Software
Houzz Logo Print
marcos7471

Rain water leaking from top of window frame PLEASE HELP!!!

5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

Water is coming in from the top of a hurricane window frame on the second floor of our townhome. I need help determining the source. Roofers have been out, water tested various areas, and have been unable to reproduce it. They found no evidence of water damage on the third floor or the ceiling of the room in question. The leak happens after a significant downpour.



this is where the water pours out from



This is the exterior….tiles are removed above as part of the roofers’ inspection of problem.

Comments (19)

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Take a picture from further. It's coming from the roof or wall above. Leaks at window heads are 99% of the time, not window issues.

  • 5 years ago

    Agree. Anytime a leak occurs above the window, its rarely ever the window , its usually the roof/ overhang above it or a void in the siding.

  • 5 years ago


    This is the window. From this view, it is leaking on the right side. Thanks for the input. Roofers have checked the overhang directly above and found nothing.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    I’d like to see the counter flashing on the dormer above the the window. I am always a little sketical of roofers unless I know them. Roofing is like windows and most other trades, its all about the details

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    +1. Counter flashing or the water that curls off that roof edge (fascia and rake sides).


    Unless your roof poked his head in that attic space, if even possible, there is no way to know. Leak is NOT from the windows though.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    ". Leak is NOT from the windows though."


    Standing on the ground on a dry day, squirt a garden hose on the siding above the window and we'll find out if this is true or not.

  • 5 years ago

    Window has been water tested and nothing came through. Roofer did find a way to the attic and crawl space from above. There was no evidence of water damage per him.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I had a leak like that seemed to come into a window on my top floor under the roof. A roofer went up on my roof and found that water was coming in behind a downspout at a caulked joint between the wall stucco. The only way to see it was from the roof looking down. He sent me photos from up on the roof where the joint deterioration and water infiltration could be plainly seen, but were invisible from the ground or from the attic. My point is that your leak could be from anything, and a roofer who goes up on your roof to see what's what is a good idea. It will cost you though.

  • 4 years ago

    Roofers have been back out. they remove tiles on the top floor above the window, they cut a whole into the plyowood to access the crawl space, saw no evidence of water damage, rust, cracked concrete, etc.…..still nothing. Where else should we look? what other home professional should I call? Every leak detection company wants to go digging from the inside. Again, this only happens after significant rain

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    With the window being located under an overhang that makes the chances of water entry at that point very small. You have two very LIKELY points of entry however, in the termination of that overhang into the wall, and the roof to wall interface on the roof above. Especially for the fact that its occurring on the right side, its almost certainly coming in at one of those spots IMO.

    Is the roofer that is inspecting this for you the same guy that installed the roof? If so, he may not be motivated to find the water tracks. If the leak is newer, there won't likely be much damage to find, but water tracks should be there. You may want to consider calling in an independent third party.

    You could also try water testing your self as has been mentioned. Spray right above the window with a hose for a bit. If nothing there, move the the overhang fascia and termination into the wall. If nothing there, move up to that roof to wall interface. If still nothing, spray up on the top roof section.

  • 4 years ago




    For what its worth, this is the roof directly above the window where it meets that vertical wall. The tiles are removed as the roofers were out Friday to investigate.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    I’d concentrate on that area.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    +1. I'd say that area is a good bet.

  • 4 years ago

    Ive taken more photos outside while its raining. Does the way the water trickle down the wall look suspicious? Also the roofer has investigated the crawl space between roof and third floor as well as third and second floo…..no evidence if water damage. Is it possible water is entering the wall another way and bypassing the roof. Here are photos of some rooted wood i noted (3rd floor)

    as well as the leak. Thank you all in advance for your insight






  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    We do know the water is NOT coming from the window. This is a window board, perhaps broaden your investigation into a roofing or siding forum. Maybe even venture into a stucco forum for help as well.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    It appears this was not a complete tear off nor did they counterflash. I would consider having another roofer specialized in clay tule look at this.

  • 4 years ago

    Would you mine elaborating some more todd? where should counterflash be?