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.
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[@rowelfast2996]

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.

[@nickoshana2246]

Finding Good Tradesmen is like finding a Good Car Mechanic-Good Luck !

[@stephenjones6030]

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.

[@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!

[@buildshow]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep that in mind for the future. Best, Matt

[@Johnintoit]

Matt, has videos on his channel showing how to properly flash/install a window with both tape and liquid applications in case you missed it.

[@bob_frazier]

Thanks John. And in the next few vids he more than makes up with this on details, details, and more details about flashing etc.

[@roymccalester5334]

This comment is right on. Don't talk it Show It!

[@mikepruett1745]

@@buildshow at 3 min you do

[@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!

[@ruthpierre2441]

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. 😭

[@stephenjones6030]

I LOVE workers who take pride in their work.

[@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

[@DoItYourselfDIYAtHome]

I agree. There should have been a demonstration, not just talking about it.

[@Christine-cs7fl]

I also agree, visual is always better, but these men do know what their tell us just hard to follow.

[@AF-O6]

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.

[@dannyoatman4222]

$4 a month you got to be kidding. Just do more show less talk

[@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?

[@jonathangardner9654]

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

[@olivarezd9777]

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

[@juliemeisel7667]

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.

[@shamelesschic9491]

Hi! Might sound like a no-brainer, but are the TRACKS on which aluminum windows slide ALSO aluminum? My windows are leaking rainwater,, and a window specialist told me to drill a few extra holes on the other side of the track as extra weep holes through which rain can escape. Bottom line is, I wanna use the right drill bit for this metal Thanks in advance!

[@alexstupka]

Matt: Pop quiz on camera Bill!

[@TeamChamberlain]

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

[@gracilism]

Excellent video. I appreciate the in depth details.

[@buildshow]

Thanks! Appreciate all your support.

[@radiantonion8615]

Can we actually SEE the process?

[@66gtb]

That would have been a great video if they showed you what they did. Instead it was an ad for Dap.

[@BeachBow]

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

[@59seank]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@buildshow]

It's a lose-lose. Fed up homeowner. Unresponsive contractor. I figured it would make a good video so I did the work inexpensively for a close friend.

[@59seank]

You're a good friend!

[@MentalPolution]

Almost all the windows in my newly purchased Bay area home have water leaking. Im unsure what to ask for when requesting a quote. Ive had 3 guys come in and look at them and leave saying they cant help me. Ive been told to ask for "New Construction Window replacement/ install". Any words of wisdom on where to go to save my home from all this water damage is appreciated.

[@jonrfreeman]

It's nice when the problem is so obvious

[@jennoaks1934]

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

[@buildshow]

Oh goodness. Sorry to hear this. Sounds terrible. Unfortunately I’m not sure what to recommend. My initial thoughts are gutters, overhangs, possibly draping clear plastic (3m Weatherization kit?) over the outside so water doesn’t hit the windows. Ugh. You definitely need a skilled craftsman to help. Possibly see if A Weatherization company knows a good carpenter skilled in water management. Sorry I can’t help more. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Matt

[@dmf30]

Matt. This is great . I just subscribed. Have a leaking picture window and need someone in SoCal to help diagnose the problem Wish you or your carpenter friend were around here@!!@!@. Who do i call for help? thx much and happy new year.

[@els1f]

There is some regurgitated "wisdom" about not pointing out previous bad work and i will never understand it. People keep making these house-shaped POS that, like he says about the caulking, will hold up about a year then charge 1 million and somehow sleep that night lol

[@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)

[@CopeBUILT]

Common question... "why is the top of my window leaking?" and the answer is nearly always the same... improper layering sequence of the mechanical flashing layers... if you get the shingle layer in the correct sequence... everything else "falls" into place....

[@triple_leverage724]

Thank you for verbally explaining what you intend to do instead of actually showing how to do it…

[@PappyNet01]

What is the name of the lake north of Austin, TX. I visited Austin, TX in 2017 and I never heard of this lake.

[@mdhsabh]

Agree with other comments---a video of someone talking, instead of doing, isn't very interesting.

[@PappyNet01]

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.

[@DiamanteDea]

Window is making some slight sound but its annoying enough to keep me awake and concerned... sounds like near left or near sill, like bug but there is no bug, comes & goes but is all in all continuous - sometimes sound like leaf crackling or water dripping - nothing is there. I can feel cool air coming thru crack but it is closed. Is this all connected or is there something else going on?

[@theamerican4609]

Too much talk and not enough show. Step by step tutorial would be helpful for beginners trying to fix their own leak...not sure who this was intended for.

[@psfgtech]

Contractor in Florida for condo said it's my window, it needed to be sealed in. I'm wondering if all not just BS

[@amdguy23]

Man I need someone to fix my windows like this

[@BraddaBrod]

Hey Matt! Been scavenging your channel for some help on a matter before next week. Installing some vinyl windows and they might be doing stucco on this addition, they're pricing it vs panel siding. However if they go with the stucco, do you still recommend a metal head flashing directly on top/above the vinyl window? Not commonly seen around here but wanted to know if you deem that best practice or if it's not necessary. Thanks for all of your help and sacrificing of your time & energy.

[@rolfpoelman3486]

We're out here on the lake... Okay, just show the solutions.

[@tailzzzzz]

I wish they would explain what flashing, etc... are. They assume a woman knows and can determine who, if anybody, to trust. I just paid someone (2 'handymen' starting out) $50 to caulk and another guy $175 just to drive out to my house to give an estimate of $1200 to pull siding off (with no guarantee that it'll be fixed). Everybody else who replied wanted to sell me full-house replacement siding on a 4 year old house. I won't know if it's fixed either until we have freezing rain again, and spring sprang right after the window leaked.

[@Slaughterk360]

I freakin love you guys seriously helped me out so many times

[@justamusta]

That left hand reverse door in the background looks wrong. It should probably be an RHR.

[@MumtazHasham]

I have solarium in my condo and notice glue oozing how to fix this

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

Not sure why not all the windows were pulled and done correctly.

[@casperwallace9685]

Don't know the lingo, have no one to help pull windows have water coming in at the bottom of the right hand side of the window, don't know from where from yet. This didn't help me much. sorry

[@DrGamble28]

Should have just used 100% silicone and ran a bead along the top of the dam thing. Would have probably saved $500.

[@SuperDoright]

Not silicone. I’ve seen it shrink and lose its seal, then you don’t even know it’s leaking.

[@pjbell1398]

Nice information! -

[@mettamorph4523]

why is is SO HARD to find out what to do about leaky windows. can windows be reinstalled like they did here? Is that a common request, because I sure can't find that . Window companies just want to sell me new windows. Or cap my old windows. The problem is water leakage somewhere between my house and the window. The water drips in the outer window ledge, not inside the house. And it smells damp for days after the rain. Seems like this would be a lucrative repeat business for a window repair man, but I cannot find anyone to do this.

[@rodhester2166]

one of my new windows has leaked since day one, all they did was cut the old window out and put the new one in and caulk it .. ugh. I cant physically fix it myself.

[@ks2401]

Hey Matt, Do you have a video where you have fixed rainwater entering the basement, let me know the link, if any. Please and Thank you. Currently, I have a problem of cross wind rain.... when it rains heavily and directed towards my window, we see water accumulation inside the basement window. If the rain is not cross wind and not directed towards the window, we are fine.

[@columbiariverdetailing1943]

Come fix mine please

[@williamdavis9943]

In what State is Austin? you know but others don't? when making a video you never assume people know what you are talking about?

[@k9fgdg]

Talked a lot about it but didn't show what you were doing. ? Talk less, show more.

[@mubarksaad1137]

Thank you for help you awsom

[@MTrimble7408]

Funny since it rain, I have the same problem and the windows was just installed possible two years ago

[@hattievonbose1637]

maybe show what you are talking about instead of yourself! but thanks for the tips.

[@marcusbrown7817]

Damn. Couldn’t the window have gotten caulked again

[@jonrfreeman]

That was a easy one

[@elizajoseph7587]

Show the before and after please. whats the point in just talking. Not here to listen to your talk or see your face.

[@faustorobles7529]

To much technical talk and none instructions to seal a window

[@Tattooclownfish71]

I learn from seeing it poor video sorry I got a leak need to get fixed 😅

[@beesollom-yp1pp]

OH PLEASE SOMEBODY WAS NOT HAVING A GOOD DAY====NICE GUY ===IF YOU THOUGHT THIS WAY WHEN YOU WERE MOVING UP ======YOU WOULDNOT BE MOVING UP THE GUY WAS INCOPETENT =======OR STONE ON COCAINE ===WE OUT HERE DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THAT =====SHIT ====DO NOT SAY ANYTHING ====BUT BEING MR GOODY TWO SHOES====JUST DOSE NOT CUT IT ====

[@cravensboughner2425]

You can learn more about it on Woodprix website I think.

[@carolcoyle1463]

please show rather than talk!

[@monmorelord6368]

too much un explained terminology ..cant understand ...pity ...just a waste of my time

[@skunkedagain]

this was terrible. all you did was talk, and had some pictures. this is you tube, SHOW exactly what you're doing and stop talking about what you're going to do.

[@khsmith6242]

American houses just look so poor quality it amazes me. The roof shingles the sidings everything just smacks of poor build quality, but then again that’s American stuff all over, shite.