Can Water Get Behind Vinyl Siding

How to prevent water from flowing under vinyl siding.

Can water get behind vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding especially dark siding begins to fade in sunny climates. Review j channel mistakes in vinyl siding cause costly building damage. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings. If you do use too much power water can sneak behind the siding and soak the wood sheeting behind the vinyl which could cause future damage.

Although vinyl is impervious to water when installed as directed by the manufacturer vinyl siding as a whole is not completely watertight. Reasons for water damage behind vinyl siding. Manufacturers often advertise that high quality siding lasts about 20 to 30 years. This is most prominent in j channels that run horizontally such as trim running along a window frame.

Wind blown rain entering behind any building siding material can become a water problem. However depending on your climate the siding might actually begin to show its age after only 10 to 15 years. However water damage behind vinyl siding can occur if the siding is installed incorrectly or without a water resistant barrier system. The damage can compromise a building s structural integrity.

In this article series be sure to. It easily hides beneath siding materials and often shows no obvious signs to untrained eyes. This material is resistant to rain snow and ice which makes it a great choice to protect your home with. Water runs down the siding and can collect in the j channel.

The problem with j channels is that when improperly used or installed they trap water and can provide an entry point for water to get behind the siding. As this is one of the most common causes of leaks around windows and doors of vinyl sided buildings. At yanish we find water damage behind the siding of roughly 1 in 6 homes. Water damage is risky business.

Observe the watch out checklist. 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. Vinyl siding can result in other maintenance issues. Vinyl siding is one of the best water resistant siding options you can get.

If you have vinyl siding installed on your home and you have found water damage there could be a number of causes to blame. Not all have wood rot but the damage would progress to rot in time. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to prevent water from leaking in behind vinyl siding. Start farther out and work your way in.