It seems like almost everyone knows that wood to earth contact is and will lead to rot. That is one fact that I find even novice clients have been told, and pickup on, during inspections. But, the thing that fewer people know is that even the various masonry sidings should not be down in the soil either. The standard guideline, set by the IRC code, is four inches clearance from the masonry to soil. That would include brick and stucco products. Now, that still gives those products a break. They do not have to be as far removed from the soil as is the case with wood. Wood siding requires a clearance of six inches. This siding is too close to the dirt. So now you know. Thanks for stopping by, Steven L. Smith
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Yes, this is quite obvious.. who would put wood in this close proximity to earth? this baffles me, and I am not an inspector. anyone should know better. thanks for sharing, nice picture
Do you think that years ago they put the houses down close to the dirt purposely? Old ones are always close to the ground, so it seems.
That's good information Steven. I'm always scraping dirt away from houses.
I knew this was the guideline for wood and siding. I hadn't thought about it for masonry siding. Now... I will be on the lookout!
Tell that to the builders in this area. It is not uncommon to see brick veneer below grade level. I let it go unless the sill plates are below grade level...
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Amazing the building inspector didn't catch that - if it was a new const.
Older homes around here have very good clearance to grade. It's the newer homes where I see wood close to soil.
Very kindly,
Croakster
James,
Around here I would not venture to guess where I am most likely to see it. Both and either and or.
Common sense would lead you to believe that it would be good to have the siding off the dirt.
What most people don't realize is that the cementicious siding is attached to wood sheathing. When water wicks up the siding, the sheathing is at risk. Also, if one were to read the manufactures product report they would know that cement siding will deteriorate if kept wet.
David,
Right you are on that. They think cement-based, but forget what is behind it.