Hi, My name is Ryan and im going through the CPI course. Is the sidewall gap needed at all times? Is it classified as a material defect that should be repaired immediately if there is no gap?
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Welcome to the forum, Ryan. Enjoy!!
I suspect you are talking about clearance between the cladding and the roof covering?
required or not it often doesn’t exist…
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Yes
Like is the picture shown a material defect? Ive seen lots of vinyl siding homes that go tight to the roof and dont allow the headwall or sidewall falshing to show.
You can easily see from Your picture what happens when You run wood siding right down to the roof surface, With proper flashing and a gap there would be much less water damage. However You will often see it as you have it pictured, and no one is going to pull off the siding and change it
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If I had to guess I’d say Your picture is a roof over which eliminated the gap…
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I typically do call this out. I am less sensitive to vinyl if it has the j channel.
I say the siding was in contact with the roof shingles which my promote moisture wicking and damage. I recommend a 1" minimum clearance.
Additionally, many manufactures require this, such as most cement fiber manufacturers. So, depending on the age of the home and how well it is performing you make the call.
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I agree with Brian. I dont typically mention it unless it is wood siding
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Well, I didn’t say that exactly 
Here is cement fiber having problems
And some wood for fun
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It’s needed but often the customer forces the contractor not to install it because it “looks” ugly.
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With wood siding a 1 to 2 inch gap is recommended between the siding and the roofing to prevent water from wicking into and damaging the wood. Yes, I would write it up as being in need of correction.
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