How To Seal Windows With Vinyl Siding

Caulk is used to seal spaces between two objects.

How to seal windows with vinyl siding.

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. Vinyl siding by itself does not create a waterproof seal and care must be. Check to be sure weep holes are open along bottom of window openings. One of the somewhat more complex steps in the vinyl siding process however is installing it properly around windows.

Remove the pieces of vinyl siding from around the window area. 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. Caulking windows to give them a finished look inside and out and seal out leaks and drafts is a fairly common diy task. In this case the objects are the perimeter of the new exterior wall and the perimeter of the old open space.

Smooth out the caulk. This prevents any air leakage. Often water leaks at a window result from a breakdown in the connection between the window frame and the wall. Inspect the area above the leak including both indoors and out.

Vinyl siding installs in pieces so gaps and overlaps are normal. 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. Sealing these spots with caulking is not possible because the siding must expand and contract freely to prevent warping.