It can be tough to fix a leaking window. It can even be one of the most frustrating home maintenance issues you can face. Water inside your home can lead to stains, warped trim, mold, and even structural damage if left unchecked. When you first notice water around a window, your instinct is probably to blame the window itself. But here’s the tricky part: the leak might not actually be coming from the window at all.
Before you grab the caulk gun, let’s walk through how to figure out what’s really happening, how to address common window-related leaks, and when it’s time to replace your windows entirely.
Step 1: Is It Really the Window?
Not every drip near a window means the window is at fault. In fact, many “window leaks” actually originate from elsewhere. Here are the main possibilities:
- Roof leaks: Water from a damaged roof can travel through your attic, walls, or ceiling and show up around windows. It’s nearly impossible to diagnose a roof leak without professional help, since water follows gravity and can travel far from the entry point.
- Siding damage: Cracked or missing siding panels allow water to seep behind the cladding and emerge near windows.
- Plumbing leaks: Pipes hidden in your walls may drip water that runs down and pools near windows.
- Actual window issues: Failed seals, poor flashing, rotted frames, or dried-out caulking can allow water straight through the window opening.
👉 If you see stains above the window, on ceilings, or in random spots on walls, the cause is likely not the window itself.
Tip: For peace of mind, schedule a professional roof inspection. Roofing companies often specialize in tracing hidden leaks (even if its not roofing related) and rule out bigger issues like roof or siding damage before you spend money fixing windows unnecessarily.
Step 2: Think About the Causes
Leaks usually have a backstory. Before you decide how to fix your window, consider whether any of these events might have contributed:
- Storm damage: Heavy rain, wind, or hail can damage both roofs and windows.
- Aging materials: Caulk, flashing, and sealants naturally break down over time.
- Improper installation: If your windows were poorly installed, water can bypass them entirely.
- Shifting or settling: Houses settle, which can crack seals around windows.
Asking these questions helps you determine whether you’re facing a small repair or a symptom of a bigger issue.
Step 3: How to Fix a Leaking Window DIY
If you’re confident the problem really is your window, here are some practical fixes you can try:
1. Reseal the Window
- Remove old, cracked caulk around the exterior of the window.
- Apply fresh, exterior-grade caulking around the frame, making sure to fill all gaps.
- Smooth the bead with a caulk tool or your finger dipped in water.
2. Check the Weatherstripping
- Inspect the interior seals. If weatherstripping is worn or missing, replace it with new strips.
3. Clear Clogged Weep Holes
- Modern windows often have weep holes that drain water. Dirt and debris can clog them, causing leaks inside. Use a thin wire or compressed air to clear them.
4. Repair or Replace the Glass Seal
- Double-pane windows sometimes develop a failed seal. If condensation or water is getting between panes, you may need to replace the glass unit.
These fixes can address most window-specific leaks, but they won’t solve problems caused by the roof, siding, or structural issues.
Step 4: When to Replace Your Windows
Sometimes, repairing a leaky window is just delaying the inevitable. Replacement is often the better long-term solution if:
- The frame is rotted or soft.
- The glass seals have failed across multiple panes.
- You’ve repaired the caulking and flashing multiple times with no success.
- Drafts, energy loss, or repeated leaks are costing you money.
When you can’t fix a leaking window, often replacement is the best option. Main Street Window & Door offers expert installation of energy-efficient, Michigan-tested windows that improve your home’s comfort and curb appeal. Learn more about our replacement services here.
Step 5: Call the Right Pro for the Job
The challenge with water is that it doesn’t always reveal its true source. A puddle near your window might actually start on your roof, siding, or plumbing system. That’s why the smartest first step is often a professional inspection.
- If you suspect the roof or siding is the problem: Contact a roofing company a professional inspection. Their team can identify and fix leaks that may not be visible to the untrained eye.
- If you’re confident the issue is the window itself: Call Main Street Window & Door to repair or replace your windows.
- If you think you can fix a leaking window yourself, and you are confident it is the source of the leak: You might be ready to tackle the window repair yourself.
By involving professionals early, you’ll save time, money, and stress by addressing the root cause instead of just treating the symptoms.
Final Thoughts
So, how do you fix a leaking window? Start by figuring out if it’s really the window. If it is, resealing, repairing, or replacing the window are all viable solutions depending on the severity. But if the water is sneaking in from your roof, siding, or another hidden source, no amount of caulk will solve the problem.
The good news? You don’t have to guess. Get a professional window leak inspection to track down the source, or contact Main Street Window & Door to replace your windows and avoid future damage, you have a team ready to keep your home dry, protected, and comfortable for years to come.
