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Clearance to grade
Clearance to grade is the space between siding or wood materials and the soil.
Why it matters
Soil holds moisture. If siding sits too close to dirt, moisture and insects find an easy path into the wall.
Where people get this wrong
Mulch counts as grade. Mulch stays wet. A nice flower bed can hide a moisture problem at the base of the wall.
Real-world example
You water the landscaping and the bottom of the siding stays damp all summer. A few inches of clearance can be the difference between a wall that lasts and a wall that rots.
Where this hits your build
This affects how your home handles water. Water damage is one of the most expensive problems to fix, and it often starts with details that seem small.
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