Water mark under window

1/24/2018 at 12:02:30 PM

Hi Cory,

So you'll need to do some investigation here. There is a chance your window is fine and there is no leak. I just inspected windows for a client and found that the water present was from condensation and not a leak. This is a best case scenario and may not be what's going on in your case.

When colder weather hits, check and see if there is condensation along the bottom edge of the window (or ice if it's really cold). If you don't see any present then you'll need to dig a bit deeper and possibly will want to hire a professional to inspect and repair.

Hope this helps, all the best.

1/24/2018 at 4:53:06 PM

It's a insulation problem most likely none there in that spot. Condensation built up it's cold outside and warm inside causes ice to form and melt. Remove the section of drywall and install some insulation or some expanding foam in that area what ever it needs most likely not much. Reseal the vapor barrier / plastic with red tuck tape you can by from home depot re install the 1/2 drywall and tape mud the area apply 2 coats of mud then sand when dry. Apply a good latex primer sand when dry, paint two finish coats sand in between coats when dry. Hire a seasoned painter he'll know what he is doing.

Hope this helps you.

1/24/2018 at 6:00:35 PM

Thank you both for your reply, I was inspecting the outside of the window and a spot that the builder had replaced caulking on my first year looks to have opened up again so I'm guessing this may be where the water might be coming from and there was some moisture on the windows during the cold spell the last few weeks. I am guessing I'm going to have to open the wall to check for sure cause it looks like it could have been caused by either. Does anyone know what a job like this might cost to have done if I decide to pay

1/25/2018 at 9:46:08 PM

Work I've done like this depends on what is found when opening things up. The low/high ends I've seen for this range from $400-$5500+, the trick is catching it early and not putting it off. If its just some inspection holes and/or caulking or resealing. The worst I've found had major damage inside the wall and mold growing. An abatement company had to be used to remove the mold window and clean what could be saved and then the window had to be replaced along with some of the framing, masonry, and drywall. They started noticing a problem 10 months before mold was coming through the drywall into the interior of the home.