Siding rot at the bottom plate
Why it happens here
Wind-driven rain off the open park space pushes water past failing caulk and into the wall. The bottom plate sits closest to the ground and dries slowest, so it rots first. Homes with grade within a few inches of the siding are the worst offenders.
Our approach
We open the wall, replace the soft sheathing and bottom plate, then add a drainage gap and a gravel splash strip. We also re-grade where possible so water runs away from the foundation instead of into it.