Protect Your Home from the Inside Out
Siding isn’t just for looks. When installed properly, it keeps water out and helps your home breathe. But if flashing, sealing, or drainage are installed improper, moisture can sneak in and cause serious damage over time. Here’s what every homeowner should know about how siding protects your home, and what can go wrong when essential steps are skipped.
Correct Flashing and Sealing
You might not notice them, but flashing and sealant play a huge role in keeping your home dry.
- Flashing (thin metal or special tape) pushes water away from windows, doors, and corners.
- Caulking and sealing fill tiny gaps so water can’t get in.
Here’s why it matters:
Skip these steps and water can seep into the wood behind your walls, leading to mold, rot, and big headaches.
- The takeaway? Flashing and sealing may be small parts of the job, but they make a huge difference in keeping your home safe from water damage. Thankfully, Alside siding products are designed to pair with premium flashing and sealants, ensuring a tighter fit and better water protection compared to generic materials.
Weather-Resistant Barriers (WRB)
A Weather-Resistant Barrier is installed behind the siding as an additional protective layer. It blocks rain while letting moisture escape, keeping your walls dry and healthy. When paired with high-quality products like Alside siding, you get a double layer of defense. The WRB working behind the scenes, and Alside’s durable, low-maintenance siding taking the brunt of the weather. Together, they protect your home’s structure, improve energy efficiency, and keep your exterior looking great for years.
Proper Overlapping and Alignment
Siding panels must be overlapped and leveled correctly to ensure water flows out, not in. Misalignment can cause water to build up in joints or seep behind panels, leading to hidden damage over time. Proper installation keeps your siding secure, prevents moisture intrusion, and maintains a clean, uniform look.
Built-In Drainage
Even with great siding, a small amount of water can sneak behind it, especially during heavy rain, wind storms, or snow melt. That’s totally normal. What matters most is that your wall system knows how to drain.
Behind your siding, installers include little features that help water safely escape. These include:
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Drip caps (above windows and doors to push water away)
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Weep holes (small gaps that let water drain out)
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Bottom edge clearance (space between the siding and the foundation so it doesn’t trap water)
Bottom line: Good siding isn’t just about the surface, it’s about what’s happening underneath. A proper drainage setup keeps your home dry, healthy, and standing strong for years to come.
Choose the Right Materials for the Climate
- Some siding materials perform better in wet or humid environments (e.g., fiber cement vs. wood).
- A professional will consider local weather patterns when recommending and installing siding.
The wrong material, or one installed incorrectly, can absorb water instead of repelling it.
Common Signs of Water Damage Behind Siding
- Bubbling or warped siding
- Peeling paint or water stains inside the home
- Mold or mildew around windows
- Odors in rooms near exterior walls
Key Consideration: Accuracy is Crucial
Hiring professionals who have knowledge of techniques, materials, and local building codes ensures that your siding will not only be aesthetically pleasing but also offer long-term protection for your home.
Ready to Upgrade or Inspect Your Siding?
If your home’s siding is aging, or damaged, it might be time for a professional evaluation. Contact us for a free inspection and ensure your home is sealed tight and the weather is ready.