As preparation for finishing my basement this winter, I've added 1" styrofoam insulation with a stucco facing to the outside basement walls. The house is sided with vinyl siding, and the insulation sticks out farther than the siding does. I added some "L" shaped flashing to protect the top of the insulation and also to help prevent water from pooling on the styro and getting behind it.
I also caulked the flashing to the bottom edge of the siding to make it weather tight, but I'm not sure that was the right thing to do. Was that a mistake? Do I need to remove the caulk to allow any water that gets behind the siding to weep out? Given that I'm finishing the basement, I'd like to keep as much water off the walls as possible. I had some work done on the walls this spring (straightening and waterproofing) and I'd like to not screw anything up.
I'm curious how watertight it is now, but it hasn't rained much this year...
Thanks in advance.
I also caulked the flashing to the bottom edge of the siding to make it weather tight, but I'm not sure that was the right thing to do. Was that a mistake? Do I need to remove the caulk to allow any water that gets behind the siding to weep out? Given that I'm finishing the basement, I'd like to keep as much water off the walls as possible. I had some work done on the walls this spring (straightening and waterproofing) and I'd like to not screw anything up.
I'm curious how watertight it is now, but it hasn't rained much this year...
Thanks in advance.