After years of towels on the windowsills every storm, I finally got fed up and tried something different. Ended up using marine-grade sealant and weather stripping specifically designed for boats (figured if it works on boats, why not my house, right?). Couple storms later and not a single drip inside...knock on wood. Curious if anyone else has had luck with unusual or creative fixes for leaky coastal windows?
Marine-grade sealant is a solid choice, especially for coastal areas. Tried something similar myself a while back—used automotive windshield sealant on a stubborn window leak. Figured if it could handle highway speeds and rain, coastal storms wouldn't be an issue. Worked surprisingly well, but one tip: prep is key. Clean the surfaces thoroughly and rough them up slightly with sandpaper before applying. Helps the sealant bond better and last longer. Glad your fix is holding up so far...
Interesting idea using windshield sealant—I wouldn't have thought of that. Makes sense though, considering the conditions it has to withstand. Did you notice any discoloration or issues with UV exposure over time? I've had some sealants yellow or crack after a year or two in direct sun, even when they're rated for outdoor use. Curious if automotive stuff holds up better... Anyway, glad you got your leak sorted—nothing worse than chasing mystery drips around the house.
"Did you notice any discoloration or issues with UV exposure over time?"
Funny you mention that—I actually tried windshield sealant on a client's skylight frame a couple years back. It held up surprisingly well against leaks, but after about 18 months, I did notice some slight yellowing. Nothing major, but noticeable if you're picky (or if your client is... trust me). Still, compared to some of the "outdoor-rated" stuff I've seen crack and peel within a year, I'd say automotive sealants are pretty solid overall.