Siding and Window Replacement, With What Was Behind It

The brief

Failing paint, soft spots near two windows, and an owner who had been quoted a repaint by three painters. Paint was not going to fix what was happening under the siding.

What we found

Rot at the base of the north wall where a downspout had been discharging against the foundation for years, and around two window openings that had been installed without head flashing. Neither was visible from outside beyond some paint blistering.

The rest of the sheathing was sound, which meant the correction was contained rather than catastrophic.

What we did

Tear-off on three elevations, framing repair where needed, a properly lapped weather barrier, and flashing at every opening and penetration — including the kick-out at the porch roof that had never been there.

Eleven windows were replaced during the same opening, which is the cheapest moment to do it. The downspout was rerouted, since fixing the wall without fixing the water hitting it would have been theatre.

The result

A house that sheds water. The east elevation was in good condition and we left it alone, which meant a colour match on the new work — done from sample boards before we committed.