How To Seal Windows With Vinyl Siding

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.

How to seal windows with vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding by itself does not create a waterproof seal and care must be. Caulk is used to seal spaces between two objects. Vinyl siding installs in pieces so gaps and overlaps are normal. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings.

This prevents any air leakage. Remove the pieces of vinyl siding from around the window area. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to prevent water from leaking in behind vinyl siding. To prevent leaks caulk the window where it meets the exterior siding.

Sealing these spots with caulking is not possible because the siding must expand and contract freely to prevent warping. Smooth out the caulk. 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. In this case the objects are the perimeter of the new exterior wall and the perimeter of the old open space.

Often water leaks at a window result from a breakdown in the connection between the window frame and the wall. Caulking windows to give them a finished look inside and out and seal out leaks and drafts is a fairly common diy task. But if done incorrectly it can lend a sloppy amateurish look.