Aluminum Siding Removal - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Lefty H · 08-21-2009, 06:22 AM

Hi,

I have replaced a lot of damaged aluminum siding. But that does not seem like the most efficient way to remove aluminum siding and reinstall it after blowing in wall insulation.

Could you explain to me your way of removing aluminum siding for the purpose of blowing-in insulation.

If you have pictures that would be great.

JonM · 08-21-2009, 06:46 AM

Zip tool, wonder bar and allot of practice.

DavidC · 08-21-2009, 06:51 AM

I've done it just as JonM describes, except for the practice part. Only a couple of times so I opted for the real careful instead.

Good Luck
Dave

Lefty H · 08-21-2009, 09:48 AM

Hi,

My experience is with replacing damaged panels. Completly different from reinstalling the same panel.

Getting the panel out needs tender loving care. That is the easy part.

I am interested in how you put the full panel back in?

Particully Renailing the panel without bending the panel above?

Then relocking the panel above?

I am hoping for a little more guidence then "time and be careful".

Plumber_Bill · 08-21-2009, 11:00 AM

Lefty To unclip & clip I use this tool

http://www.tools-plus.com/malco-srt2.html

DavidC · 08-21-2009, 11:03 AM

Well that's just it, treat it like you would vinyl except keep in mind that it will bend if pulled to hard. You need to loosen the panel above to hold out while you nail your replacement and then zip the lock closed. I tapped the lock with the butt of my hammer to make sure it locked in and counter any accidental bending.

In theory you're not supposed to be able to without tearing down everything above the repair. In practice you have to exercise caution, take your time and be careful. Clear as mud, right?

I never photoed a repair like this, maybe some one else has and will chime in for you.

Good Luck
Dave

Lefty H · 08-21-2009, 11:50 AM

Hi David,

Thank you very much. I was hoping someone had some inside secret. LOL Still hoping.

If you are just talking about repairing siding.

Repairing aluminum siding is easy. I will use sections of the top lock leaving a couple of inches of the panel on for a nailer. Hook the top lock into the bottom lock. Then nail the extra to the wall. Then take the new panel cut under the top lock with a razor knife. bend the top lock off. This leaves a little extra that slips into the top lock. You flatten the top lock on the lower panel just a little. This way when you lock the panel in it is a snugger fit. Then you use a couple of three trim nails through the bottom lock so you can not see the nails from straight ahead.

I know clear as mud. LOL

Reinstalling the same panel is the challange. When blowing insulation in walls you need to remove siding all over the house and reinstall the same panels.

Lefty H · 08-21-2009, 11:52 AM

Hi Plumber Bill,

Thanks, I have that tool. Malco makes another one that has a little more beef to it. They do save the knuckles.

JonM · 08-21-2009, 12:28 PM

If you are going to be replacing a panel, good luck finding a new panel with the same locking configuration. Push the new panel into position, have someone hold the upper panel up so carefully so you can nail it...if need be use drywall screws with a washer and a screw gun...now pull down on the lip of the upper panel and use your other hand to slap it into place....don't worry if you bend the return lip a little...get a 2 x 6 about a foot long and cut a 45 degree angle in it along the 12 x 1 1/2 inch edge...you can use this 2 x to tap with a hammer and lock the lip if you happened to bend it a little.