Should I caulk the bottom of vertical cedar siding?
A contratoor who replaced some wood pecker damaged vertical cedar siding boards recommended that I caulk at the bottom of the lowest boards as a way to lessen air inflitration into my home. House was built in 1987 and has Celotex sheathing on the outside of the stud walls with the cedar siding over that. I think that caulking as he recommends will only trap water behind the siding that can get in where the boards overlap.
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As someone who just fixed cedar clapboard (horizontal) that had peeling paint all over and rot in one corner due to water trapped behind it (so we converted it to a back-vented rainscreen), I wouldn't caulk it. Siding isn't supposed to be the air barrier, only bulk water management (aka rain). It should have the ability to let minor leaks dry out.
James,
I agree with Cramer. While you can establish an air barrier at the sheathing level, you don't want to try to make your siding airtight.
I third the motion, no caulk.
http://www.wrcla.org/pdf/WRCLA_Installing_Siding.pdf
Page 10 - Refers to caulking.
According to the document that Ronnie linked to, "Do not caulk areas that will prevent moisture from escaping the wall cavity."
Thanks. You all confirmed my thoughts.