Where does siding leak? Most siding leaks start in a few predictable places: the joints between panels, cracks in aging panels, the caulked gaps around windows, and walls that get soaked by faulty gutters. Knowing where to look makes it much easier to catch a leak before water does real damage behind the wall.
Vinyl siding is popular because it is affordable, attractive, easy to maintain and able to protect a house in all kinds of weather. It is not completely sealed, though, and it does not last forever.
Where a Siding Leak Usually Starts
Joints between panels
Siding expands and contracts as the temperature changes, and it has to be installed with room to move. It may look tight, but there are small gaps at the joints between panels. Over years of expansion and contraction those gaps can widen. If the siding was not installed properly, the gaps can start out larger than they should be and grow from there.
Cracks from age and weather
Like any product, siding wears. After decades of harsh weather and UV rays from the sun, panels can begin to crack. Even small cracks let water get behind the siding.
Around windows
Windows are one of the most common leak points. When windows are installed after the siding, small gaps can be left where the two meet. Installers seal those gaps with caulk to keep out air and water, but caulk breaks down with exposure to changing weather. Once it fails, water can get into the spaces around the window.
If the windows are old and the caulk has been patched many times, new vinyl replacement windows, properly installed and sealed, are a more lasting fix. The same goes for worn door frames, where new entry doors and patio doors restore a tight seal.
Below faulty gutters
Gutters that are clogged, damaged or pitched incorrectly cannot carry water away from the house. The water runs down the siding instead, where it finds gaps and cracks and leaks in behind the panels.
Signs That Your Siding Is Damaged
Check your siding from time to time so you can spot a problem early and have it repaired before it gets worse. It is also a good idea to have a professional look for anything you may have missed.
On the outside, look for rotting, warping, holes and bubbles in the siding. On the inside, peeling paint or wallpaper on exterior walls can point to moisture getting through. Higher utility bills can be another sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vinyl siding supposed to be watertight?
Not completely. It is installed with small gaps at the joints so it can expand and contract. Problems begin when those gaps widen, panels crack or large amounts of water are directed onto the wall.
Why is water leaking around my window?
The usual cause is failed caulk where the window meets the siding. Weather wears caulk down over time, and water gets in once it cracks or pulls away.
Can clogged gutters cause a siding leak?
Yes. Overflowing gutters send water down the wall, where it can enter gaps and cracks in the siding.
Leaks Around Windows or Doors? We Can Help
If you have traced a leak to an old window or door, talk to Aladdin Inc. Homeowners across Connecticut have relied on our family-owned company for generations. Contact us or call (203) 776-9996 to get a quote.