Water Getting Behind Siding

Remember one of the main hardie siding problems is water damage however it s also one of the easiest to prevent with proper installation.

Water getting behind siding. The shingles should be hanging about 1 4 inch to 1 2 inch beyond the drip edge so this may be your problem. The extra thickness of the vinyl. Bottom to top rain will hit the roof and make its way down your siding until it hits the ground. As gravity takes over and pushes the rainfall downwards you better hope your siding was installed correctly.

Water which makes it s way behind the hardie siding should hit the flashing layer. It can get behind the siding and cause serious problems within the walls as well as leakage in the basement or crawl space. This also applies to trim boards and wooden window frames. Any inconsistencies in siding such as cracks nail holes and the like should also be caulked.

Preparation for siding while correct installation reduces the risk of water running behind the siding it can t completely stop it. Water should not be allowed to run down the siding. Water passing over wood and other building materials but behind the vinyl siding can easily pick up pigments that stain the foundation wall outside. This is most prominent in j channels that run horizontally such as trim running along a window frame.

See water barriers exterior. Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to prevent water from leaking in behind vinyl siding. At some point in the past an owner had vinyl siding installed over old siding.

The flashing keeps water off the sheathing and drains water properly which prevents water damage. However it is possible for water to get behind the siding if it s not installed properly. This will result in eventual water damage either by absorbing into the siding or getting behind into the sheathing or frame. In most communities building codes require a moisture barrier.

The problem with j channels is that when improperly used or installed they trap water and can provide an entry point for water to get behind the siding. Water runs down the siding and can collect in the j channel. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings. If the builder failed to install a weather barrier this sort of staining is more likely.