If you've placed your barbecue too close to the house and damaged your vinyl siding (figure A), here are tips on installing a patch. Use a zip tool (figure B) to unlock the siding from the surrounding pieces (figure C). Start at the bottom of the piece you plan to replace, and insert a wooden shim between the pieces of siding as you slide the tool along. Repeat the procedure for the top of the damaged siding. Use tin snips to cut out the damaged area (figure D). Use a table saw or circular saw to cut a patch from a good piece of vinyl. The patch should be larger than the piece you removed. Run a bead of adhesive caulk around the back of the patch, and set the patch in place (figure E). Then lock the siding back into place.
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