Replies

1. 
   calvin | Dec 10, 2011 08:50am | #1

   der

   The problem also seems to be gaining ground on the corner board as well (from this vantage point).

   When it was sided, did they seal the bottom-cut edge of the siding?

   Did they read the instructions on install that says what the recommended gap should be between the hardi and a roof?

   Was there a kickout step flashing applied at the bottom of the dormer at the corner board?

2. 
   DanH | Dec 10, 2011 09:06am | #2

   Looks to me like the siding was installed improperly.  There should be a visible gap (backed by flashing) between the siding and the roof surface.  I suspect the install instructions call for 2" or so.

   And, of course, the cut edges should be primed before installing.

3. 
   calvin | Dec 10, 2011 11:21am | #3

   Take it down and do it right is one suggestion

   Here is a link to Hardi's installation instructions:

   http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/install/hardieplank-hz5.pdf

   As you'll see-minimum 2" between the bottom of hardi and roof, deck, etc convergent planes.

   Kickout flashing instructions also.

   Prime paint seal all field cuts.

   So, seems no other recourse but to do it the way it should have been done in the first place.

   If the siding is not deteriorated beyond this method-cut it back by running a saw on a guide board that will shim your saw up the required 2" up the side of the dormer-being careful to not cut through the step flashing (boy, that's not easy).  You could use a board of the proper thickness and fasten it to the siding which will give your depth of cut a consistent plane to gauge it so you MIGHT not cut the flashing.

   Hopefully the step flashing is high enough........................

   After you remove the crap, counter flash over the steps (so the flashing does go high enough and install a kickout flashing at the bottom at corner board to guide the water out away from the corner so that doesn't rot down the line.  (the corner board too should be 2" shy of the roofing surface.

   Then SEAL all your cuts.

   real good!

   Or, since it's such a small area-pull the siding, counterflash the steps, install a kickout and then reside

   SEALING ALL CUTS.

1. 
   derNewt | Dec 11, 2011 07:38am | #4

   Install is bad, but is that the problem?

   Thank Dan & Calvin,

   I'll probably re-do the dormer siding next spring, following the installation instructions (thanx!).

   That said, I still feel like most of the damage is a symptom of the bigger problem, which is the amount of splatter from the dormer run-off, as evidenced by the fading a good 2' up from the roof surface.  So I guess guttering is probably the only way to deal with that.  I'm thinking just put the downspout at the back, and elbow it out to flow directly onto the roof, minimal fall.

1. 
   calvin | Dec 11, 2011 08:23am | #5

   der

   When you run that gutter I would refrain from dumping out on the roof at the top of the dormer wall.  If anything, run a spout down past the corner. 

   Introducing a concentrated amount of water up top will not do the siding any favors.

4. 
   florida | Dec 11, 2011 08:35pm | #6

   The Hardi is too close ot the roof. I'd cut the siding 3 1/2 inches up and install a piece of 1 X 4 Azek. That would get the Hardi up where it's supposed to be and protect the edge.