Caulk The Siding Behind The J

And many homeowners over caulk applying caulk where it doesn t belong and potentially compromising the performance of their siding.

Caulk the siding behind the j.

Caulking windows to give them a finished look inside and out and seal out leaks and drafts is a fairly common diy task. Siding caulk can be used on several different areas of your exterior siding to help prevent water damage and moisture buildup. 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. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings.

I was just wondering how many guys caulk the j channel to the window trim anyway. Caulk is by necessity a sticky gooey substance and as such it smudges easily. Fiber cement boards are caulked only when there is no metal flashing behind them. If they need if it needed to be caulked they would have done that.

Some of the most commonly caulked areas of siding include both corners and crevices as well as some butt joints and window and door trim boards. 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 believe that vinyl siding keeps the water out. We only caulk butt joints on cedar siding if previously caulked. But if done incorrectly it can lend a sloppy amateurish look.

Leaking behind the siding down the house wrap till the water finds a nail and nail hole and then into the house. And you generally don t have to caulk between the back of the j channel and the side of the window. Trim boards wood windows. Some manufacturers do not require the metal flashing therefore we caulk the butt joint to keep the pieces together and also prevent moisture.

Caulking your home s siding is a simple process but not necessarily a foolproof one. I know it looks like there s a big gap there but that s pretty typical. My point is that is far better than water getting in behind the siding.