Your home’s architecture should be a protective shield against the elements, but when the roof design falls short, it can inadvertently become a source of trouble. Poor roof architecture can pave the way for water damage, ultimately resulting in siding rot. Here is a project we recently worked on in Harding Township, New Jersey, where this exact problem occurred.
Rainfall should ideally flow downward and away from your house. A well-designed roof should efficiently channel water off the roof, through gutters and downspouts, and away from your siding. However, when your roof is improperly designed or if it has aged and deteriorated, rainwater can be redirected in unintended ways. This can result in water cascading down your siding, creating a host of problems that include rot, mold, and structural damage.
When we first got the call from our client, she was reaching out with a concern about stains where her roof rake and siding meet and explained to us that it looked like there was some rotting at the rake.
Once we went to the home for an inspection, it was clear the roof ridge was rotten and moldy, as well as mold and water damage behind the siding. The way the architect or builder designed this roof was incorrect and resulted in the roof running right into the siding, which should never occur. This is an issue that the homeowner ignored, thinking that it was not a severe issue.
When observing your home for any signs of rot or water damage, check for stains on your siding & trim as well as any signs of rotting wood. Stains on the home are often overlooked, however, there is usually a more significant issue lying underneath.
Our team was hired for the job, and once we got there, the mold was much farther down than we had expected, and the homeowner decided to replace the entire section with new siding.
We ripped the old wood from the rotten section, replaced the wood and rake, and laid new hydrogap underlayment, which is self-adhesive, and new siding. Where the roof meets the siding, we added a piece of azek, a trim material that acts as a water barrier. The azek will also help divert the water. We lastly added a conductor head and leader so the water will have a place to run properly instead of flowing directly into the siding.
Preventing Rotten Siding Due to Improper Roof Architecture
Preventing rotten siding caused by improper roof architecture begins with regular maintenance and inspections. Here are some steps you can take:
- Regularly clean and maintain your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage.
- Have your roof and siding inspected by a professional for any signs of damage or wear, such as missing shingles, damaged flashing, or rotting siding.
- Address any roof issues promptly, including fixing leaks, replacing damaged shingles, and ensuring proper roof pitch.
- Consult with a professional roofing contractor for a thorough inspection and recommendations on roof repairs or replacements.
Andrew is the driving force behind our Sales and Marketing team at Novalis. With his infectious positive energy, he forms strong connections with clients, providing expert guidance throughout their projects, from the initial appointment to the final completion. Andrew’s dedication to customer satisfaction ensures that Novalis consistently exceeds their high expectations with top-notch service.
