How to Match Vinyl Siding Like a Pro: A Homeowners Guide

Matching vinyl siding is essential when repairing storm damage, updating a home addition, or replacing aging panels. A mismatch can be an eyesore, affecting curb appeal and resale value. However, finding the right match isn’t always straightforward—some siding types are discontinued, and colors may fade over time.

The good news is— you don’t have to go into the color-matching process blindly! Use this guide to learn how to match vinyl siding colors when making a repair. We even have tips for when you can’t find the perfect match.

How to Match Vinyl Siding to Your Existing Siding

So, you need a siding repair. And you definitely don’t want the repaired area to stick out like a sore thumb. Thankfully, you have a couple of options to explore in order to find a matching piece of siding.

1. Identifying Your Existing Vinyl Siding

Why It’s Important to Know Your Siding Type

Each vinyl siding brand has unique colors, textures, and profiles. Understanding these details will help you locate the right replacement.

How to Identify Your Current Siding

• Check for Manufacturer Markings – Some panels have brand and color codes stamped on the back.
• Measure Panel Dimensions – Note the width, thickness, and exposure profile.
• Compare Textures and Finishes – Some siding mimics woodgrain, while others have a smooth finish.
• Review Home Records – Contractor invoices or home purchase documents may list the brand and color.
• Consult a Professional – A siding expert can often identify brands by examining your home’s exterior.

Pro Tip: Use an online siding color-matching tool or take a sample to a hardware store for comparison.

2. Finding a Matching Siding Supplier

Where to Look for the Same Vinyl Siding

• Check with the Original Installer – If your home was built or remodeled recently, the contractor might still have records.
• Visit Local Home Improvement Stores – Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and specialty siding suppliers carry various brands and colors.
• Contact the Manufacturer – If you know the brand, reach out to them for potential discontinued stock or modern replacements.
• Browse Online Marketplaces and Salvage Yards – Websites like eBay, Craigslist, or siding-specific salvage yards may carry older siding.
• Use Siding Matching Services – Some companies specialize in tracking down discontinued siding brands.

3: Call Your Siding Contractor

If you had your siding installed while you occupied your house, you can reach out to the contractor who performed the siding installation. Reputable siding companies should keep records of all their completed projects. If you call and explain your situation, they should be able to look up your record and help you out.

Once they locate your receipt, your contractor should be able to provide you with the manufacturer, product name, and color of your current siding. And hey, while you have your contractor on the phone, you might as well enlist their help with your siding repair to ensure you get a high-quality, safe result!

If you didn’t replace the siding under your ownership, this method may not work. If you have the contractor’s information from the previous homeowner, you can still give them a call and see if they can help you out. Otherwise, you’ll need to try other options.

4: Take a Sample to a Home Improvement Store

If you don’t know who performed the original siding installation or if your contractor can’t find your records, you can try a different approach.

If a piece of siding has already fallen off your home, you can take that as a sample to a big box home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowes. Show the siding sample to a clerk. Taking the bad pieces to the store can help in finding a match. It’s helpful if you know the brand or manufacturer of the original siding to help narrow things down.

The clerk can then compare your sample piece with their stock in order to find a match.

Vinyl Siding Repair

Vinyl siding repair can be a cost-effective solution for minor damages. If the damage is limited to a small area, you might be able to tackle it yourself with a vinyl siding repair kit. These kits typically include a patching compound and matching color paint, making it easier to blend the repair with your existing siding. However, if the damage is more extensive or you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs, hiring a professional is your best bet. A professional vinyl siding repair service can ensure a seamless match and prevent further damage, keeping your home looking its best.

Choosing Replacement Siding

Choosing the right replacement siding is essential for a successful repair or replacement project. If you’re aiming for an exact match, try to find the same color and style as your existing siding. However, if your siding is older and no longer in production, you may need to explore alternative options. Look for siding with similar characteristics, such as texture, color, and durability. Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best replacement siding for your needs, ensuring a cohesive look for your home.

What to Do If You Can’t Find a Color Match 🎨

Manufacturers often stop making the same patterns and designs every few years in order to make way for new designs. If you’ve run into a situation where you simply can’t find a color match, you’re not completely out of luck.

You can take a sample of your current siding to the paint store to get that piece color matched. Then, you can paint the replacement piece to match your existing siding. There’s a chance that the new piece will be shinier or brighter than the rest of your siding, but it will likely fade over time and blend in more.

Alternatively, you can use this sticky situation as an opportunity to revamp your entire home exterior. You can repair the broken siding with a new piece of any color and then paint your siding in an all-new color.

This ensures your entire exterior matches perfectly, and you get to experience a refreshing change! Exterior paint often lasts up to 10 years before needing a new coat.

What to Do if Your Siding Is Discontinued

Alternative Solutions

• Choose a Complementary Color – Instead of a perfect match, opt for a slightly different shade as an accent.
• Re-side an Entire Section – If matching is impossible, replacing an entire wall can make the transition look intentional.
• Try Custom Color Mixing – Some paint suppliers offer vinyl-safe paints to blend new siding with old panels.
• Explore Siding Alternatives – If matching isn’t an option, consider board-and-batten, shake siding, or another complementary material.

Example: If your home has beige siding but that shade is unavailable, a slightly lighter or darker beige can create a natural contrast without looking out of place.

Tips for a Seamless Match

Achieving a seamless match is crucial for a successful vinyl siding repair or replacement project. Here are some tips to help you get it right:

• Use a color-matching tool to ensure an exact match.
• Choose replacement siding with the same texture and style as your existing siding.
• Consider hiring a professional to ensure a seamless match.
• Use high-quality paint to touch up any areas where the new siding meets the old siding.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and repair to ensure the best results.

By following these tips, you can achieve a seamless match that keeps your home looking beautiful and well-maintained.

Budgeting and Cost Considerations

Budgeting and cost considerations are essential for any vinyl siding repair or replacement project. The cost of vinyl siding repair can range from $3 to $11 per square foot, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of siding used. Replacing the entire house can be expensive, but it may be necessary if the damage is extensive. Consider hiring a professional to assess your existing siding and provide a detailed estimate for the repair or replacement project. Additionally, factor in the cost of materials, labor, and any necessary permits or inspections. Proper budgeting will help you manage costs and ensure a successful project.

5 Signs You Need a Siding Repair or Replacement

You can stay ahead of the curve of needing to find replacement vinyl siding if you watch out for common signs of failing siding. If you’re prepared ahead of time, you won’t need to scramble to find a color match for your replacement siding.

1) Interior Water Damage

No homeowner wants to deal with water damage, but if you notice it, it’s almost always an indicator that something in your home’s exterior is faulty. Keep your eyes peeled for the following signs of water damage inside your home:

• Water stains on the walls
• Peeling paint
• Mold or mildew growth

2) Warping or Bulging

Excessive heat or cold temperatures can cause your siding to warp or bulge. Additionally, moisture damage in the underneath layers of your siding can cause warping or bulging. Be sure to have a siding contractor address the issue right away.

3) Rotten Wood

Rotting is a more prominent problem with wooden siding rather than vinyl siding. If you have wood siding, diligently watch out for signs of wood rot:

• Discolored patches that have white, yellow, or purple tints
• Patches that are lighter or darker than surrounding areas
• Areas where the wood’s texture is spongy, stringy, or webbed
• Wood breaking apart in cube-shaped chunks or crumbling

4) Cracks

Inclement weather can cause your house siding to crack. This is more than an unpleasant cosmetic issue because these cracks can let in excess moisture that ultimately causes interior water damage. Additionally, pests can easily make their way through these cracks.

5) Increased Energy Bills

If your heating or cooling bills start to rise even though you haven’t increased your usage, alarm bells should go off. If you feel drafts coming from walls, windows, or electrical sockets, your siding could be to blame. New vinyl siding is a more energy-efficient option to keep your energy bills low.

Rely on ARCH Exteriors for Your Siding Needs 👍

We hope this guide pointed you in the right direction for matching siding colors. If you need a siding repair or replacement, we hope you’ll leave your home’s integrity in the hands of trained professionals.

Here at ARCH Exteriors, we can help you effectively repair your siding or replace it when needed. Our skilled crew members know all the industry techniques to ensure a safe and long-lasting result. Need help matching your vinyl siding? Contact our team for a free consultation today!