"Sometimes the real culprit is higher up—like damaged siding or improperly installed flashing above the window."
Good point, but I'd also suggest checking the window's weep holes. Had a similar issue once; turns out clogged drainage channels let water back up inside. Clearing those solved it quicker than redoing caulk.
You're spot-on about checking those weep holes—it's surprising how often they're overlooked. I'd just add a quick tip: when you're clearing them, use something gentle like a plastic zip tie or a thin wire. Avoid anything too sharp or rigid, since you don't wanna accidentally damage the internal drainage channels.
Also, while you're at it, take a peek at the window tracks themselves. Dirt and debris can build up there over time, blocking water flow even if the weep holes seem clear. A quick wipe-down with warm soapy water usually does the trick.
And yeah, caulking can help temporarily, but it's more of a band-aid solution if there's an underlying drainage issue. Better to tackle the root cause first—saves you headaches down the road. Good luck getting it sorted... sounds like you're already on the right track.
Great tips on the weep holes—I learned that one the hard way after a storm. Also, totally agree about caulking being temporary... better to fix the drainage issue properly than patch it up every season. Sounds like you're already ahead of the game though.
Good points about drainage vs. caulking—still figuring this stuff out myself. Quick question though:
- How do you actually check if your weep holes are blocked?
- Is it obvious, or do you need to poke around with something?
I haven't had any leaks yet, but now I'm paranoid after reading this thread...
Checking weep holes isn't rocket science, but it's not always obvious either. On mine, I usually just eyeball them first—sometimes dirt or spiderwebs are visibly blocking the openings. But honestly, the best way is to grab something thin (I use an unfolded paperclip) and gently poke around. Last spring, I thought mine were fine until I poked through and found a bunch of gunk packed inside...no leaks yet, but better safe than sorry, right?
Are you sure it's the weep holes causing your leak, though? I mean, yeah, they can clog up and cause issues, but have you checked the caulking around the window frame itself? I've had water sneak in through tiny cracks in old caulk before. Weather stripping usually helps more with drafts than leaks, doesn't it? Maybe poke around a bit more before deciding...
Honestly, have you double-checked the caulking closely yet? I had a similar issue last spring—thought it was the weep holes at first too, but after poking around a bit more I found this tiny hairline crack in the caulk. Like seriously, barely noticeable, but apparently enough for water to creep through during heavy rain. Weather stripping never really helped me with leaks, just drafts and noise mostly. I mean, weather stripping is great when your window whistles louder than your tea kettle (been there...), but for actual water intrusion I'd lean toward caulk issues first.
Maybe try spraying the window with a hose gently and see exactly where the water sneaks in? That's what helped me pinpoint the problem. Just don't blast it too hard or you'll end up like me—soaked and annoyed, standing outside your house like an idiot in the rain...
Good advice about the caulk. I had pretty much the same issue a couple of years ago—first I blamed the window itself, then the weather stripping, and finally realized it was actually the caulking around the frame. It's crazy how a tiny crack or gap can let in so much water, especially during heavy storms. Weather stripping definitely helps with those annoying drafts (and yeah, that tea kettle whistle sound—been there too, lol), but it's not really designed to block out water.
One thing I'd suggest if you haven't done it already: check above your window too. Sometimes water sneaks in higher up and travels down behind siding or trim before finding its way inside through a small gap near the window frame. A friend of mine spent forever re-caulking around his window only to find out later that the leak started from a loose piece of flashing above it. He ended up having to redo everything anyway... talk about frustrating.
The hose test is a smart idea—but like mentioned before, go easy on it. Last time I tried that trick I got carried away and blasted water everywhere. Ended up with soaked shoes and still no clue where exactly the leak was coming from.
If you're comfortable getting up close and personal with your window frames, maybe try gently pressing around the edges to see if you notice any soft spots or areas that feel loose or wiggly? Sometimes caulk can look fine at first glance but has actually separated just enough to allow water in.
Anyway, good luck figuring this out. Window leaks are sneaky little buggers...
Good call on checking above the window—flashing issues are sneaky and way more common than people realize. Caulk's usually the culprit, but I've seen plenty of leaks start higher up and trickle down behind siding. Also, if your window has weep holes at the bottom, make sure they're clear. Had a customer once whose leak was literally just clogged weep holes...felt silly after hours of troubleshooting, lol.
