How to Remove Aluminum Siding Trim Around Front Doors

Aluminum siding was a popular exterior wall cladding during the 1950s and 1960s. Its popularity has since waned in favor of the less expensive vinyl siding designs. The disadvantage of aluminum siding is its susceptibility to dents and scratches. The trim portions around front doors are particularly susceptible to damage because of their close proximity to the doorway. Aluminum trim pieces overlap the expanses of wall cladding at the corners of the building and around windows, doors and other fixtures. To access the damaged siding sections, you'll need to first remove the trim pieces.

Siding removal tool (zip tool)
Pry bar

Instructions

- 1
  Insert a siding removal tool, sometimes called a zip tool, between the top of the siding piece located just above the door and the bottom of the siding piece just above this piece. Note that the removal tool features a hooked tip. Insert the tool with the hook facing away from the home. The bottom edge of the siding features a groove that looks like the letter “J.” The goal here is to insert the removal tool underneath the siding until the tool hooks onto this J-channel.
- 2
  Slide the removal tool along the length of the siding while gently pulling the siding away from the home to disconnect the bottom of the siding from the top of the siding piece located just above the door.
- 3
  Remove the nails that secure the top of the siding piece located just above the front door to the home. Lift the bottom of the disconnected siding piece to access the nails, then pry the nails out of the wall with a pry bar to release the siding piece. Lift the bottom of the siding only to the extent necessary to access the nails with the pry bar, as aluminum siding can buckle if bent too far. Lower the siding away from the wall to access the trim at the top of the door frame.
- 4
  Remove the siding pieces that adjoin the sides of the door frame using the same method to access the trim on the sides of the door frame. Start by removing the piece that adjoins the side of the top of the door and work downward.
- 5
  Remove the nails that secure the trim pieces to the home with a pry bar to release the trim.

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