Readiness check

Will your siding keep the wall dry or rot it out?

Siding is the raincoat, but what keeps the wall dry is what is behind it: the water-resistive barrier and the flashing. Water always gets behind siding, so the barrier, the flashing, and the drainage protect the structure. Answer for how the job is actually built. This is general guidance; confirm with the manufacturer and the code. The score stays on your device; enter an email only if you want the siding checklist sent over.

1. Is a water-resistive barrier installed as a lapped drainage plane behind the siding?Yes, WRB lapped shingle-style and tapedA barrier, but laps and integration are sloppyNo WRB, the siding is the barrier

2. Are the windows, doors, and penetrations flashed and integrated with the WRB?Yes, sill pans and head flashing tied to the WRBSome flashing, mostly caulkCaulk only

3. Is kick-out flashing installed where the roof edge meets the wall?Yes, kick-out diverts the roof water out of the wallNot sure it is thereNo kick-out flashing

4. If vinyl, is it hung loose (nailed center of slot, not driven tight) to float?Yes, loose nailing so it expands and contractsSnug, some bucklingNailed tight

5. If fiber cement, is the silica controlled when cutting (score-snap or dust-control saw + respirator)?Yes, dust controlled and respirators wornSometimesDry circular saw, no protection

6. Is there a rainscreen or drainage gap so the wall can drain and dry?Yes, a drainage gap behind the claddingTight to the WRBNo drainage consideration

7. Is the siding kept off the wet (clearance to grade and above the roof)?Yes, the required clearances are heldClose to grade in spotsSiding runs to grade

8. Do you follow the manufacturer's install instructions (the warranty depends on it)?Yes, installed to the manufacturer specMostlyWe do it our own way