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Home DisastersBuilding a HomeWindows
webuser_197788749

Gaps Between Siding and Windows

2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago

Hello! Building a house and need unbiased outside opinions about the gaps between the siding and windows. I’ve reached out to family, and their siding all seems tighter to the edges and corners. Is it just me? Is this normal? (First time posting, so bear with me please.) Thank you in advance!






Featured Answer
  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Hu I’m no fan of vinyl- it’s never finished looking to me but I specialize in historic houses built from real materials. This looks like typical vinyl installation. Ends aren’t sanded after they are cut as they are hidden by the J channel. If you are expecting a higher level of finish you needed different materials. What you are showing will last a very long time.

    Comments (12)

    • 2 years ago

      Pictures would definitely help us help you.

    • PRO
      2 years ago

      I’ve reached out to family


      Have you reached out to your builder? If you are unhappy with the work, address your concerns directly to the person responsible. No need for backup from strangers on the internet.


      Vinyl siding is not easy to detail so it takes extra effort by the installer.

      With the windows installed, this will likely be a difficult, maybe impossible fix.

      HU-197788749 thanked PPF.

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    • 2 years ago

      Vinyl window casing has a built in j-channel. The casing applied does not, not sure if that casing came with the windows or if it is compatable with vinyl as detailed.

      HU-197788749 thanked millworkman
    • 2 years ago

      I believe that you should caulk this area. You don't want excess moisture to be able to transfer into the inside framework. No telling if your windows are sealed anywhere else. And it will help to keep the bugs out.

      HU-197788749 thanked aklogcabin
    • PRO
      2 years ago

      "I believe that you should caulk this area."


      Caulk is never a substitute for mechanical flashing. All vinyl siding manufacturers require space to accommodate siding movement; caulk may impede that enough to cause buckling. The windows leak or they don't; get a hose on a dry day and find out, but do not caulk please.

      HU-197788749 thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
    • 2 years ago

      What is that silver (shiny) stuff in the gap? It seems to me that if you only saw the white PVC window frame in the gap that it would not be as noticable?

      HU-197788749 thanked dennisgli
    • PRO
      2 years ago

      The silver shiny stuff is flashing tape.

      As Joseph said , do not caulk the joint. There should have a j channel installed . sort this out the biilder if possible. This sort of thing does not happen with good builders that work with good subs .

      HU-197788749 thanked toddinmn
    • PRO
      2 years ago

      Talk to your builder. To me these windows look like they have an integrated j channel so this would be a correct installation, the silver being the window tape on the nailing flange. I don’t install vinyl or windows like this but I have seen them…

      HU-197788749 thanked HALLETT & Co.
    • 2 years ago

      Thank you, everyone, for the advice and insight! It is very helpful and appreciated!

    • 2 years ago

      HALLETT & Co., in instances where you‘ve seen an integrated j channel, does that require extra care to make clean cuts on the siding? Is it normal for it to look this sloppy in the end? Thanks!

    • 2 years ago

      Ok. Thank you very much for the response!

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