Question: Robert, good morning and thank you for answering the questions you do. We’ve saved a lot of money taking on projects on our own because we’ve had the confidence from reading your articles. I must say that I’ve procrastinated on this due to scheduling this year, and now I’m faced with impending rains for the season.
I noticed last winter, when we had some heavier rains, that I had a leak. It was presenting itself at the window sill in a guest bedroom, though it wasn’t significant so not much to do at the time but keep the area dry. Here we are entering our next rainy season (if we’re lucky) and I’ve yet to investigate this leak.
Where do I begin? Do I need to call in a professional or is finding the leak something I can do, then possibly repair it myself? Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated and if you’ve covered this already, thank you in advance for doing so once again (hopefully).
— Jason Z.
Answer: Jason, sure, you can troubleshoot this leak and you’ll likely find the source, with time and patience. First, I’d give the exterior of this window and side of the house a very thorough visual inspection. Look for any changes or failures at the window and surrounding siding, whether it is stucco or other material.
If you can’t find anything that looks inconsistent, you’ll need a dedicated assistant for the next phase. One of you will be inside searching for the water, the other will be outside with the hose, methodically wetting down the area. We know the water isn’t traveling up, so let’s begin hitting the exterior with water just at the window sill level. Hold this level steadily, moving across the width of the window. Water travels sideways and down, taking the path of least resistance. If this is a very small penetration, it could take some time to see water on the inside.
After several minutes of this with no water manifesting inside, move further out to the left and right of the window but at the same level. We’re now testing the siding material at the same level. Again, water will travel to the path of least resistance, so it could be here that we force the water to go inside.
Again, if it remains dry, we then methodically move up but I’d still focus first on the window, using the same method as you go up. Continue going sideways, too — the leak could be a few feet to the right or left of this window. Eventually you’ll work your way to the top of the window and I dare say, depending on the age of the window, you’ll likely find your leak. Continue up, even ending up wetting the roof and moving out from there, and you’ll likely find your leak.
This takes time and patience, but it is tried and true, and will give you the answers that you need. Depending on where you find the penetration, that will determine the repair path that you’ll take.
If you need further guidance just reach back out and we can hopefully walk you through. On another note, take photos and videos along the way, just in case there should be any warranty issues. You didn’t specify the age of your home or whether any work or materials are new or under warranty. Have these photos and videos just in case — it can make the difference in certain cases. Best of luck.
Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].
