Leaky Windows - How to fix

In this video Matt diagnoses a set of leaky windows, pulls them apart to show the problem, then gives the solution.

Huge thanks to our sponsors Marvin Windows, DAP, Cosella-Dörken, and Sugatsune for helping to make these videos possible!

For more information on their products visit them in the links below:

[rowelfast]

I had to show this to the maintenance guy at my apartment after telling him how i knew how to fix the window leak he could never fix! Thanks guys for your elaborate explination and demonstration you made me sound like a pro!

[davidfleuchaus]

I built one house, so far. I had the same issue. I was the developer & GC. After our first framing inspection failed I got up to speed fast and then worked with our carpenters. They had worked for 20 years on the South Side of Chicago without one actual building inspection. They could not adapt or even get it so they were replaced. The second set of carpenters made this same window installation mistake. I pulled the window installation instructions. Best practices were described right there. Over and over I saw confident tradesmen working who had never ever read a set of installation instructions.

[stephenjones]

Thank you SO much. Getting read to call my window company today to tell them they need to fix their work from 6 years ago.

[WeatherizationPartners]

I like the "jeans tucked into your rain boot" analogy. Simple, but effective.
Integrate flashing with the water-resistive barrier (WRB), e.g., Tyvek® HomeWrap®. Then, install membranes shingle fashion where the top layer of the WRB or flashing laps over the bottom layer to prevent water draining behind the bottom layer. Another fine video!

[bob_frazier]

First video of Matt's I've ever been disappointed in. Please, show me the repair methods and don't just stand their and use "trade lingo" to tell me what you are going to do!

[toolisbalance]

What??
Show the completed work though please!

I'm a visual learner and it would be very helpful to see the finish work 👍🏼
Great video still. You are well spoken and informative

[ruthpierre]

Good evening Matt. I was watching this video because I have the same issues with our widows. We moved in our new home last year March 2020. We were told all the windows were new. Less then a year latter this is what we’re going through. It rained all day yesterday and I could literally pick up water with my hand. 😭

[stephenjones]

I LOVE workers who take pride in their work.

[AF-O]

Wish I you had a job site book containing all of your best practices. It would be so helpful to teach aspiring carpenters. I have plenty of construction books and read Fine Homebuilding religiously, but your natural ability to teach is unsurpassed.

[AvidMovieMan]

It would have been a much better video if it shows actual steps like "This Old House" videos. Explaining without seeing works for those who already know the terms and how to do it properly.

[ehsanshahidiehsan]

Thanks for the video. Is it possible to retrofit a drip cap on top of the trim without pulling out the entire window?

[olivarezd]

well explained but more visuals of the actual work are badly needed.

[TeamChamberlain]

Original trim detail with angled miter cuts were a future problem also. You corrected of course. Nice job!

[jonathangardner]

Matt this is great - do you have any sketches for visual aid?

[juliemeisel]

Do you have an tips for leaky windows on a brick house? Ever since we had new windows installed, we get water coming in from under the windows.

[darrelstickler]

I’m a homeowner and have only done one “studs up” window replacement... Pella Designer series (awesome windows). Our windows came with very very detailed installation instructions from Pella. Pella even sells the flashing tape. I’m sure that’s the case with all high quality windows. What’s so hard about following instructions? I reviewed them with contractor and moseyed about to make sure it was done. (Don’t ask me about the scumbag stucco guy though)

[jennoaks]

No clue if you'll see this or answer, but I figure it couldn't hurt to ask.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
My double pane windows are about 38 years old. I'm in a small CA coastal town.. moisture moisture moisture.
We've recently been having HORRIBLE 70mph winds with down pours. The wind is blowing up against my upstairs south window, and niagra falls is now located here. Water drains into the bedroom : floor, sill, etc.
I now not only need to replace the window, but the drywall under it, the wood under the carpet (carpet as well)

I've been told windows are out - can't be delivered for AT LEAST 8 - 12 weeks. Basically, after rainy season is over I can have my windows.

I need to secure my window.
Repair the damage.
Keep the water OUTside.

I don't trust the contractors in my area much. I feel like they use the fact I don't know what I need to ask for, and sell me things that are not what I need.
Or in the case of last year, leave me with more repairs than I started.
Yes, I unfortunately hired a contractor that left things undone, and the job he did was one that will have to be redone.
Maybe, if I KNOW what to ask for when I call someone else, maybe I will lessen the chances of being hoodwinked.

I don't know if this is a problem everywhere or just in Central California.
But we've got a rash of con's, representing themselves as skilled tradesmen. Which they are not.
They're also making people, like me, head shy (so to speak) when trusting someone to come out. I never know who or what they are, really.

I wish you were located out here.
I need some solid advice, IF you're willing to answer.

We're headed into more rain, and i have absolutely no idea what to do.
My wall under the window is soft in spots.
this is for me " sit in the middle of the room with a box of tissue, Lambrusco, and just let the tears fall " feeling.
help

[gracilism]

Excellent video. I appreciate the in depth details.

[PappyNet]

I am looking for tips on How to repair two double pane windows [west facing in northwest Florida] that leak water during heavy thunder showers. Each window is double pane, sealed, sitting in either a aluminum or vinyl frame; the windows are approximately 12-inches to 18-inches wide and approximately 4-feet to 5-feet long set in a brick wall. I have not taken measurements yet and I think the windows were installed when the house was built in 1984. These windows are solid and were designed to not open.

[BeachBow]

Any recourse in going back on the company that did the remodel? Have them pay to repair their screwup?