Caulking Between Wood Siding

Placing caulk over large portions of wood siding prohibits the natural movement of the wooden panels and can cause extensive damage to the exterior of your home.

Caulking between wood siding.

Caulking on the exterior siding joints at the corner board if done carefully does not need to be smoothed with a finger. Matt is 100 correct. Use latex painter s caulk inside of doors and windows or to quickly fill cracks. In my opinion caulking between the seams in any lapped siding either horizontal or vertical is not good practice but not just because of any potential vapor barrier effect.

Sometimes known as acrylic latex caulk. Best for use with drywall wood and masonry. It needs to move and breathe. Any contractor worth their salt knows that you never caulk anywhere where water may need to escape.

Most other areas were caulk is necessary should be lightly smoothed with your finger. You never ever caulk the underside of lap siding. Bottom of siding boards should not be caulked water is meant to exit through the bottom of each board. Fill in gaps between crown moulding and baseboards.

While paint does tend to somewhat glue these pieces together caulking them is never advised and can cause permanent damage. Think of a wood home as a living thing. The siding expands and contracts with temperature and humidity. Flashing acts as a waterproofing layer for this type of siding and caulking will prevent the flashing from doing its job.

In fact some manufacturers warranties are void if you do. Caulking them is a mistake and the caulking is likely to fail prematurely.