I have a job to install cedar siding around an entrance door that goes all the way down to a concrete stoop (porch). The stoop is not completely covered and does get it share of water when it rains. My first reaction was to leave a 1/4 inch space between the bottom row of siding and the concrete, and caulk it. But I am having second thoughts that this might not be the right way to address this. Any suggestions on how to keep the siding from picking up moisture from the wet concrete?
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Gap yes, caulking no.
Flashing, absolutely.
You need falshing that starts against the sheathing, a number of inches up from the bottom. It needs to be bent so that the bottom course of siding is protected by it on two surfaces (bottom and back). The housewrap or felt paper goes on over the flashing, and the siding over that.
The gap must not be caulked, because water WILL eventually get behind the siding. And when it does, it must have a way out. The proper layering of the flashing and housewrap will assure the proper path.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
Backprime and seal the bottom edges wouldn't hurt either
I never thought about having a way to let the moisture out. Thanks for the advise on the flashing!
RockyII