Water Behind Vinyl Siding

How to prevent water from flowing under vinyl siding.

Water behind vinyl siding.

If an installer uses a material such as incorrectly this only exacerbates the problem. While a water resistant house wrap is typically installed under the siding it is punctured by nails during the installation process contributing to leaks. Although vinyl is impervious to water when installed as directed by the manufacturer vinyl siding as a whole is not completely watertight. Vinyl is a potentially leaky material and water trapped behind siding leads to decay and mold.

Rainwater from missing or improperly placed gutters can end up behind siding. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to prevent water from leaking in behind vinyl siding. Vinyl siding itself is waterproof and directs most water flow away from the exterior but even a small gap can allow water through. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings.

Vinyl siding is designed as an exterior cladding only and is supposed to be installed over other materials such as a weather resistant barrier. 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. 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. Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out.

It is a misconception that vinyl siding doesn t need a water resistant barrier system. 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. Lack of gutters installed on the top roof of the home.

How to waterproof osb behind vinyl siding.