Water Under Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is the rare siding product that remains completely unaffected by water behind it.

Water under vinyl siding.

Before the vinyl siding is installed on the house a waterproof underlayment called house wrap must be placed on the osb to prevent water from seeping through the siding and reaching the osb where. The roof and foundation doors windows and any other breaks in siding create opportunities for moisture to seep in. If the builder failed to install a weather barrier this sort of staining is more likely. Tracking down the leaks in a vinyl sided building.

Installing insulation over moisture or existing rot can create larger headaches later. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings. Vinyl siding itself is waterproof and directs most water flow away from the exterior but even a small gap can allow water through. Water passing over wood and other building materials but behind the vinyl siding can easily pick up pigments that stain the foundation wall outside.

The most common causes of water damage behind vinyl siding include the following. In reality although the vinyl material itself is waterproof the numerous seams and gaps that occur during installation aren t. Before installing vinyl siding over existing wood siding or wall sheathing the wood must be dry and in good condition. Vinyl siding may permit moisture below the surface the main purpose of cladding like roofing is to keep water out of your house.

Another benefit of quality vinyl siding is that it is highly water resistant when correctly installed. Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out. Wood siding and other traditional cladding materials allow the wall to breathe. That can be a virtue and a vice.

Lack of gutters installed on the top roof of the home. Since water runs downward unless it s being driven by strong winds the standard method for. Water vapor may move through the wall construction but it can escape during colder weather. Vinyl siding requires special inside and outside corner units in addition to the trim that.

Some contractors that favor vinyl may go so far as to say it s borderline waterproof. See water barriers exterior. Flashing or caulking if installed which is rare would be of no. Use a caulking gun to apply a continuous bead of silicone sealant along the vertical seams between the vinyl.