Water 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.

Water behind vinyl siding.

The most common causes of water damage behind vinyl siding include the following. Vinyl siding itself is waterproof and directs most water flow away from the exterior but even a small gap can allow water through. It is a misconception that vinyl siding doesn t need a water resistant barrier system. Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out.

Rainwater from missing or improperly placed gutters can end up behind siding. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings. 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. While a water resistant house wrap is typically installed under the siding it is punctured by nails during the installation process contributing to leaks.

Vinyl is a potentially leaky material and water trapped behind siding leads to decay and mold. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to prevent water from leaking in behind vinyl siding. If an installer uses a material such as incorrectly this only exacerbates the problem. It s virtually impossible to completely seal any siding without additional materials.

In terms of siding this means layering sheeting flashing house wrap caulking siding and trim. How to prevent water from flowing under vinyl siding. Water also enters the wall cavity through gaps at the edge of siding if it is not caulked. 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 must be able to move independently of the wall surface.