A roof leaking around a window is one of the most misdiagnosed problems in a house. Water that shows up at a window frame can come from the window itself, the wall above it, a roof-to-wall connection higher up, or an overflowing gutter. Tracking when and where it appears usually points to the real source before anyone replaces a window that was never the problem.
If water is coming in right now, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045, any hour, or describe what you're seeing through our contact page so we can plan a visit.
Five ways water ends up at a window
Water follows gravity and framing, so the place it appears is often a long way from where it got in. These are the usual paths.
1. The window unit or its seal
Failed caulk around the frame, a cracked sill, clogged weep holes in the bottom track or a broken glazing seal all let water in at the window itself. These leaks usually show at the bottom corners or sill and appear in almost any rain that hits that wall.
2. Missing or failed head flashing
Above most windows, a strip of flashing should direct water out over the trim. If it's missing or installed behind the building wrap instead of over it, water runs into the top of the window opening and drips from the upper corners.
3. A roof-to-wall intersection above
On two-story homes, a lower roof often meets the wall above a window. Failed step flashing or a missing kickout at the end of that roof sends water down inside the wall, and it pops out at the first opening it reaches: the window head.
4. A roof leak traveling down the wall cavity
A leak at the eave, a pipe boot or a valley can run along a rafter to the top plate of an exterior wall, then drop down the inside of the wall. The stain may appear above or beside the window with no mark on the ceiling at all.
5. Gutter overflow sheeting down the wall
Clogged or undersized gutters spill over the front edge in heavy rain. That sheet of water hits the wall, the window trim and the frame joints far harder than normal rain, and older seals give way.
Is it the roof leaking around a window, or the window itself?
Before anyone climbs a ladder, a few observations narrow things down quickly.
Look at the timing
- Every rain, even light ones: points to the window seal, sill or head flashing.
- Only in hard, wind-driven storms from one direction: points to flashing on that side of the house or the roof above it.
- Only during downpours: suggests gutter overflow or a roof valley that is overwhelmed.
- Days after the rain has stopped: water is traveling a long path inside the wall, which usually means the roof or a roof-wall joint.
Look at the location
Water at the bottom corners or pooling on the sill leans toward the window. Stains on the drywall above the window, wet top corners or bubbling paint running down from the ceiling line lean toward something higher up. Check the attic above that wall too; damp insulation or stained decking near the eave is a strong clue.
A careful hose test
With a helper inside watching, run a garden hose gently over the window only, beginning at the sill and working up for several minutes per area. If no water appears, move up to the wall above, then the gutter, then, only if it's safe and done by a professional, the roof section above. Always test from the bottom up so you know which area triggered the leak.
When to call a roofer versus a window company
If the evidence points to the sill, frame caulk or glass, a window specialist is the right call. If the timing and stain pattern point higher, bring in a roofer first. Replacing a window under a roof leak leaves you with a new window and the same wet wall.
Our roof repair crews trace these leaks from the top down: we inspect the roof section above the window, check step and kickout flashing where roofs meet walls, look at the gutters, and go into the attic above the wall when it's safe to do so. Cannon Roofing has been working on North Texas homes since 1994, and every crew member carries the Technician Seal of Safety, meaning they are background checked, drug tested, factory trained and insured. We provide a free inspection and estimate, and you'll see photos of the source before we recommend any fix.
If the stain pattern suggests the water only arrives with storms from one side, our article on leaks that only appear in wind-driven rain explains why. And if gutters are spilling over, read about how clogged gutters damage your roof and walls.
What to do while you wait for a diagnosis
- Lay towels on the sill and move furniture, rugs and electronics away from the wall.
- Photograph the stain and water after each rain with the date, which helps whoever diagnoses it.
- Clear gutters on that side of the house if you can reach them safely from a ladder.
- Don't smear caulk over the outside of the window frame; it can trap water that is coming from above and make the damage worse.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my window only leak in heavy storms?
Heavy, wind-driven rain pushes water sideways and upward into flashing laps and roof-wall joints that stay dry in gentle rain. It also overwhelms gutters. Both point to a source above the window rather than the window itself.
Can a roof leak show up on a wall and not the ceiling?
Yes. Water that enters near the eave can run along the rafters to the top of an exterior wall and drop down inside it, leaving the ceiling dry while the wall and window below get wet.
Will homeowners insurance cover water coming in around a window?
It depends on the cause and your policy. Sudden storm damage is treated differently from long-term wear or a failed seal. Document everything and talk to your agent; a roofer's inspection report helps establish where the water came from.
Tired of guessing where the water is coming from? Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045, we answer around the clock, and we'll inspect the roof, flashing and gutters above that window and show you exactly what we find. Prefer to write? Use our contact page.