Caulk The Siding Behind The J

I know it looks like there s a big gap there but that s pretty typical.

Caulk the siding behind the j.

Caulking can be placed behind the j channel during installation sealing the seam between the j channel and the house wrap also sealing the seam between the j channel and the window itself. Caulking your home s siding is a simple process but not necessarily a foolproof one. My point is that is far better than water getting in behind the siding. Leaking behind the siding down the house wrap till the water finds a nail and nail hole and then into the house.

I was just wondering how many guys caulk the j channel to the window trim anyway. And many homeowners over caulk applying caulk where it doesn t belong and potentially compromising the performance of their siding. If they need if it needed to be caulked they would have done that. But if done incorrectly it can lend a sloppy amateurish look.

Caulk is by necessity a sticky gooey substance and as such it smudges easily. Fiber cement boards are caulked only when there is no metal flashing behind them. And you generally don t have to caulk between the back of the j channel and the side of the window. Use a caulking gun to apply a continuous bead of silicone sealant along the vertical seams between the vinyl j channels and the exterior window casings.

Many vinyl siding installers do not realize the importance of the house wrap and its job as the sole water barrier because many people incorrectly believe that vinyl siding keeps the water out. Sent from my iphone using tapatalk 07 14 2014 08 15 pm. Trim boards wood windows. We only caulk butt joints on cedar siding if previously caulked.

Caulking windows to give them a finished look inside and out and seal out leaks and drafts is a fairly common diy task. Some of the most commonly caulked areas of siding include both corners and crevices as well as some butt joints and window and door trim boards. Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out.