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Drainage plane

A drainage plane is the layer that lets water drain down and out behind siding.

Waterproofing and Building Envelope

Why it matters

Siding leaks. The drainage plane is the real plan for where that water goes next.

Where people get this wrong

Siding is not the drainage plane. A drainage plane only works if laps and flashing are detailed so water can exit.

Real-world example

You can buy the best siding on the shelf, but if water gets behind it and has no path out, the wall stays wet. The drainage plane is the exit route.

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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