|
|
Grand Rapids Remodeling | Vinyl Siding; Waterproofing the Exterior
Installing vinyl siding is a relatively easy task and can add instant curbside appeal. Vinyl siding was never intended to be a water barrier. Water can and does get behind the panels so before starting it is suggested all exterior openings be flashed and a waterproof wrap be installed. The following article is a brief description from Grand Rapids remodeling of how to prepare openings for vinyl siding.
Vinyl siding is not waterproof. A close inspection of the vinyl panels reveals weep holes at the bottom for water to drain. A water resistant barrier such as a house wrap must be applied to protect the homes exterior. Many Grand Rapids contractors use this opportunity to give the homeowner an extra layer of insulation in addition to water proofing. A commonly used rigid foam insulation called fanfold is most often applied. This polystyrene product comes packaged in 3’ X 50’ lengths. The fanfold is attached by ring shanked cap nails that hold the product to the home. With a utility knife, any opening can easily be cut to accommodate windows, doors and lights. Tape can then be applied to the seams to make a waterproof sheathing while also adding an R value. Special attention must be paid to windows and doors. These openings are prone to water infiltration and can ruin the sheeting underneath very quickly. Water proof adhesive membranes are commonly sold at home improvement centers that do the job. These membranes are sold in rolls usually 4” in width and vary in lengths. These rolls have a sticky side that adheres to the window and the fanfold or house wrap that has already been applied that surrounds the window.
It is important that the waterproof tape be applied in order, from top to bottom. The first strip must be cut to size about 8” bigger than the window width and be applied at the bottom of the window first. The ends must extend out past the window sides. The lengths at the sides of the window should now be applied. The membrane strip should overlap the bottom strip and extend past the top of the window. Finally the top of the window should be sealed. Again the tape must extend past the sides ensuring that any water is shed over and past the layer beneath. Doors are done in much the same way, just exclude the first strip beneath the opening. Always go from bottom to top and overlap the ends.
When adhering the membrane tape to the surfaces makes sure the transition is a tight 90 degree bend between the homes exterior and the window trim. The “J” channel that fits in afterwards should fit in the corner easily. If the worker has a small piece of “J” channel it is helpful to place it in the corner and find potential problems ahead of time. Having follo
Installing vinyl siding is a relatively easy task and can add instant curbside appeal. Vinyl siding was never intended to be a water barrier. Water can and does get behind the panels so before starting it is suggested all exterior openings be flashed and a waterproof wrap be installed. The following article is a brief description from Grand Rapids remodeling of how to prepare openings for vinyl siding.
Vinyl siding is not waterproof. A close inspection of the vinyl panels reveals weep holes at the bottom for water to drain. A water resistant barrier such as a house wrap must be applied to protect the homes exterior. Many Grand Rapids contractors use this opportunity to give the homeowner an extra layer of insulation in addition to water proofing. A commonly used rigid foam insulation called fanfold is most often applied. This polystyrene product comes packaged in 3’ X 50’ lengths. The fanfold is attached by ring shanked cap nails that hold the product to the home. With a utility knife, any opening can easily be cut to accommodate windows, doors and lights. Tape can then be applied to the seams to make a waterproof sheathing while also adding an R value. Special attention must be paid to windows and doors. These openings are prone to water infiltration and can ruin the sheeting underneath very quickly. Water proof adhesive membranes are commonly sold at home improvement centers that do the job. These membranes are sold in rolls usually 4” in width and vary in lengths. These rolls have a sticky side that adheres to the window and the fanfold or house wrap that has already been applied that surrounds the window.
It is important that the waterproof tape be applied in order, from top to bottom. The first strip must be cut to size about 8” bigger than the window width and be applied at the bottom of the window first. The ends must extend out past the window sides. The lengths at the sides of the window should now be applied. The membrane strip should overlap the bottom strip and extend past the top of the window. Finally the top of the window should be sealed. Again the tape must extend past the sides ensuring that any water is shed over and past the layer beneath. Doors are done in much the same way, just exclude the first strip beneath the opening. Always go from bottom to top and overlap the ends.
When adhering the membrane tape to the surfaces makes sure the transition is a tight 90 degree bend between the homes exterior and the window trim. The “J” channel that fits in afterwards should fit in the corner easily. If the worker has a small piece of “J” channel it is helpful to place it in the corner and find potential problems ahead of time. Having follo
FAQ