Caulking can definitely do the trick, but honestly, weather stripping might be a better long-term solution depending on your window type. Caulk tends to crack or shrink over time, especially with temperature swings. I had a similar leak issue around my living room window, and after re-caulking twice, I finally switched to weather stripping. Took a bit more effort to measure and install properly, but it's been rock solid since. Just something to consider if you find yourself redoing the caulk every year or two...
Weather stripping is definitely solid advice, but I'd argue that caulking can still be a viable long-term solution if done right. I've had windows sealed with high-quality silicone caulk for over five years now without any noticeable cracking or shrinking. The key is proper prep work—cleaning the surface thoroughly and making sure it's completely dry before applying. Also, choosing a flexible, weather-resistant silicone caulk rather than the cheaper acrylic stuff makes a huge difference in durability.
Of course, weather stripping has its place, especially if your windows are older or have significant gaps. But if you're dealing with smaller leaks or cracks around the frame, good silicone caulk applied carefully can hold up surprisingly well. Just my two cents from personal experience...
I've seen silicone caulk hold up pretty well too, especially if you prep right like mentioned. But honestly, I've found that even the best caulking job eventually needs a touch-up—especially with extreme weather swings. I remember sealing a client's window frame a few years ago with high-end silicone, and it was rock solid at first. After about four winters though, tiny cracks started showing. Weather stripping might've been less hassle there. Guess it depends on your climate and how much upkeep you're okay with...
"Guess it depends on your climate and how much upkeep you're okay with..."
Yeah, that's exactly it. Have you checked if the window frame itself is still in good shape? Sometimes tiny cracks or warping in the wood or vinyl can let moisture sneak in, no matter how well you caulk or weatherstrip. I've had clients who kept patching up caulk every few years until we realized the frame was the real culprit. Might be worth a quick look before you commit to one method or another...
Good point about the frame—I've seen that happen too. Another thing to consider is the flashing around the window. Sometimes builders skimp on proper flashing installation, and water finds its way behind the siding, making it look like the window itself is leaking. Had a similar issue at my place; spent ages re-caulking until I finally peeled back some siding and realized the flashing was barely doing its job. Might be worth checking out if you're still having trouble after inspecting the frame...
Good catch on the flashing, definitely overlooked way too often. A couple other things I'd check before diving into siding removal:
- Is the window sill sloped properly outward? Sometimes water pools there and sneaks back in.
- Have you checked the weep holes at the bottom of the window frame? They can get clogged, causing water to back up.
- Also, is your siding vinyl or wood? Vinyl siding can hide leaks pretty well until things get bad...
Just thinking out loud here—hope you track it down soon.
Had a similar issue a couple years back at my old place. Spent ages caulking around the window frames, convinced that was the culprit. But nope, every heavy rainstorm, I'd still find that annoying little puddle on the sill. Eventually, after way too much frustration (and a few choice words muttered under my breath), I realized the vinyl siding was hiding a bigger issue—water was sneaking behind it from higher up and traveling down behind the siding until it found a way in around the window.
Turns out, whoever installed the siding before I moved in had skipped some critical flashing higher up near the roofline. Once we addressed that, problem solved. Lesson learned: water can be sneaky, and where you see it coming in isn't always where it's actually getting in.
Anyway, I agree with checking those weep holes too. Mine were clogged with dirt and even a dead bug or two—gross, but clearing them out definitely helped drainage. Also worth checking if your window frame itself is sealed properly against the house wrap behind your siding. Sometimes installers miss that step, and it can cause headaches down the line.
Curious though, have you noticed if the leak is worse during wind-driven rain or just any steady rainfall? Sometimes wind direction can give you clues about where it's really coming from...
Had pretty much the same thing happen here—spent a weekend caulking everything in sight, only to find out later the gutter above was overflowing and sending water behind the siding. Sometimes the real issue is nowhere near where you see the leak... sneaky stuff.
Had a similar puzzle at my old place. Spent days sealing around this stubborn window, convinced the frame was the culprit. Turns out, it was actually a tiny crack in the flashing up by the roofline—water was trickling down behind the siding and sneaking in right above the window. Took forever to figure that one out... water leaks really do play tricks on you sometimes.
Had one like that a couple years back—customer was dead set on caulking around the window frame. We sealed it up nice and tight, and of course, next rainstorm, water's still sneaking in. After some head-scratching and ladder climbing, we finally traced it to a tiny gap in the siding about four feet above the window. Water was getting behind there, running down the wall behind the siding, and popping out right at the window trim. Sneaky stuff, water... it'll travel halfway across your house just to mess with you.
Anyway, point is, sometimes the leak isn't where you think it is. Before you go crazy with the caulk gun or weather stripping, maybe step back and look higher up or even sideways. Roof flashing, siding gaps, or even a clogged gutter can send water places you'd never expect. Learned that one the hard way more times than I care to admit.