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sealing wood siding

Redman4x | Posted in General Discussion on April 15, 2020 09:03am

I removed the plaster wall from a 1880 house I can see light coming in through gaps between clapboard siding, and signs of moisture. 

Any thoughts on caulking gaps from the inside. Definitely easier squeezing sealant down into the cracks and less mess to worry about than if done from outside. 

Seems to me this way would block rain from blowing upward into the house yet less likely to trap water trying to escape.

Pros/cons?

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Replies

  1. andy_engel | Apr 15, 2020 06:05pm | #1

    This is a can of worms. Sure, caulking from the inside won't hurt. But that's nothing like the whole picture, I suspect. What are you planning to do with that open wall? Insulate?

    1. Redman4x | Apr 16, 2020 08:50am | #2

      the plan is to install fiberglass batt insulation then sheetrock over it.

      1. andy_engel | Apr 16, 2020 04:32pm | #3

        Before doing that, I'd take the opportunity to back prime the siding. And then I'd install strips of tarpaper or housewrap down the stud bays on the back of the siding to separate the insulation from the siding. Also, take this opportunity to air seal the holes in the wall plates with spray foam to minimize air leaks. Finally, I'd recommend using Roxul instead of FG. It's a little more money, but it is an order of magnitude easier to work with and to do a good job with. Lowes carries it around me. Hope that's helpful info.

  2. User avater
    Plumb13 | Apr 16, 2020 05:28pm | #4

    I agree with Andy - insulating a wall with no sheathing is a problem, but guess what? Fine Homebuilding has an answer. Check out this link:

    https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2016/05/17/insulating-walls-no-sheathing

    1. andy_engel | Apr 16, 2020 05:48pm | #5

      You'd think I'd have know about that! Nice one.

  3. Redman4x | Apr 17, 2020 10:22am | #6

    Thanks, this connection of ideas builds a good solution; ie if you can't keep siding watertight, at least minimize trapping water, and keep your insulation dry.

    1. andy_engel | Apr 17, 2020 03:56pm | #7

      You've got it.

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