Should vinyl siding be caulked where it meets metal band (flashing?)?

Question

I've posted some pictures along with questions at:

http://sites.google.com/site/sidingleak/

Problem: I'm getting water in the house by the baseboard as noted by the red circle in the 3rd picture.

I'm not sure what is normal for vinyl siding so I'm trying to find out:

1. What the purpose of the flashing is in picture 1?

(The metal band with the red circle around it - I've been told the horizontal metal band is "flashing")

2. Should there be any caulking where the flashing meets the siding? Arrow A

3. Should there be gaps where the flashing connect with each other? Arrow B - The gaps are about 1 inch by 1/2 inch rectangle between the 2 metal bands. I'm not sure if they are supposed to be gapped for a reason, or if they are the reason I'm getting water in the house by the baseboard.

I want to try caulking to stop the water entering the house, I just don't want to if it's not supposed to be blocked.

Answer 1

Where ever the vinyl siding meets aluminum, there should be J-channel to finish it, not cut siding against metal.It's hard to tell from the pics,but I don't see any J-channel. Was this an older house that was sided ? I don't understand the band board around the house unless it was there and had to be covered.

No, there shouldn't be any gaps between the metal, rather the pieces should have a healthy overlap tp prevent leaks. Do you know if there's any weather seal around your windows and doors? Just vinyl siding up against vinyl windows is not sufficient to keep out moisture. If the old siding was removed, or if this was a new house, did they use any form of housewrap?

Answer 2

Vinyl siding has a j-bead piece that is used to finish it off and to form profiles.  See page 34 of the Vinyl Siding Institute's installation manual (link below).  Metal flashing and/or trim piece should not be interfering with the vinyl siding.

If you are to seal it, seal only the top of the flashing to the siding leaving the bottom piece to move.  The flashing will act as a drip edge which will help rain water shed off of the siding and away from the house.

Also, you may want to look at the Vinyl Siding Institute's manual in regards to the flashing and waterproof membrane that is recommended to be added around openings.  This added benefit usually helps out with cases such as yours.