Re: vinyl siding - Digest #3602

February 26, 2007

,

I don't know weather you can blame moisture intrusion on siding in

general, maybe improper installation or some other extenuating

circumstance. What was the mold growing on? What was the nature of the

moisture intrusion?

As I stated in one of my prior post's, it's not a good idea to put

unnecessary layers of material on a home that prevent you from seeing

underneath.

My initial stance was this was not a good idea but after reading

shelly's post and how siding protects the exterior of the home from

moisture, I can see the virtues in a properly installed product.

On Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:55:42 -0500, you wrote:

>I have to respectfully disagree with the opinion about vinyl siding. My home

was stucco front and vinyl siding (Alcoa brand) on the sides and back. I had a

very back mold problem and spent years in litigation with a builder due to

improper construction methods and code violations. The mold was not from the

siding itself, but from moisture intrusion. There was no moisture barrier /

house wrap (Tyvek is a common brand) behind the siding over the OSB. Siding is

not a sealant. That is why building codes call for a moisture or vapor barrier.

The lack of this barrier, properly installed, will cause moistue intrusion into

any home. It was especially bad around the windows. Dr. Lipsey was the

toxicologist I used and he can tell you that the siding sure didn't keep mold

away from my home or family.

>

>I hope this is helpful as I would hate to see anyone suffer from mold due to a

FALSE security that siding is the answer.

>

>Sincerely,

> Armstrong - HOBB Florida Chapter

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