How To Seal Windows With Vinyl Siding

Smooth out the caulk.

How to seal windows with vinyl siding. Vinyl siding installs in pieces so gaps and overlaps are normal. But if done incorrectly it can lend a sloppy amateurish look. Remove the pieces of vinyl siding from around the window area. Often water leaks at a window result from a breakdown in the connection between the window frame and the wall.

To prevent leaks caulk the window where it meets the exterior siding. Caulking can be placed behind the j channel during installation sealing the seam between the j channel and the house wrap also sealing the seam between the j channel and the window itself. Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings.

Caulk is used to seal spaces between two objects. Vinyl siding by itself does not create a waterproof seal and care must be. Caulking windows to give them a finished look inside and out and seal out leaks and drafts is a fairly common diy task. If the window is surrounded by wood trim use a high grade polyurethane caulk to seal all gaps between the trim and the siding and the trim and the window.

Many vinyl siding installers do not realize the importance of the house wrap and its job as the sole water barrier because many people incorrectly. Sealing these spots with caulking is not possible because the siding must expand and contract freely to prevent warping. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to prevent water from leaking in behind vinyl siding.