Waterproof siding is your solution to avoid rot. But if you’re not familiar with this process, read more for all the details.
Damage to the outside of the home is one of a homeowner’s greatest fears – especially when the damage is something so irreversible and difficult to repair as rot. This, unfortunately, happens often to siding, and it’s not surprising. But, we have some good news! You can avoid this rot with waterproof siding.
Siding is very vulnerable in that it is subjected to the elements constantly – rain, snow, sleet, winds, or burning sun rays. Rot is one of the biggest problems that can occur in siding. This usually happens in areas that are already particularly susceptible due to poor construction, waterlogging, or lack of protection, or appropriate guttering.
It can be avoided, however, by installing waterproof siding. Homeowners naturally want their siding to last a long time and do their job of protecting the exterior of the home well. It can do this best if water damage isn’t a problem.
Consider the following options when selecting a new, waterproof siding for your home. Now, you can better protect your existing siding from water damage.
What is Siding Rot?
It’s helpful to first understand what rot is in terms of siding. This is especially a problem with wood siding.
Wood is most vulnerable to the elements, especially water; it can only take on so much water until it will begin to disintegrate. This is especially a problem if the wood is painted. Rot can cause paint to flake off. Due to this flaked paint, it’s not aesthetically pleasing, but also a hazard if the paint is old and contains lead.
Certain areas are more prone to rot than others, namely anywhere that water gathers and cannot freely move. For example, the corners of eaves, corners of gutters, areas not particularly protected by gutters, and the areas on the lower half of the house where water may splash up, near gutters or downspouts are, particularly at risk.
It is rather easy to identify rot on your siding. Most often it is manifested by holes in the siding. This will be especially noticeable if the paint has already chipped off.
However, this is not always the case, which may make finding areas of rot harder to identify. It helps to use your fingers to poke at vulnerable areas of the siding to look for soft, damaged areas. These areas may or may not still be covered in paint.
Waterproof Siding Options
Getting all-new siding may be an option for you if you’re in the market for replacing it anyway or are in the process of building a new home. So you’ll want to consider water-resistance when determining what siding is the best option for your home.
Wood siding that has many vulnerable areas and is left unsealed will surely be susceptible to rot and water damage. That said, if you do want to go with wood siding, take the proper precautions with waterproof siding to protect it against excess moisture.
Vinyl is at less of a risk of rotting and it is a very affordable option. It’s also perhaps the most popular siding option on the market. However, just because it is more water resistant doesn’t mean it can’t get water damage or rot.
In order to make it truly water-resistant, a waterproof material must be applied to the home before installing vinyl siding over top of it. If not, water can seep underneath vinyl siding and cause water damage that is just as severe. However, this rot is not as easily visible.
Good waterproof siding materials include composite materials made of polymer. Another option is stone siding. This is quite expensive but offers a stunning look to any home. Stucco waterproofing is essential as well and is found in many southwestern, Mediterranean style homes. It is especially effective when a waterproof barrier is placed underneath the stucco layer.
Reduce Moisture and Avoid Rot
Some homeowners are not in a position to replace all of their siding. It’s really quite simple and involves general home maintenance.
For one, it’s important to better control where excess water goes. Maintaining your gutters and keeping them free of debris will help with this. Homeowners should inspect their gutters each year and make sure they are securely fastened to the home. Gutters should be free of debris like sticks and leaves, and have no holes in them. Any holes or gaps should be fixed with caulk.
Downspouts, also, should be situated in such a way that they are directed away from the foundation by at least several feet. Try to keep pools of water from forming at your downspouts. This is because it can wreak havoc on your foundation and your siding.
Refreshing all of the caulk around all of the openings of your siding will also contribute to creating a more watertight home. Be sure to caulk around roof flashings, chimneys, doors, windows, and any cracks in the cement.
And lastly, if you do have wood siding or if you prefer wood siding, it’s important to keep all these water runoff control suggestions in mind. However, you’ll also want to apply a coating or waterproof siding seal on the wood to help water bead up instead of soak in and potentially rot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, avoiding rot with waterproof siding is relatively easy whether you’re in the market for entirely new siding or you’re just trying to take precautions with the siding that you currently have.
For new siding options, consider a waterproofed wood, stone, or stucco siding. If you go with vinyl, you’ll want to consult with your contractors to see if they can apply a waterproof wrap to the exterior of your home before putting up the vinyl siding.
Ensure your gutters are clean, clear, and securely attached to the home. This can also enable you to better control where excess water goes. This will direct it away from vulnerable areas of the home. Caulking, giving downspouts plenty of room, and keeping gutters clean are several ways to do this.
Waterproof siding, coupled with the watchful eye of a homeowner will help you avoid and fight rot should it threaten the siding of your home.
