I recently discovered some rot in the wood plank siding of my house after digging out dirt that had been resting against the bottom of it. I've started using an oscillating saw to check how high the rot goes, and I'm guessing it's around 6-8 inches from the original ends of the planks. Once I clear out the soil, here's my plan:
1. Cut the bottoms of the planks to remove all the rot.
2. Repair the housewrap as necessary.
3. Install Z flashing at the bottom of the planks.
4. Below the Z flashing, I'll put in a horizontal trim board (either PVC or pressure-treated), likely 1x8 or 1x10, depending on how much I need to cut off.
5. Finish with caulking.
Since this is my first time dealing with siding, I'd appreciate any advice or if I'm missing something important!
1 Answer
For the horizontal trim below the Z flashing, I’d recommend using AZEK in 1x8 or 1x10. It’s a PVC that doesn’t absorb moisture, so it’ll hold up better than wood. Plus, since your siding is white, you can leave it as is or paint it if you want. Keep in mind, though, PVC can get some algae growth if it’s in the shade, but there are paints that can help with that.
Thanks for the tip! I’m planning to go with PVC too. I'm replacing the soil with river gravel to avoid moisture retention, but I still worry about the exposure affecting the trim over time.
This is a good point! I usually prefer wood for everything but have also switched to PVC for moisture-heavy areas. Just practicality sometimes wins out!