Water Getting Behind Siding

In most communities building codes require a moisture barrier.

Water getting behind siding.

Any inconsistencies in siding such as cracks nail holes and the like should also be caulked. The flashing keeps water off the sheathing and drains water properly which prevents water damage. At some point in the past an owner had vinyl siding installed over old siding. However it is possible for water to get behind the siding if it s not installed properly.

See water barriers exterior. If the builder failed to install a weather barrier this sort of staining is more likely. 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 runs down the siding and can collect in the j channel.

Water which makes it s way behind the hardie siding should hit the flashing layer. Rainwater leaking from a gutter ends up behind siding and causes a wall to rot. This is most prominent in j channels that run horizontally such as trim running along a window frame. It can get behind the siding and cause serious problems within the walls as well as leakage in the basement or crawl space.

This will result in eventual water damage either by absorbing into the siding or getting behind into the sheathing or frame. Bottom to top rain will hit the roof and make its way down your siding until it hits the ground. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings. Preparation for siding while correct installation reduces the risk of water running behind the siding it can t completely stop it.

The extra thickness of the vinyl. 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. Water damage often occurs near corners and edges and caulking in these places keeps moisture from seeping beneath siding.

This also applies to trim boards and wooden window frames. Tracking down the leaks in a vinyl sided building. 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.