GLOBE-Res Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 This is a general design question for any & all designers who deal with weather. What is the general consensus about putting metal siding down to grade where it would likely come into contact with snow? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rookie65 Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 I think most areas have guidelines as to how much exposed foundation needs to be there. I would never advise siding to go to grade. Should there be any porous material behind it, it could cause a "wicking" situation & pull moisture up behind the siding. Plus there's always chances of damage to it from snow removal equipment, de-icer, etc. Just my 2 cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLOBE-Res Posted October 1, 2017 Author Share Posted October 1, 2017 I would agree and yet I see so many new homes that have siding about 6" above grade. Here in the Pittsburgh region we often get snow that makes it up to 12" and then there is drifting. I haven't found any codes that restrict placement above grade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solver Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 The north side of my house will have snow and ice a foot or so up against it much of the winter. New construction requires siding to be 8" above the earth. In areas prone to termites, an exposed foundation makes their tunnels easy to spot. There are many, many metal buildings where the siding runs to concrete or asphalt. The slab is raised an inch or so forming a rabbit for the siding to sit on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLOBE-Res Posted October 1, 2017 Author Share Posted October 1, 2017 Interesting. I would ask then where you might suggest to look for documentation that would indicate code requirements. I'm wondering if the IRC would have that documented. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLOBE-Res Posted October 1, 2017 Author Share Posted October 1, 2017 Does anyone know of a free IRC in pdf format? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solver Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 I'd ask your local code enforcement people. No matter what the code says, they are the ones that will sign off on the plan and construction. https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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