool.

Most importantly, by using this tool you won’t damage the siding in the process.

What Is a Vinyl Siding Removal Tool?

slits in vinyl siding

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A zip tool separates vinyl siding’s hidden joints that lock the pieces together.

The best vinyl siding removal tools are made of metal and have a high-quality non-slip grip.

Aluminum-coated tools edge out steel tools since they’re UV coated.

Diagram of vinyl siding showing how to us a zip tool to unlock pieces

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you’ve got the option to also find them sold via online retailers and suppliers like Amazon.

Each panel overlaps the panel below it and locks into place along the buttlock joint.

If a piece of siding loosens, snap the loose edge back into place.

It’s best to save some spare material from the original siding installation.

Separate the buttlock joint with downward pressure on the zip tool.

Then, slide the tool along the length of the siding panel to release the rest of the joint.

Position the blocks so they will not interfere with the new panel.

Push up on the new panel to snap its lower buttlock onto the panel below.

Also, place the nails in the centers of the nailing hem slots to allow for side-to-side movement.

Grab the lip of the buttlock with the tool and pull it over the new panel’s locking edge.

Work from one end of the new panel to the other, interlocking the entire top edge.

This pricing includes labor and dumping fees ranging from $50 to $250.

Behind vinyl siding is an underlayment or a weather-resistive barrier like tar paper or Tyvek house wrap.

Then, under that is sheathing, usually made of OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood.

When water gets behind vinyl siding, it often leads to mold growth or rotting in the sheathing.

This damage can cause mold in interior walls and affect the wall’s overall integrity.