mattinthebox

Hi, this is my first post in this forum.

I am experiencing a problem with the original design of my home.

I live in a single story ranch on a slab.
It is constructed of half brick and half vinyl siding.

The problem I am experiencing is where the vinyl siding J-channel meets the brick ledge, halfway down the wall between the roof and the ground.
This ledge runs all the way down, front to back, both sides of my home.

What's happening is the rain, snow or other moisture that comes in contact with the siding, such as gutter overflow, runs down to the brick ledge then goes underneath the J-channel and inside the wall.

I had no idea this was happening till I opened up the wall for a kitchen remodel.

The water infiltration damaged several 2x4's, completely rotted, and the original board between the outside brick/siding and interior 2x4's, which was completely washed away from years of this exposure.

All of this has been repaired with the exception of the siding issue, which I didn't know how to handle, and water from melting snow has been seeping back into my home.

Is it okay to caulk/seal the j-channel to the top of the brick ledge or will this trap moisture that still gets behind the siding?

Also, I haven't replaced the drywall in this area and I also wanted to know if I should use the green drywall for this area.

I don't know what to do at this point, I am hoping an experienced member here might be able to advise me as to how I can fix this situation.

I'm going to try to add some pictures as soon as my camera battery is charged.

Many thanks in advance...

mattinthebox

inspectorD

Sounds like you have quite the problem there. The issue is with the water membrane or weather barrier behind the siding. Water will go where it wants to. It will migrate through the brick also. You need to address the issue of insufficient tar paper or tyvek behind the wall, and any kick out flashing to get the water out from behind the siding materials, whatever they happen to be. Layer the paper to go over the one below it, like a shingle if you have to. Caulk will trap water and is really only a temporary fix.
Pics will help to give better advice.
Cruise some of the other siding posts about water behind siding.

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mattinthebox

I guess I should have mentioned that the siding was done the year before and the contractor never said anything about the water infiltration.

So as it stands, the wall is pretty much finished on the outside and no drywall on the inside.

I have added another post including a few pics but the message said a moderator had to approve it before it could be seen.

tinner666

If you google 'window flashing', you'll find useful links about siding leaks and siding/window issues.

mattinthebox

Strange that the post I made with the pics still hasn't shown yet.

I posted them about an hour after my first post, so I dunno what's up with that????

I'm gunna try again, hopefully people can see 'em this time without a review...

I can see 'em in the preview so I know I did it right...

I kinda need to get an answer regarding this problem soon as I am going to the doctor soon and will be down for the count for some time...

I'd love to get this straight before that time comes and would really appreciate any more ideas...

So to recap, is it okay to seal between the brick and siding?

There's no logical way, that I can think of, to fashion a flashing or anything that will prevent water from getting in between the seam (without having to tear the house down).

Thanks in advance...

mattinthebox

Damn... I can't post pics unless a moderator reviews it first.

That really sucks!

This isn't myspace is it? ... Is this myspace?

I wouldn't think anyone would bother posting pics not related to the subject, would you?

Jeeze I believe this is really having an effect on getting an answer to my problem.

Can a mod PLZ have a look at the last two posts to make sure they aren't offensive?
There is a little bush, but not what you may be thinking...

Thnx

inspectorD

You need to read the directions first.
You need to post at least 10 times before you can put up a pic. This is not myspace, just a bunch of folks actually trying to help out...did I mention for free?
Hang in there, we will help you out best we can.

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mattinthebox

Ya know I am registered thru sooo many different forums.

I must have overlooked the 10 posts before that privilege is available.

I thought it was 10 posts before a member could have a sig... oh well my mistake.

I will bounce around the forum and make a few more posts so you guys can better visualize my situation.

Thanks for clearing up my confusion...

mattinthebox

Okay I met the quota and it's been over an hour since my last post, I hope this works...

The house had the siding done two years ago.
The contractor never mentioned any damage or reason for water to come into the house, not that it was his problem anyways.

The question again is can I seal the j-channel where it meets the brick ledge?