Readers ask: How To Seal Siding To Concrete?

How do you seal the gap between foundation and siding?

Seal small cracks and gaps in your siding, under 1/4 inch wide, using an acrylic latex caulk. Simply apply this inexpensive filler into the cracks to seal.

Can you pour concrete against siding?

Concrete absorbs and holds water, and most siding and trim materials—including fiber cement—aren’t rated for contact with concrete. Just like concrete, fiber-cement trim can wick water, which can cause it to fail.

Should you seal the bottom of siding?

Bottom of siding boards should not be caulked



While paint does tend to somewhat glue these pieces together, caulking them is never advised and can cause permanent damage. Also, avoid caulking tongue-and-groove siding boards together.

How do you flash siding to concrete?

allow about 1/2″ gap between the cut edge of the siding and flashing so that you can paint it. Renail the siding to the studs and to the new blocking. Where the concrete meets the building, install an L-shaped flashing. Run a bead of sealant on the concrete and set the flashing into it and fasten it to the framing.

Is thicker vinyl siding worth it?

Siding thickness is a good factor to consider first. Remember the simple rule that thicker siding usually indicates greater quality. Thicker siding stays strong in extreme weather conditions and usually resists minor fading from sun exposure better than thinner styles.

Can OSB touch concrete?

Any lumber touching concrete should be Pressure treated to withstand any moisture migration to it, and in MHO, OSB, should not be used in a moisture environment whatsoever. If it is a 4×8 sheet of wood in direct contact with concrete I would strongly recommend that it be Marine Grade plywood.

How much space should be between siding and ground?

Wood siding, stucco, vinyl, brick – all siding, should ideally have at least 6 to 8 inches clearance above the ground. Any clearance is better than none. If the adjacent ground is concrete, such as part of a patio or a sidewalk, it still requires the same clearance as bare earth.

What should I put between wood and concrete?

In most cases, either pressure-treated lumber or naturally durable lumber (defined by the IRC as the heartwood of redwood, cedar, black locust, and black walnut) is acceptable. In some cases, separating wood from concrete with a water-impervious membrane or vapor retarder is all that’s required.

Should fiber cement siding be caulked?

Many professionals, like those at James Hardie, also agree that you should not use caulk on fiber cement siding unless there is no metal flashing underneath. Flashing acts as a waterproofing layer for this type of siding, and caulking will prevent the flashing from doing its job.

How is water getting behind my siding?

Vinyl siding itself is waterproof and directs most water flow away from the exterior, but even a small gap can allow water through. The roof and foundation, doors, windows, and any other breaks in siding create opportunities for moisture to seep in.

How do you install flashing under siding?

Slide half of the piece of pan flashing, oriented vertically, under the end of the siding. Make sure the bottom of the flashing does not emerge at the bottom of the lap siding. Secure the flashing and the siding by fastening them to the structure.