Can Vinyl Be Added to Aluminum Siding?

Zip Tool

• You can remove aluminum siding with a zip tool, which is also known as a siding removal tool. This simple tool consists of a flat steel hook that grips the lower edge of a panel of aluminum siding and pulls it away from the panel below. Purchase zip tools at a hardware store. At the time of publication, a zip tool cost less than $10.

Removing Aluminum

• When removing aluminum siding, you work from the top of the wall down. Use your zip tool to remove the panels by sliding the zip tool under the lower lip of a panel and pulling down to unlock the panel. Lift the loose piece and, using the claw of a hammer, a flat bar or a big catspaw, pull out the nails attaching the panel to the wall. Remove the panel by pulling down on it. Be careful not to crush any foam insulation that may be located underneath.

Inspection

• Once the aluminum siding is removed, you should inspect your house to ensure that a weather-resistant barrier, flashing and sheathing are in place before you install your new siding. Vinyl siding isn’t weathertight. The weather-resistant barrier will ensure that water doesn’t penetrate the walls. Weather-resistant barriers consist of flashed wall openings, weather resistant barrier material and sheathing. Consult your local building code to determine the requirements in your area. Vinyl siding should be installed over sheathing instead of applied directly to studs. Sheathing provides a smooth, flat surface.

Preparation

• Improve your home’s insulation by adding insulation before you re-side. You can blow or inject insulation into the wall cavities or apply house wrap or a thin layer of fan-fold foam insulation over the wall sheathing. Although foam does add a small amount of insulation, its real purpose is to help smooth out an irregular surface so the siding can lie flat. If necessary, install furring strips to help level the wall. Install flashing and recaulk around windows and doors to help keep moisture out. Gutters, downspouts and light fixtures should also be removed.