Originally Posted by
Jay Reeder
I was thinking that the following "general requirement" would apply here:
"A water-resistive barrier is required in accordance with local building code requirements. The water-resistive barrier must be appropriately
installed with penetration and junction flashings in accordance with local building code requirements. Flashing is required over horizontal
protruding and exposed trim. James Hardie will assume no responsibility for water infiltration."
from
http://www.jameshardie.com/pdf/insta...mxld_south.pdf
Am I reading this correctly?
Jay,
It does apply there ... as stated ... (underlining is mine) "A water-resistive barrier
is required in accordance with local building code requirements. The water-resistive barrier must be appropriately installed with penetration and junction flashings
in accordance with local building code requirements.
Flashing is required over horizontal protruding and exposed trim. James Hardie will assume no responsibility for water infiltration."
I.e., the water resistive barrier and its installation is to be 'in accordance with local codes'.
However, 'the flashing' "
is required over horizontal protruding and exposed trim".
If you look at Figure 5 you will see flashing under the lap siding and over the trim below, which is above a deck surface, and, at Figure 7 you will see flashing under the lap siding and over trim below.
HOWEVER, your installation is plank siding above brick veneer, and, unlike the two above examples, brick veneer is acknowledged as 'water goes through it and is drained down the back side' so keeping water out of the brick is not the big concern, keeping water off the back wall behind the brick veneer is a big concern.
I stated the above to explain why the flashing over the brick on the adjoining houses does not extend entirely out over the brick, but does extend out over the air gap behind the brick veneer.
While the instructions are not completely clear cut on this, yes, it should have a flashing there, not to protect the Hardie Plank from the brick, or vice versa, but to help drain water out from under the Hardie Plank siding and over the brick, helping keep the water off the wall behind the air space behind the brick veneer.
Of course, though, that brings up another issue which is not visible and yet is almost assuredly there - the mortar was likely not struck off when the brick veneer was laid up, meaning it is likely bridging the air gap, or even mostly filling the air gap, between the brick and the wall behind.
Jay, look at your second photo where the Hardie Plank meets the brick, you will see the exposed air gap. That's just going to let water blow right into that air gap and onto the wall behind the brick veneer.