Bending Siding To See Behind It

Even when a window is properly sealed to prevent water from reaching the sheathing it still makes sense to direct bulk water away from the building.

Bending siding to see behind it.

That s what metal head flashing is for and when properly tucked behind the housewrap and taped it does a pretty good job. Create the 3 4 in siding pocket using the brake as a gauge. Install the flashing before you finish the top of the brick wall as the flashing must go behind the siding as well as behind and under the top row of bricks that angle outward to cover the top. On a wall section long enough to have spliced sections of vinyl wall siding in a given siding course if we see vinyl wall siding that is buckled we also check to see if the siding moves freely left and right on the wall.

Then slip flashing behind the siding covering the top edge of the ledger. Going up the wall. Start by making an outline on the siding where you want to position the ledger board. But water can still flow off the sides of the flashing where it soaks the joint where siding meets the casings.

From the first bend. Flip the sheet over and bend another 90 degree angle 3 4 in. In from the edge and bend a 90 degree angle. Slip flashing under siding snap a chalk line cut out the siding and tack up the ledger board.

A purpose made brake isn t necessary if you are going to be bending only a few pieces of coiled siding. Start with the finished side up set the brake at about 3 in. Make a 90 bend. It s easy to either use the butt of your hand to try to slide a siding panel left or right it should move about 1 2 or so.

Use scrap lumber to make a brake that is effective when only a few bends will be necessary. Use a straightedge to make a bend that will leave 6 in. Of flashing on the roof and 6 in.