Signs your siding is letting water in

The surest signs are paint that keeps peeling in the same spot, swollen or soft boards near windows and corners, and stains or a musty smell on the inside of an outside wall. Siding sheds most of the rain; the water barrier and flashing behind it stop the rest, and when those fail the damage stays hidden until it shows at the surface.

Seven signs to look for

1. Paint that peels again a year after painting, in the same place. Water is pushing it off from behind.
2. Boards that are swollen, cupped or split, especially at the bottom edge.
3. Soft spots when you press a screwdriver into the siding near a window corner.
4. Gaps at trim and corners where caulk has pulled away.
5. Dark streaks below windows, which often point to missing or failed flashing above the window.
6. Siding touching the ground, a roof or a deck, where it wicks water up.
7. Inside clues: bubbling paint, stains or a musty smell on an outside wall.

Where to look first

Water finds the joints. Check under windows, at the bottom of walls, where a roof meets a wall, behind downspouts and at the corners of the house. The south and west walls take Portland's wind-driven rain hardest.

What it usually means

• A few bad boards with sound wood behind them: a repair, plus fixing whatever let the water in.
• Rot behind the siding: the rotted sheathing and framing need repair first. Our Dry Rot site covers that.
• Wear on every wall, or no water barrier behind it at all: time to plan siding replacement with the barrier and flashing done right underneath.

If the trouble starts at a window, the window may be the real problem; our Windows & Doors site explains how to tell.

What new siding should include

Whatever the material, ask how the bid handles the water barrier, the flashing at every window and door, and the gap at the bottom of the wall.

When to call

Call when you find soft wood, repeat peeling or stains inside. The sooner it is opened up, the less there is to repair.

Our work is covered by a 2-year workmanship warranty, in writing.

Book a free inspection or call Tim, (503) 597-8520.