Siding Too Close To Ground

This is what happens when wood siding is too close to the ground.

Siding too close to ground.

Code where i m at requires 6 of clearance between siding and soil so but between between a patio you should be fine with 3 4 of separation. This requirement is not just to prevent damage to the siding it serves a couple of other functions as well. The foundation raises only a few inches from the soil and the siding wood of course is about 3 inches from the soil. In most cases siding clearance should be about 6 8 from the ground.

When it rains water pools in this one corner and actually immerses the wood. Any contact with any building siding material and the ground or even placing it too close to ground level invites damage from insects carpenter ants termits or from water and rot. Inspect during different times of the day keep plants and trees away check water drainage adjusting sprinklers adding not burying your siding below the ground s surface with grade shown below. More posts from the homeimprovement community 1 7k.

The last solution would be to have a dozer remove 6 inches of your yard over the entire yard. Wood siding should be 4 or so from the ground whether that be soil or solid surface. That s true even if the siding itself would not be damaged by water since placing it close to ground provides a protected path for insects to enter the structure. Siding too close to the ground it s vinyl isn t that final siding materials need proper clearances between finish grade and the siding regardless the type of siding.

By the way termites do not eat aluminum siding. However if it s done properly your siding will last for many years to come protecting your home and your family. It gets wet it rots and it attracts termites.