Water Behind Vinyl Siding

Water also enters the wall cavity through gaps at the edge of siding if it is not caulked.

Water behind vinyl siding.

In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to prevent water from leaking in behind vinyl siding. It is a misconception that vinyl siding doesn t need a water resistant barrier system. While a water resistant house wrap is typically installed under the siding it is punctured by nails during the installation process contributing to leaks. In terms of siding this means layering sheeting flashing house wrap caulking siding and trim.

The most common causes of water damage behind vinyl siding include the following. Although vinyl is impervious to water when installed as directed by the manufacturer vinyl siding as a whole is not completely watertight. Lack of gutters installed on the top roof of the home. When siding is put back behind the gutter the lowest piece of flashing running down the pitch of the roof above must be fashioned to divert water into the gutter not behind the siding.

How to waterproof osb behind vinyl siding. The exterior walls of your vinyl siding clad home consists of layers of different materials designed to keep your home dry and warm in the winter or. It s virtually impossible to completely seal any siding without additional materials. Vinyl siding must be able to move independently of the wall surface.

Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out. Vinyl siding is designed as an exterior cladding only and is supposed to be installed over other materials such as a weather resistant barrier. Vinyl siding itself is waterproof and directs most water flow away from the exterior but even a small gap can allow water through. Rainwater from missing or improperly placed gutters can end up behind siding.

If an installer uses a material such as incorrectly this only exacerbates the problem.