If you have aluminum siding and want to remove it, whether it’s to inspect underneath or update your home’s exterior, you might feel overwhelmed by the prospect. With the right knowledge and tools, though, DIY enthusiasts can manage it. This guide will walk you through removing aluminum siding, from recognizing when it’s time for an update to step-by-step removal.
Signs It’s Time To Remove or Replace Aluminum Siding
Here are some telltale signs that indicate it might be time to remove your aluminum siding:
- Visible damage: Cracks, warps, bulges, or gaps in the siding
- Paint issues: Excessive peeling or flaking of paint
- Protrusion: Siding that sticks out too far from the house
- Unevenness: Siding that’s no longer level or smooth
Tools Needed for Aluminum Siding Removal
Before starting the removal process, gather the following tools:
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Pry bar or siding removal tool
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Ladder
- Utility knife
How To Remove Aluminum Siding: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for a successful removal:
1. Prepare the Work Area
Begin by clearing the area around your house. Remove any obstacles that might interfere with your work or pose a safety hazard.
2. Check What’s Underneath
Before removing large sections, peel back a small piece of the aluminum siding to inspect the condition underneath. If you find damage to sheathing or framing beneath, stop to reassess your options. Damage will need to be repaired by either you or a professional, which will cost more money on top of the siding replacement. If you need more time to save money, keep the old siding in place.
3. Start at the Top
Begin the removal process from the top of the wall and work your way down. Most modern siding snaps together such that the upper piece overlaps the piece beneath and covers the nail strip. Working from the top down lets you reveal the nail strip as you work down the wall to easily remove the individual pieces.
4. Remove Trim Pieces
Remove any trim pieces around windows, doors, and corners. These are usually nailed in place, and you can pry them off with a pry bar or siding removal tool. You’ll often find a trim piece under the soffit to facilitate the transition between the soffit and siding. Remove this as well.
5. Unhook the Siding Panels
Locate the bottom edge of a siding panel and slide a siding removal tool or pry bar underneath to unhook it from the panel below. Gently wiggle the tool to separate the interlocking pieces.
6. Remove Nails
Once the panel is unhooked, you’ll see the nails holding it in place. Use pliers or a hammer to carefully remove these nails without damaging the underlying structure. Consider investing in a magnetized nail sweeper to sweep the surrounding work area when you’re done to prevent damage to lawn equipment or injury to feet from stray nails.
7. Remove the Siding Panel
After removing the nails, carefully pull the siding panel away from the wall. Keep the panel as straight as possible to avoid bending or creasing it, especially if you plan to recycle the aluminum. Panels are often long—cutting them to fit a trailer, dumpster, or truck is perfectly fine.
8. Repeat the Process
Continue the process, working your way down the wall, removing one row of siding at a time. Be methodical and patient to avoid damaging the underlying structure or injuring yourself.
Safety Considerations
Make safety a top priority when removing aluminum siding with these tips:
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including work gloves and safety goggles.
- Use a sturdy ladder and have someone spot you when working at heights.
- Be cautious of sharp edges on aluminum siding to avoid cuts.
- Watch for exposed nails or other sharp objects as you remove the siding.
- Take frequent breaks to prevent fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
Aluminum Siding Pros and Cons
Before deciding to get rid of aluminum siding, be aware of its advantages and disadvantages so you can make an informed decision on removing, replacing, or keeping it.
Aluminum siding offers some important benefits:
- Durability: With proper maintenance, aluminum siding can last 20 to 50 years.
- Fire resistance: It doesn’t melt or burn easily, reducing fire spread risk.
- Water resistance: It prevents water infiltration, protecting structures from damage.
- Pest and mold resistance: Aluminum siding doesn’t rot or support the growth of pests, mold, or mildew.
- Weather resistance: It holds up well in a range of temperature and humidity conditions.
- Eco-friendly: It can be made from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable.
- Energy efficiency: It provides insulation, helping retain warmth in winter and reduce heat in summer.
Aluminum siding has some drawbacks:
- Fading: Exposure to extreme heat or sunlight can cause color fading over time.
- Susceptibility to damage: As a soft metal, aluminum is prone to dents and scratches.
- Noise: Temperature changes can cause expansion and contraction, resulting in pinging noises.
- Sound amplification: Rain, wind, and hail can create loud sounds when hitting the siding.
Next Steps After Removing Aluminum Siding
With the siding removed, thoroughly inspect your home’s structure to spot any previously hidden damage. Be on the lookout for rot, water leakage, or pests. Promptly repair any problems you discover to prevent them from worsening.
Removing siding uncovers your home’s walls, giving you the chance to upgrade insulation. Updated insulation improves energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs—particularly for older homes.
Removing aluminum siding also paves the way for a fresh exterior. Vinyl siding offers various colors and textures and is an economical and versatile choice. For those seeking durability and a classic look, fiber cement siding is robust and can mimic wood. Wood siding offers a natural and timeless appearance but needs maintenance.
