Avoid Splash On Wood Siding

How to stop rainwater from splashing on a porch.

Avoid splash on wood siding.

This article series discusses best practices construction details for building exteriors including water and air barriers building flashing products installation wood siding material choices installation vinyl siding stucco exteriors building trim exterior caulks and sealants exterior building adhesives and choices and application of exterior finishes on buildings. Shovel about 3 inches of dirt up against the foundation of your home. Yes it will turn gray over time. Extend the gravel 24 inches away from the window base and foundation in a layer that s 2 to 3 inches thick.

Wood siding that has many vulnerable areas and is left unsealed will surely be susceptible to rot and water damage. This exposed treated wood is ideal for pouring aprons landings sidewalks and driveways against and it keeps concrete from being in contact with your building s steel siding and trims as either of them will decay with direct contact to chemicals in concrete. Splash back is common where rain water bounces off decks or the first step below doors. If your grade is level with the siding install a drip edge level with the mulch.

Avoid using plastic sheeting as a ground cover. Alternatively you may put decorative gravel around the house foundation. Install the drip edge one foot from the siding when controlling a grade and a little outside the drip line of a home when controlling splashing water. It occurs to me people get concerned about the look of the splash plank as it ages.

Spread the dirt out about 18 inches away from your home decreasing the slope of the soil to about an inch high as you get farther away. Water puddles near the house especially right after a heavy rain. The slope helps rain splash away from your house. If looks of the splash plank is an issue my suggestion is to paint or stain it prior to installation.

The wood rot went through the clapboard siding and required new plywood sheathing insulation and sill plate 6 foot section in addition to the siding. Xxx exterior wood rot is most common where there is excess water due to splash back or standing water. Leave a 1 2 gap from the top of the edging to keep mulch from touching the siding. It s also perhaps the most popular siding option on the market.

That said if you do want to go with a 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.