One thing that helped me was putting clear nail polish over tiny cracks in the window frame—sounds odd but it held up until I could recaulk. Anyone have tricks for leaks that show up only during sideways rain?
Anyone have tricks for leaks that show up only during sideways rain?
That nail polish trick is actually pretty clever—never thought of that as a stopgap. I’ve had similar issues with wind-driven rain, especially in my 1970s ranch. For leaks that only show up during sideways rain, I’ve had luck using painter’s tape for a temporary seal on the exterior. Not the prettiest, but it kept water out until I could do a proper fix. Sometimes those “quick fixes” are all you can do until the weather calms down.
Painter’s tape is a new one for me, but I get the appeal—anything to hold off the water in a pinch. I’ve tried clear caulk on the inside when storms are coming, but it’s messy and doesn’t always hold up. Honestly, I wonder if these quick fixes are just masking bigger insulation or window issues. My place is drafty enough already, so every leak feels like money flying out the window... literally. Anyone else notice their energy bills spike after storms?
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’m not convinced painter’s tape or caulk really does much more than buy you a little time. I tried taping up my old bedroom window last winter—looked ridiculous, barely helped, and the drafts just found another way in. If your bills are jumping after storms, might be time to just bite the bullet and look at the actual window frames or insulation. Quick fixes feel like slapping a band-aid on a broken leg sometimes.
Painter’s tape is definitely a stopgap, but sometimes that’s all you need to get through a rough patch—especially if you’re waiting on a bigger repair or just can’t swing new windows yet. I’ve seen folks use plastic window insulation kits for drafty spots, and those actually work better than they look (not pretty, but hey, neither are water stains). If the leaks only show up in sideways rain, check the exterior caulking and flashing—sometimes it’s less about the window itself and more about where water’s sneaking in from above or around. Quick fixes aren’t permanent, but they can save your trim until you’re ready for the real deal.
If the leaks only show up in sideways rain, check the exterior caulking and flashing—sometimes it’s less about the window itself and more about where water’s sneaking in from above or around.
That’s a good callout. I had a similar issue in my old place—a 1920s bungalow with original windows. Every time we got a real downpour with wind, there’d be a puddle on the sill. I spent ages thinking it was the window, but when I finally got up on a ladder and checked, the caulking along the top edge was cracked and pulling away from the siding. Re-caulking made a bigger difference than any amount of tape or plastic I’d tried inside.
For anyone else wrestling with this, here’s what worked for me:
1. Wait for a dry day (I know, easier said than done in rainy season).
2. Scrape out all the old, loose caulk with a putty knife.
3. Clean the area—dust and grit keep new caulk from sticking.
4. Use exterior-grade silicone or polyurethane caulk (not just painter’s caulk—it won’t hold up outside).
5. Smooth it out with a wet finger or tool, then let it cure as long as the tube says.
It’s not glamorous work, but it’s better than mopping up water every storm.
One thing I’ve wondered: has anyone tried those temporary “storm window” plastic films on the *outside* instead of inside? I’ve only ever used them indoors for drafts, but I’m curious if they’d hold up for a season outside to keep direct rain off really leaky windows. Or is that just asking for trouble with wind and weather?
Curious if anyone else has found a longer-term stopgap that doesn’t look terrible from the curb. My painter’s tape days are (mostly) behind me, but I’m always looking for tricks that buy time until a full window replacement is in the cards.
One thing I’ve wondered: has anyone tried those temporary “storm window” plastic films on the *outside* instead of inside? I’ve only ever used them indoors for drafts, but I’m curious if they’d hold up for a season outside to keep direct rain off really leaky windows. Or is that just asking for trouble with wind and weather?
Tried that once, actually—on a client’s place where the original sashes were leaking like crazy and they wanted *something* before spring. Short answer: exterior plastic film doesn’t last. Even the thicker “exterior” versions aren’t really designed for wind, rain, and UV exposure. In moderate weather, you might get a few weeks, but the first real storm or a windy day will usually peel it right off or tear it. Plus, water can get trapped behind the film and cause more issues (think rot or mold if it sits for a while). It also looks pretty rough from the street.
If you’re after something longer-term but still temporary, clear acrylic panels (like Plexiglas) cut to size and mounted with removable clips work better than film. They’re not cheap, but you get real protection from rain and wind, and you can take them down in spring. Still not invisible, but less of an eyesore than sagging plastic.
I’ve seen people try magnetic secondary glazing on the inside too—works for drafts and some condensation, but won’t stop water if you’re already getting leaks through failed exterior flashing or caulk.
Honestly, nothing beats keeping up with exterior maintenance. Even on old windows, fresh caulk and checking the head flashing every couple years does more than any tape or film trick. If you’re stuck waiting on replacement windows (and who isn’t these days?), at least make sure siding above the windows is tight and gutters are directing water away. Sometimes those little things make a bigger difference than people expect.
Painter’s tape—I hear you there. Once you start with that stuff it’s hard to stop...
Plastic film on the outside is a no-go where I live—wind just shreds it, and then you’re left with flapping bits stuck to your house. Tried it once out of desperation and regretted it when I had to chase plastic around the yard after a storm. I agree, nothing beats just resealing and caulking, even if it’s not a glamorous fix. Those acrylic panels are pricey but way sturdier if you really need a stopgap. Honestly, half the battle is just keeping water away from the top of the window in the first place... learned that the hard way during last year’s rainy spring.
I hear you on the plastic film—tried that myself one winter and it ended up tangled in the lilac bush. What’s worked for me is running a bead of clear caulk along the top trim, then adding a drip edge if there’s room. It’s not pretty, but it actually stopped water from sneaking in. Have you ever messed with those adhesive foam strips for drafts? I’m never sure if they’re worth the hassle or just a temporary fix...
- That drip edge trick is underrated—nice call.
- I’ve used those foam strips a bunch, especially in older houses. They’re decent for drafts, but yeah, they peel up after a season or two if you open/close the window much.
- For a quick fix, they’re hard to beat. Long-term, I’d lean toward caulk or weatherstripping that’s a bit more heavy-duty.
- You’re definitely not alone with the plastic film fiasco…wind always finds a way.