Common siding installation mistakes to avoid:
- Caulking the top cladding board to trim boards: This creates a dead end that traps humidity in walls behind siding.
- Cutting boards short and relying on caulking to fill the gap: Caulking will eventually fail, letting water in but also potentially keeping it in.
- Boards are best installed tight, a certain amount of shrinking will occur but any water that gets in will be able to dry. Be sure to seal all cut ends with paint.
- Installing horizontal furring to attach siding: If your siding requires horizontal furring (such as board and batten), install a first layer of vertical furring to allow a drainage cavity, then a second layer.
- Horizontal furring strips can stop air flow and prevent water from draining out. Diagonally installed furring is an option that can also work without needing a second layer.
- Double furring at the corners: corners are often needlessly fortified with furring strips (or strapping), where they should ideally be left open and able to dry. If water is going to leak into walls it will be at joints and junctions like corners.
