Caulk The Siding Behind The J

Yeah i was just worried about if it rains from a certain angle it s going to you know wick down through that gap and then run behind the siding.

Caulk the siding behind the j.

Wherever hardie siding meets a trim board the company recommends you leave a 1 8 gap between the siding and the trim and apply a 3 8 bead of approved caulking to protect and seal the edge of the siding. And many homeowners over caulk applying caulk where it doesn t belong and potentially compromising the performance of their siding. Choosing the right caulk for your siding. But if done incorrectly it can lend a sloppy amateurish look.

Caulking windows to give them a finished look inside and out and seal out leaks and drafts is a fairly common diy task. Caulking can be placed behind the j channel during installation sealing the seam between the j channel and the house wrap also sealing the seam between the j channel and the window itself. I have had to do quite a few repairs due to this and it is even worse when caulk was applied to j channel applied to a dormer along a roof. In addition there are several other factors to keep in mind when choosing the right caulk for your siding.

A diyer or a novice painter might attempt to achieve a cleaner look by caulking the siding nails but the nail is guaranteed to push the caulking material out within a few months. And you generally don t have to caulk between the back of the j channel and the side of the window. Another item that needs room to play is siding boards themselves. Many vinyl siding installers do not realize the importance of the house wrap and its job as the sole water barrier because many people incorrectly.

When searching for the right kind of caulk for your exterior siding quality is obviously important as with any home improvement project cheaper does not always mean better. Caulk is by necessity a sticky gooey substance and as such it smudges easily.