Is water leaking from the wall of a room in your foundation? This can cause cracks in your floors.
Flashing installation can be a solution to this problem. This can make you curious about whether flashing is needed where siding meets concrete, and how to install flashing. You would also want to know how to use it. This article would like to bring information that would answer the questions you have.
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What is flashing?
It is undeniably one of the most common solutions for a water damage issue, particularly for concrete and siding. Siding is a water-resistant sheet that is made out of metal or plastic. Flashings are installed between siding and concrete walls, in windows, doors, and intersections.
Before installing a flashing, you have to carefully choose one out of the kinds of flashing available.
What is the usefulness of flashing?
When water or moisture accumulates on a concrete surface, the siding can gradually absorb it. This eventually leads to water damage. As a result, the plywood beneath the siding starts rotting. Mold can also form in this area.
Although caulking can be a method to fight this problem, it is a short-time solution. As time goes by, it starts cracking. Furthermore, the caulking mechanism works by storing water internally. Therefore, this method might add to the existing problem and lead to further damage.
Thus, the purpose of flashing between the siding and concrete is to steer down the water. This prevents the water from getting caught behind the stucco.
What are the different types of flashing?
Before getting to installing a flashing, you should have some basic information at hand. The first is about the types of flashing that you can find. There are mainly two kinds of flashing available. They are:
External Flashing
Often moisture seeps through the wall at the point where it meets the roof. External flashing is made to prevent that. Sheet metals are commonly used in external flashing because of their longevity. You can also choose other materials like plastic, bituminous coated fabric, or waterproof membrane.
It is quite easy to install external flashing after a house has been constructed.
Internal Flashing
Metals like lead, zinc, and copper are usually used for making internal flashing. This flashing is commonly used for doors, windows, and window sills. Masonry walls have weep holes. Internal flashing helps in draining out water or other liquid from inside through these weep holes.
It can be harder to install internal flashing once a house has been completed.
Weather – A thing to consider before choosing flashing
You must select the flashing you want to keep the weather in mind. Consider the environment of the place you live in. Flashing is connected with environmental factors like extreme temperature and humidity. If you want to protect a building from calamities such as rain, you can opt for seal siding to concrete.
Types of flashing
The function of a siding is to keep a structure protected from inclement weather. This shielding mechanism keeps your house’s exterior safe. This is why sidings are sealed to the concrete wall. Sidings are made of various materials like wood, vinyl, and cement. The two most common siding are:
Aluminum Siding
The consequences of an aluminum siding meeting concrete depend on the cement’s ingredients. For instance, if the concrete has alkaline cement in it, it will produce hydrogen on meeting with an aluminum siding. As a result, grave problems can gradually arise like cracking and corrosion. Also, concrete has the capability of leaking water easily. As this wetness can be harmful to the siding, you must install flashing.
Aluminum siding is more expensive than steel but it is less prone to rust and weighs less.
Wood Siding
This is arguably the most popular siding, but you must not let wood siding meet concrete. It would be terrible if that happens. This is because concrete leaks moisture as it is a porous substance. Therefore, if the thin-set mortar has been used, it will result in damp walls at some point in time. As a result, the wood siding will start to rot and insects will be prone to attack it.
Plastic siding
Plastic siding is cheaper and can be quite durable. It might crack when it freezes outside though so it needs regular inspections.
How to install flashing where siding meets concrete?
With all this important information you read above, you will be completely ready to install the flashing. Or you will be able to tell a handyman exactly what you need. Flashing usually goes under the siding, but depending on the situation, you can install it on the outside. Keep the following helpful pointers in mind before you start:
- Gather all the measurements you need, particularly of the flashing and siding. The first step of installing flashing is to take the necessary measurements.
- Wear protective equipment.
- You have to use an adhesive to affix the flashing. And you need to be attentive while you insert it. This can be glue, screws, or mortar.
- Once the flashing has been installed, we will have to seal it. Depending on the joint you will work with, outside or inside, get an appropriate sealant. Use the same sealant on both sides of the seam to install flashing where the siding meets concrete. The most preferred siding is latex or rubberized siding for sealing joints.
Hopefully, now you will manage to install flashing where the siding meets concrete. But if you want to properly install flashing, consider taking the help of an expert who will assist you in examining your situation.
This is a vital part of your house and needs to be installed properly and well maintained.
You can also use an extended water spout to divert water from the gutters to avoid a backsplash on the walls. A lot of people don’t pay enough attention to this and it can result in serious damage. Adding gutter guards can help as well.
If you want to make the concrete look nicer, you can always paint it.
