How To Seal Windows With Vinyl Siding

Caulking windows to give them a finished look inside and out and seal out leaks and drafts is a fairly common diy task.

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. But if done incorrectly it can lend a sloppy amateurish look. 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.

This prevents any air leakage. 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. Smooth out the caulk. Remove the pieces of vinyl siding from around the window area.

Vinyl siding installs in pieces so gaps and overlaps are normal. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings. Sealing these spots with caulking is not possible because the siding must expand and contract freely to prevent warping. Caulk is used to seal spaces between two objects.

One of the somewhat more complex steps in the vinyl siding process however is installing it properly around windows. In this case the objects are the perimeter of the new exterior wall and the perimeter of the old open space. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to prevent water from leaking in behind vinyl siding.