When homeowners invest in new siding, they expect the exterior of their home to be protected for decades — not quietly damaged behind the scenes.
Unfortunately, during a recent service call in Tulsa and the surrounding areas, we were brought in to address issues with a new siding installation on an older home that already showed signs of a serious water-management mistake.
This wasn’t a material failure.
This wasn’t storm damage.
This was a detail failure — and it’s one we see far too often.
Quick summary:
- Common detail: fascia metal behind siding + vinyl butted to the metal
- Risk: the system relies on a joint that may be caulked (and often isn’t)
- Failure: moisture gets behind siding → wood absorbs water → rot → siding loosens over time
- Our fix: custom metal installed over the drip edge and extended down over the top of the siding to force water to shed outward
The Problem: New Siding Installed Without Proper Fascia Water Protection
In this case, new vinyl siding had been installed at the fascia using a common detail that looks acceptable on day one — but creates a long-term failure point.
What we found:
- Fascia metal was installed behind the siding
- Vinyl siding was butted up to the fascia metal
- In some cases, contractors will caulk this joint — but many don’t
- Even when caulk is used, it becomes the only line of defense
- No metal was present to positively direct water away from the wall system
Why This Detail Fails Over Time
Caulking is not a long-term water management solution
Caulk can help seal joints temporarily, but it is not waterproofing.
Over time:
- Caulk dries out
- It shrinks and cracks
- UV exposure accelerates breakdown
- Seasonal expansion and contraction opens gaps
Once that joint opens, water no longer sheds outward — it moves behind the siding. When water gets behind siding, it doesn’t simply evaporate. It gets trapped against wood.
What Happens When Water Gets Behind the Siding
When this type of detail fails, the damage usually follows a predictable path:
- Water runs down the fascia and trim
- Moisture migrates behind the siding
- Wood trim and sheathing absorb water
- Dry rot begins behind the siding
- Fasteners lose holding power
- Siding loosens, warps, or begins pulling away from the wall
The most concerning part is that this process often happens out of sight. By the time siding looks loose or damaged, the wood behind it is often already compromised.
Industry Standard vs Long-Term Performance
What we see in many “industry standard” siding installs:
- Fascia metal behind the siding
- Siding tight to trim or metal
- Caulk relied on to seal the joint
This approach may look clean initially and can even pass inspections — but it creates a predictable failure point because it depends on a sealant to do the work of flashing.
Caulk always fails. Metal manages water.
How We Corrected the Water Management Issue
Instead of relying on caulk alone, we corrected the path water takes across the home.
For this project, we fabricated a custom-bent piece of metal designed to control water movement properly.
What we did
- Installed the custom metal over the existing drip edge
(The homeowner also wanted to change the color of the drip edge, making this the best solution.) - Bent the metal so it extends down over the top of the siding
- Created a detail that forces water to shed onto the face of the siding, not behind it
This follows a simple rule that is often overlooked: Water runs downhill. Our job is to decide where it runs.
What Sets Our Approach Apart When There Is No Soffit
One detail we want to call out — because it’s critical — is how fascia and siding should be handled when a home does not have a soffit.
In our experience working on homes across Tulsa and the surrounding areas, most siding installations handle this detail the same way:
- Fascia metal is installed behind the siding
- Vinyl siding is butted up to the fascia metal
- In some cases the joint is caulked — often it isn’t
- Water management relies on that joint remaining sealed over time
We take a different approach — and it’s one we rarely see used locally. When there is no soffit, we make sure our fascia metal is installed so that it runs on top of the siding, not behind it.
This ensures that:
- Water coming off the roof lands on metal first
- The metal directs water over the siding
- Water is not relying on a caulk joint to stay out
- The wall system stays dry long-term
This extra step requires more planning, custom fabrication, and additional install time — but it dramatically reduces the risk of hidden rot and premature siding failure. Hidden details are often skipped, but hidden details are exactly where exterior failures begin.
Warning Signs Homeowners Should Watch For
If your home has new siding — especially on an older structure — watch for:
- Soft or swollen trim boards
- Peeling paint near the fascia
- Cracked or missing caulk
- Siding that feels loose at the top
- Staining beneath roof edges
These are early indicators that water may already be getting behind the siding.
Why We Focus on Water Management — Not Just Installation
At Tulsa Discount Exteriors, we don’t just install siding. We evaluate how water moves across your entire exterior.
Our inspections focus on:
- Roof-to-wall transitions
- Fascia and trim protection
- Flashing details
- Long-term performance, not just appearance
We routinely see brand-new siding installs that will fail prematurely because water wasn’t managed correctly from the start.
Siding Repair Starts With Fixing the Detail
This home didn’t need a full tear-off — it needed the right detail.
By correcting the water path now, we helped prevent:
- Dry rot behind the siding
- Structural wood damage
- Loose or failing siding
- Costly repairs later
Small details make a big difference when it comes to exterior performance.
Need a Siding or Fascia Evaluation?
If you’re in Tulsa or the surrounding areas and have concerns about siding, fascia, or water getting behind your exterior, we can help.
A proper inspection today can save thousands in future repairs. Siding repair isn’t just about replacing boards — it’s about stopping water at the source.