How To Fix Window Leaks With Vinyl Siding

The vinyl around the windows is standard j channel in which the siding sits.

How to fix window leaks with vinyl siding.

Well vinyl siding like all siding should be installed correctly so that it doesn t leak. If it s got a hole in it you ve got a problem. So is vinyl siding any more or less leaky than any other type of siding. I would recommend removing the siding around the window and replacing the j channel.

Use a caulking gun to apply a continuous bead of silicone sealant along the vertical seams between the vinyl j channels and the exterior window casings. Water damage beneath leaking vinyl window window. I ve pulled off the vinyl siding to expose the sheathing pic1 and original pressboard siding pic2. Leaks rusted out the steel opening liner left went on to attack the wood right ran down inside the wall and destroyed a wood floor.

Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out. Vinyl is a potentially leaky material and water trapped behind siding leads to decay and mold. The only underlayment is the green weather barrier. It s the raincoat that covers your building.

It may be a leaky window is a just a drop in the bucket to the other issues with failing windows. Using detailed examples and photos of leaky building siding siding stains ice or other leak clues for vinyl siding we illustrate the installation mistakes or subsequent siding damage that can cause troublesome even dangerous leaks into a building wall or wall. The most troublesome areas for the installation of vinyl siding are around doors and windows and of course anywhere that it will be butting up against or seaming to another piece of siding or the home. Vinyl siding is designed as an exterior cladding only and is supposed to be installed over other materials such as a weather resistant barrier.

Siding leak diagnosis and repair. Two older style vinyl windows being pulled apart at the stacking mullion. The joinery is straight cut and screwed and is prone to leakage. If an installer uses a material such as incorrectly this only exacerbates the problem.

The broken j channel is clearly the most likely source of a leak in vinyl siding. As you can see there is a spread pattern of water damage below the windows. To repair leaky siding you can use exterior caulk to fill in any small cracks. It s basically poly foam about 1 8.

An ill functioning window is likely also costing you money in heating and air conditioning. Your window may be allowing just enough moisture for mold to grow creating unhealthy home air quality.