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Aluminum Siding: How to Repair Dents

If there's one thing homeowners with vinyl siding can count on, it's that dents happen. Fortunately, they can be fixed - this article tells you how!

While aluminum has many desirable qualities, its tendency to dent simply isn't one of them. Fortunately, hail and baseballs are no threat to you! Dents can be fixed without too much hassle, and appear virtually good as new when you're done. Here's how:

  1. Drill a few 1/8' holes in the larger dents.
  2. Put a flash washer on a sheet-metal screw and tighten it partway into one of the holes.
  3. Pull the head of the screw with pliers. This should pop the dent out, and the washer should protect your siding from scratching.
  4. Mix a 2-part body filler, such as bondo.
  5. Remove the screw and apply the filler using a wide putty knife.
  6. Allow the filler to dry evenly. This may require more than one application.
  7. Sand the dry filler, and apply a coat of metal spray-on primer.
  8. Follow with a couple coats of paint made especially for aluminum siding.

Note: For smaller dents, bypass the screw step and simply use the filler, sand, and paint.

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