There is a proper way to install windows, and this is not it.

There is a proper way to install windows, and this is not it.

I was asked to check a leak that was occurring over a window, when it rained water dripped from the window casing to the window sill. The leak was causing damage to the drywall, trim and wood casing and needed attention. So I had to remove the damaged material and test to see where the leak was coming from.

When I removed the damage on the interior and testing the exterior with water, the water quickly came inside. The next step was to remove the top trim on the exterior and work my way down. Things really became obvious when I got started on the exterior.    

When the window was installed by the remodel contractor, it was installed incorrectly. A new window should be nailed to the framing of the building, properly flashed, then the siding installed over the nail flange of the window. As you can see in the photos, the window was installed over the siding and caulked. Over time, the caulking had failed. As the water ran behind the wood trim, it ran on the inside of the metal nail flange and into the building.

The first question that came to mind was, “This was installed by a contractor?”

This was not the original construction of the home. There was a second floor added to the building, and this was just one window. Were all the windows installed this way? I do not have an answer to this question, but it sure seems possible, doesn’t it?

The owners will be informed of the problem that I discovered, and given some options on what can be done. Ultimately, it will be the property owners decision in how they would like to proceed. It’s too bad that the incorrect installation of the windows can come back to cost the owner. Proper installation of windows is important, choose a good contractor.