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Water damage to building walls from rain splash: this article explains the causes & effects of rain splashback or roof spillage splash-up on wood siding, causing rot or insect damage. Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman. Roof Spillage & Rain Splash-Up Damage to Exterior Wall Siding
Adapted/paraphrased with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction. Steven Bliss. Splashback or splash-up water damage refers to the effects of water on building surfaces when rainwater strikes the ground close to the building. Splashback is most severe in areas where water falling off of a building roof strikes the ground because of the concentration of spillage in such areas. These same conditions are a prime source of building or crawl space water entry troubles. (Also see WATER ENTRY in buildings.) All building siding products, but especially wood-based products, are vulnerable to discoloration, wear, and deterioration or even wood destroying insect invasion when they are installed close to ground level. Splashback damage is increased when:
Photographs below illustrate some of these conditions as well as steps to protect building siding from water damage by roof spillage or splash up. At below left the combination of modest roof overhang, a natural water trap formed by nearby building walls and retaining wall, and shade were factors in the worn, leaky wood shingle siding on this garage. New asphalt paving was added and sloped to improve drainage out of the area.
At below left, the absence of any roof overhang at all has led to building siding damage. But the generous roof overhang at below-right has worked well to prevent siding damage as well as to keep water well away from the building at a rocky site that could otherwise lead to trouble.
The vertical wood siding at below left was severely damaged from roof spillage and splash-up. The construction of a combination of a concrete entry platform poured against building siding, poor drainage, and spillage from a roof valley make the home at below right an inviting place for carpenter ants and termites.
Splashback Damage Protection for buildingsAs discussed in Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction and as we also noted at FLASHING WALL DETAILS: In wall areas subjected to splashback, snow buildup, or high moisture from other sources, rubberized asphalt membranes in widths up to 36 inches can be used to protect the wall sheathing and structure. Water damage from splashback is common in wall sections located under the eaves of a roof with no gutters. Walls above decks or flat roofs are also prone to moisture damage from splashback or snow buildup. In all cases, make sure to detail the flashing membrane so that it tucks under the sheathing wrap above and over the step flashing or cap flashing below. If installed along the foundation, the membrane should cover the joint where the sill meets the foundation. Also see FLASHING WALL DETAILS, -- Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)... Ask a Question or Search InspectApediaQuestions & answers or comments about the damage caused by rain splash-back on building walls & other building components. Ask a Question or Enter Search Terms in the InspectApedia search box just below. Technical Reviewers & ReferencesRelated Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
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