Converted Porch: Water Seepage Under Walls

Dana Yezak asks,

We closed in our front porch to make a sewing room. When we get heavy rain, water seeps in under the walls and front door of this room. How can I waterproof the bottom edge of the walls so that water doesn’t come in from the outside.

Our Answer

<p>Sorry to say that I am not surprised. It is very difficult to convert a porch to finished living space without following the same building assembly procedures you would have it if was built new. If the wall was attached to a concrete floor and no siding exists that overlaps that floor to wall connection, then the only seal is between the floor and wall and even if you were to caulk it, that caulking will break down time and time again. </p>
<p>Think about how siding overlaps the foundation of your home. That is the kind of weather proof assembly needed to stop this from happening. If you’d like to post a picture, send us the link in the comments below and I’ll take a close look and let you know if any other ideas come to mind.</p>

Home ExteriorsQ & A