What steps should I take to locate and fix the leaking windows in my new construction home left unfinished due to weather constraints last fall?
Asked by Hanny De Kok 
4 weeks ago
Last Updated: October 27, 2024
We didn’t get the siding up in time before the weather turned, so I wasn’t able to add a picture from the fall.
I noticed that two of my big windows are leaking.
This is a brand new build. The windows were put in last fall, but we haven’t finished the casings yet.
We’ve had nonstop heavy rain since last night, and it’s still coming down.
Back when we installed the windows, we did spray foam around the inside gap. Unfortunately, I can’t snap a photo outside right now because it’s pouring. Can you give me some advice on how to locate the leak and what might be the best way to fix it?
The leak is only happening at the bottom.
Make sure to peek under the siding to confirm that the window has been flashed correctly. Your builder needs to take care of this.
The siding hasn’t been put up yet. We just couldn’t finish it before winter hit. I’ll get on that as soon as the weather gets better.
I found a photo of how it looked before winter.
I believe the water is getting in where the furring is attached to the house wrap. It shouldn’t be leaking through the flashing tape.
Do you think the furring strips should have been placed on top instead of under the Tuck tape?
We have 2.5″ foam on top of the plywood with Tyvek.
Nothing should go through the wrap until the final siding is installed. I’d also recommend checking to ensure the weep holes in the slider frame are unobstructed.
Thank you…I’ll check it out once this rain clears up!
I recently watched some installation videos and it’s even worse than just the missing metal flashing at the top that someone else suggested was the problem, since the siding isn’t in place yet.
You know, I assisted the framer when he was putting in the windows…but I didn’t think I needed to watch videos since he’s supposed to know what he’s doing!
I can confirm that:
There is no flashing tape on the sill plate.
No sealant on the back of the nail flanges on the sides and top.
No flashing tape on the sides or top, covering the nail flanges.
I’m really upset right now…just because I don’t see moisture on the other windows doesn’t mean they’re not also at risk. Especially the west-facing windows that take the brunt of the wind and rain.
After this weather system passes, I’ll need to inspect each window individually.
We had a patio door and a window on a new build that leaked after installation, contacted the window company and they mentioned that silicone caulking was not properly applied at the factory. They sent a technician to take a look, he dismantled the parts and applied caulking where it was leaking. So far, everything seems to be fine
Make sure to start with the flashing before moving on to the furring strips.
That’s not even the right flashing tape…. it’s Tuck tape.
I recently watched a few installation videos and realized that the issue goes beyond just missing metal flashing at the top, as someone else suggested.
I have firsthand knowledge since I was assisting the framer during window installation….
There was no flashing tape on the sill plate.
No sealant on the back of the nail flange.
No flashing tape on the sides or top, covering the nail flange.
I am extremely upset right now…. just because I don’t see any moisture on the other windows doesn’t mean they are not also compromised. Particularly the west-facing windows that bear the brunt of harsh weather conditions on windy/rainy days.
Once this weather system passes, I will need to carefully examine each and every window.
Make sure to carefully follow the installation instructions for all windows, otherwise the warranty may be voided.
I’m not quite sure what you’re asking.