Vinyl siding is a popular choice for residential construction because it never needs painting or maintenance, plus it costs less than wood siding. It also lasts for a long time before it needs to be replaced. However, when the time comes and new vinyl siding is necessary, it's best not to push off this task.

Vinyl siding installation is most ideal during warmer weather, but that's not to say it can't be done when it's cold outside. Low temperatures make it difficult to work with, plus this material expands and contracts during temperature fluctuations, Popular Mechanics explained. Additionally, vinyl will become less flexible and may crack when it's cold.

How to remove vinyl siding

To begin, the old or broken vinyl siding must be removed. Vinyl panels are interlocked and need to be unhooked from one another before they can be removed, Bob Vila explained.

Use a zip tool to unhook the bottom lip of the panel from the one above it, Family Handyman instructed. Next, pry out the nails on top of the panel. Finally, pull straight down to remove the panel. Do this one panel at a time.

How to prepare vinyl siding for installation in cold weather

Before you begin installing the vinyl siding, it must be cut to size. Measure the entire exterior of your house, and don't subtract the area of the windows and doors. Including these in your measurements will provide some extra just in case you need it, Vinyl Siding Institute explained.

While you are wearing safety glasses, use a circular saw to cut the vinyl strips to size. Cut slowly and install your fine-tooth blade backwards. This allows for a smoother cut and helps to avoid cracking or breaking, which is a bigger risk in cold weather.

Before nailing your siding to the exterior of your home, use a heat gun with a spreader attachment to evenly warm the siding. This will make it more flexible and easy to work with, reducing the risk of breakage during installation. Find the right heat gun for your home improvement projects on the Master Appliance online store.