Melted Vinyl Siding: Can It Still Be Repaired?

Vinyl is one of the most common materials used for home sidings in the US. Vinyl siding is affordable, durable, versatile and requires minimum maintenance. Unfortunately, incidents of melted vinyl sidings are causing homeowners to worry.

Why is Vinyl Siding Melting?

Vinyl siding melts because of the sun's reflection. When sunlight hits a reflective surface, the heat scatters in various directions, heating the environment. Surfaces like windows, burnished gutter or steel side panels can cause glare. But Low-E and energy efficient windows cause the most damage.

The design of these windows causes one of the panes to become like a magnifying glass under certain conditions. The glass becomes slightly concave, causing the light to become concentrated in a particular area. This can lead to vinyl sidings warping or melting.

Can It Still be Repaired?

The extent of the damage determines whether the vinyl siding can be. Some advocate for replacing all the vinyl sidings on the affected side while others believe that it can be changed individually.

If you're determined to repair melted vinyl siding, the first thing you need to do is to apply window film to your windows. Since the main culprit is window glare, it makes sense to prevent it from happening again. A good protective covering like Turf Guard Window Film will ensure that window glare is minimized.

Once window film has been applied, you can now focus on fixing melted vinyl siding. Start by slipping your hand behind the siding course above the damaged vinyl and pull to disengage the bottom edge of the siding. Remove the nails holding the first course and pull down the siding to extricate it. Do the same with the other damaged panels.

Once all the melted vinyl sidings have been removed, measure a new vinyl panel. Mark the cut line with a sharp knife and a combination square and cut using aviation snips. Fasten the lowest siding course into the starter strip.

Use aluminum nails to secure the new siding. Space them about 12 to 16 inches apart but leave the heads protruding a bit. Trim the end of the nail hem with a utility knife.

Keep installing one panel at a time. Use a zip tool to snap the last panel in place. Hook the zip to the bottom edge of the upper siding panel, pull down then push it in. Slide the zip tool along the wall to lock the panels together.

To know more about what to do with melted vinyl sidings, check out Vinyl Siding Melting Solutions.