Why Window Leaks Happen, And How to Stop Them for Good!
At Clearcut, we’ve seen it all, stained drywall, bubbling paint, warped flooring—all because of one common issue: window leaks.
It’s easy to blame the window itself when water shows up inside your unit. But most of the time, the problem isn’t the window… it’s the way it was installed. In fact, poor or missing flashing is one of the top culprits behind long-term water intrusion issues.
Let’s break it down.
What Causes Window Leaks?
Window leaks usually aren’t about broken glass or a faulty frame. The real problem happens behind the scenes—where the window ties into the wall.
Here are the most common causes:
🔧 Improper Flashing – Flashing is the waterproof barrier that directs water away from the window opening. If it’s missing, reversed, or poorly installed, water has a direct path into the wall cavity.
🪟 Poor Integration with Weather Barrier – Even if the flashing is present, if it’s not properly integrated with the building’s weather-resistive barrier (WRB), water can slip behind it and into your framing.
🛠️ Bad Window Replacements – Window swaps that don’t re-address flashing details (especially in stucco or siding systems) are just ticking time bombs.
🔍 Lack of Inspection – Water might not show up for months (or even years). That’s why ongoing inspections and maintenance are so important—especially in multi-family communities.
What Is Flashing—and Why Is It Critical?
Flashing is like the secret weapon of window protection. It’s a combination of membranes and materials (think self-adhering tapes, pan flashings, or fluid-applied barriers) that:
Create a sealed “bathtub” around the window opening
Direct water out and down, away from vulnerable framing
Prevent water from getting behind stucco, siding, or trim
The right flashing protects not just the window—but the entire building envelope.
The Risk of Doing It Wrong
We’ve repaired countless buildings where windows were replaced without updating flashing or waterproofing. The result?
Rotting sheathing and framing
Mold and mildew
Compromised insulation and energy loss
Costly litigation or HOA assessments
Improper installation can lead to hidden damage that compounds over time. What starts as a small drip can become a six-figure repair project.
How Clearcut Helps
We specialize in window replacement, forensic leak investigations, and full envelope integration for HOA communities and multi-family properties. Our team doesn’t just fix the symptom, we address the root cause.
You won’t get a “band-aid” repair from us. We look at the entire system so your building stays dry, protected, and performing the way it should.
Got window leaks?
Let us take a look. We’ll walk the property, perform a full assessment, and give you a straightforward plan of action.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a window and envelope evaluation.
