"Interesting point... but do you think the type of caulk matters too?"
Definitely matters. Silicone caulk is naturally water-resistant and pretty flexible, so it tends to handle moisture better on its own—even without primer. I've used silicone around my bathroom windows without primer and they've held up fine for years (knock on wood...). But if you're using acrylic or latex-based caulk outdoors, primer really helps seal things up tight and prevent peeling or cracking later. Different materials, different rules I guess!
Good points on silicone vs acrylic. I've had decent luck with latex caulk outdoors, but only if I prep the surface really well first—scraping off old stuff, cleaning thoroughly, etc. Curious though, anyone tried weather stripping instead of caulk for window leaks? Seems easier to replace later...
"Curious though, anyone tried weather stripping instead of caulk for window leaks? Seems easier to replace later..."
I've actually gone the weather stripping route a couple times, and honestly, it can be a lifesaver if you're dealing with minor drafts or leaks. The big plus is exactly what you mentioned—it's way easier to replace down the line compared to scraping off old caulk. But here's the catch: weather stripping works best when your window frames are still pretty straight and even. If you've got warped wood or uneven gaps, it might not seal as tightly as you'd hope.
A few years back, I had an older window that leaked every time we got heavy rain. Tried weather stripping first because it seemed simpler, but water still found its way in. Ended up going back to caulk (silicone this time), and that finally did the trick. So, I'd say weather stripping is great for convenience and minor fixes, but if you're dealing with persistent leaks or uneven surfaces, caulk might still be your best bet.
I've had mixed luck with weather stripping myself. Sure, it's easier to swap out later, but have you thought about how much rain actually gets in? If it's just a little drip here and there, weather stripping might do the trick. But if you're getting puddles on the sill every storm (been there...), silicone caulk is probably your best friend. Messy, yeah, but at least you won't be grabbing towels every time it rains.
I've gotta agree—weather stripping is more of a band-aid than a permanent fix. Silicone caulk, though messy (and trust me, I've got shirts to prove it...), is usually the way to go if you're dealing with consistent leaks. Just make sure you prep the surface properly first; clean off dirt and old caulk residue or you'll be back at it next season. And don't skimp on quality caulk either, unless you enjoy annual window rituals...
Good points all around. A couple quick adds from experience:
- Silicone caulk is definitely the better long-term fix, especially if leaks keep popping up in the same spot.
- Prep is key—can't stress that enough. I've seen too many jobs fail because folks rushed the cleaning step.
- Weather stripping has its place, though. If you're dealing with drafts rather than actual water leaks, it's a decent quick fix.
- And yeah, quality matters. Cheap caulk might save a few bucks upfront, but you'll pay for it later in frustration and repeat work.
Sounds like you've got the right idea already, just a matter of patience and prep. Good luck—hope you stay dry next storm season...
Good advice, especially about prep and quality caulk. Couple extra things from my own battles with leaky windows:
- Check your window frames carefully before you jump straight to caulking. I had a stubborn leak once that turned out to be a tiny crack in the frame itself, not the seal. Took forever to find it.
- If you're using silicone, keep some rubbing alcohol handy—makes smoothing out the bead way easier and cleaner.
- Weather stripping can actually trap moisture if water is getting behind it, so I'd be cautious there. Great for drafts, but not always ideal around windows where water pools up.
- Might seem obvious, but double-check your gutters too. Overflowing gutters can send water right down onto your window seals and make even good caulking fail.
Sounds like you're on the right track though...just take your time and do it right the first time. Learned that one the hard way myself after redoing a rushed job twice in one year. Good luck!
Solid pointers there, especially about checking gutters—had a similar issue myself a while back. Thought it was the window seal failing, but turns out the gutter above was clogged and overflowing right onto the frame. Took me ages to figure that one out.
One thing I'd add from my own trial-and-error: if you're dealing with persistent leaks, don't overlook flashing around the windows. Caulk and weather stripping can only do so much if the flashing underneath isn't installed right or has deteriorated. I spent months chasing my tail with caulking and silicone before realizing the flashing was the real culprit.
Also, totally agree on silicone being tricky. Another trick I picked up is painter's tape—put it on both sides of the joint, apply your silicone, smooth it out, then peel off the tape immediately. Gives you a crisp, clean edge without the mess.
Sounds like you're already thinking things through pretty well though...just remember, patience pays off big-time with window leaks. Learned that lesson myself more times than I care to admit. Good luck!
Great tips here, especially the painter's tape trick—I wish I'd known that sooner. I recently tackled my first window leak and spent way too long wrestling with silicone (that stuff gets everywhere...). Flashing wasn't even on my radar until I read this thread, so thanks for the heads-up. Guess homeownership is just a never-ending game of "find the leak," huh? Patience definitely seems key, but man, it's easier said than done sometimes.
"Guess homeownership is just a never-ending game of 'find the leak,' huh?"
Couldn't agree more with this sentiment. I've found that leaks, drafts, and mysterious creaks seem to be part of the package deal with owning a home. Your silicone struggle sounds all too familiar—I once spent an entire afternoon scraping excess silicone off my hands and tools after a similar window fix. Flashing is definitely underrated; it provides a more lasting solution compared to just caulking alone, especially in areas exposed to heavy rain or wind-driven moisture. It's great that you're open to learning and adapting your approach as you go—honestly, that's half the battle. With each repair, you'll gain more confidence and efficiency. Hang in there; it does get easier... or at least less frustrating!