Can Water Get Under Vinyl Siding

For homes with vinyl siding many homeowners are under the false assumption that vinyl is waterproof.
Can water get under 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. Siding leak diagnosis and repair. To further protect the home a waterproof barrier should be installed between the siding and the home. This article describes the causes of all types of leaks in building siding and wall coverings.
This material is resistant to rain snow and ice which makes it a great choice to protect your home with. Vinyl siding can result in other maintenance issues. J channel is a poor design if not flashed well it allows water to get in behind siding. The roof and foundation doors windows and any other breaks in siding create opportunities for moisture to seep in.
However if the flashing is broke or not properly attached water can seep behind the siding allowing mold to grow. However depending on your climate the siding might actually begin to show its age after only 10 to 15 years. Using detailed examples and photos of leaky building siding siding stains ice or other leak clues for vinyl siding we illustrate the installation mistakes or subsequent siding damage that can cause troublesome even dangerous leaks into a building wall or wall. Although vinyl is impervious to water when installed as directed by the manufacturer vinyl siding as a whole is not completely watertight.
Other types of siding may also telegraph water problems in a wall be it staining rot efflorescence softness or swelling. First it can have a major impact on your home s structure and integrity. How to prevent water from flowing under vinyl siding. Vinyl is the rare siding product that remains completely unaffected by.
In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to prevent water from leaking in behind vinyl siding. Although vinyl does a great job of keeping water out it does not offer a complete waterproof design. This is often referred to as a house wrap. Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out.
Vinyl siding especially dark siding begins to fade in sunny climates. Manufacturers often advertise that high quality siding lasts about 20 to 30 years. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings. Allowing mold to continue to grow under your siding can have a number of consequences.