Any advice on preventing water leaks in new construction windows installed in a block home?
Asked by Draga Žigić 
5 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
Has anyone here had experience installing new windows in a block home (new construction)? I’ve put in 6 sets of windows with mulbars in between and I’m having water coming in. Luckily, I caught it before the drywall or framing went up. I’ve never seen anything about slanting the furring strips to angle the windows for drainage, so I placed them vertically with the walls. The windows that are leaking are the ones without shims underneath, just sitting directly on the sill. I know the shims are supposed to be beveled, but if the furring strips are vertical, I don’t see how that would help. Can someone explain what I might be missing? The windows are Jeld-Wen builder grade and the company is closed until Monday. Thanks.
The majority of windows, both old and new, have slanted sills. The windows themselves are installed level. They require caulking on the outside and/or trim, especially caulking. The weep holes, assuming they are vinyl windows, are there to drain any water that enters the frame itself, not around the window for the most part.
From what I can see, the window sills (the bottom part of the vinyl window) are straight with no slant.
Water is hitting the windows, running down the glass, seeping into the bottom frame, and draining back into the block.
I’m sure water is also draining out the weep holes in the front sill
Hmm..that’s a bit strange..I’ve installed hundreds of windows and never encountered that issue before..are the windows properly sealed and shimmed?..maybe they’re too loose..there should be some resistance when opening and closing…I’m not questioning your expertise..just trying to understand what’s causing this…is it happening during heavy rain? Or any rain?
I appreciate your feedback, you’re not being rude at all.
Quote:
So far, the windows that are leaking are the ones that aren’t shimmed properly and are sitting directly on the sill.
The windows are sealed tightly, but the block guys messed up the openings, so I had to fix the block and concrete sills.
I think I need to lift the windows off the concrete sills and add shims underneath
Yeah, maybe it’s a bit strange. Perhaps raising them off the sill might work, because in cement block walls there isn’t really a flashing. As for the windows you mentioned, I’ve installed them before without any issues as far as I know. No one has ever complained. Give raising them off the sill a shot, it might help the water runoff easier. Keep me posted on how it goes.
You haven’t mentioned flashing yet?
From what I know, flashing is typically found on wood construction homes
Hey, usually in new wood construction, there’s a nailer flange around the entire window that gets nailed to the plywood. You still need to caulk it, as they can still leak at the bottom corners. When I’m working on something new, I add a piece of metal at the corners to redirect the water into the siding and out the weep holes. Learned that trick from one of my old bosses and it works like a charm. Just a tip for next time haha
Just a heads up, all installations need to have flashing and drip edges placed above.
Just to let you know, Jeld-Wen/Pella installation guidelines for block call for a waterproof barrier to be applied. No flashing needed.
Hey, so based on the many installations you’ve completed, I’m guessing you’ve worked on new block construction and maybe even Florida flange (which is essentially a mail flange without nails). Did you also put in buck strips, and if you did, were they installed vertically without any slope?
Using 9buck strips? I’ve always tapconned them in and caulked around them. Most concrete wall installations are precisely measured to fit. If I had to frame the windows, it would be with pressure-treated wood and then aluminum trim on the outside. If framing is necessary, it usually needs to be done all the way around. If it’s a new block, waterproofing would be required. Most foundations are waterproofed before backfilling. Can you take a picture of it?
Wait, why are you putting windows in a solid house? Who built it?
Why would I pay someone to mess things up when I can do it perfectly myself? Seriously though, I try not to depend on others unless necessary (I’m just one person). If I don’t know how to do something, I learn it (even if it’s the hard way). Plus, the $11,000 I’m saving really makes a difference 😜
Hey, nobody’s trying to charge you $11,000 for 6 windows installation. I’m a builder and I usually pay $150 per window for installation. But hey, considering the questions you’re asking, maybe it’s best to hire someone to fix that thing that keeps the elements from entering your home.
Man, there are so many windows and doors, but every time I hire someone to do a job, it always ends in disappointment. Yeah, I’m that guy. Not sure how it is where you are, but around here, no one seems to take pride in their work. I’ll have to fix the issue myself and hopefully learn a thing or two along the way