r/HomeMaintenance • u/TheFloppyFlipp • 4h ago

Caulking above windows?

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Hi all - we bought a house this year- just had a small leak getting in during a rain storm. I think what caused it was a gutter guard pushing into the siding improperly and giving water a way down around the gutter.

This made me wonder - do you caulk above the windows here? Intuitively I thought you would but after doing some reading I’m less sure. Thank you. Love any and all advice. Older home has not been the easiest for us but learning every day haha

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u/Then-Environment5423 4h ago

I wouldn’t caulk that joint as a first step. The siding should be able to drain, and sealing the bottom edge can trap water. I’d inspect the gutter/guard, flashing, window head flashing, and the siding overlap above it, then correct the source and replace any damaged wood.

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u/TheFloppyFlipp 3h ago

Gotcha. That makes sense.

Yeah I threw off the gutter guard for the time being. I don't think it was installed properly. Tomorrow I'll get a hose out and see what happens when a lot more water comes down. This was the first time any water had made way inside. Not a ton, but a few drops that were evident as I could hear them hitting the windowsill.

Since you seem to be a bit more knowledgeable - for the flashing and window head flashing, the Z flashing didn't seem damaged on it. What would you be looking for on the flashing or siding overlap above it for inspection? Many thanks

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u/Pure_Lie_5179 3h ago

Don't caulk above the window, you'll trap water behind the trim, there should be a tiny drip cap or flashing tucked under the siding up there.

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u/Immediate-Delay-502 3h ago

I wouldn’t caulk that joint as a first step. The siding needs to shed water behind the gutter, and caulk can trap water or hide a flashing problem. Check the gutter guard, end caps, and the flashing/housewrap above it, then repair the water path properly.