3 Reasons You Need A Reliable Seal Between The Bottom Of Your Siding And The Top Of The Foundation
The bottom edge of your siding is easy to forget about because it's far from the most visually noticeable part of your home's exterior. However, a gap between the concrete foundation and the start of your siding often goes overlooked to the detriment to the rest of the structure. Finding a gap may take a little work, but if you do discover an uneven edge between the top of the concrete and the bottom of the siding, you'll need to close it up with caulk to prevent these three major home problems.
Keeping Out Pests
First, a gap even as small as the width of a pencil can allow mice to slip under the siding and into your wall. This gives them access to the entire structure as they tunnel their way through insulation and gnaw holes in walls and floors. The simple act of creating a tight seal between the siding and top of the foundation wall is the best way to keep pests of all kinds, including both animals and insects, out of your walls. If you don't want to handle the task yourself, a siding contractor can handle it for you.
Preventing Drafts
Not only does a gap along the top of the foundation allow pests in, each gap offers an opportunity for air to flow in and out of the home freely. The wall should have a solid backing, such as plywood or cement backing board, that runs down to the top of the foundation. However, the irregularities that are naturally formed when the concrete foundation cures can create gaps that are multiple inches across. Applying caulking or expanding foam is a quick way to prevent drafts and lower your monthly energy bills year round. Make sure the caulk you choose seals well to the type of siding you've chosen for your home. Some products work on all siding, while others are designed only for vinyl, metal, or wood products.
Stopping Moisture Transfer
Any gap capable of transferring air into the home's walls or interior space can also let moisture sneak in as well. You may think that a few splashes of rain or some humid air won't matter to your walls, but this moisture can become trapped inside the wall or behind the siding and lead to rot that spreads through the entire structure. Sealing the siding to the top of the foundation prevents moisture from flowing inside the wall or splashing up through the gap.
If you want to learn more about siding repair and siding services, contact a company near you!
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