What I fix
- Glazing putty replaced on old wood sashes
- Exterior caulk at the frame cut out and renewed
- Weep slots on aluminum frames cleared
- Soft spots in wood sills filled and sealed
- Deep window reveals in thick walls sealed at the outer edge
- Plaster below the window checked for dampness
Deep walls and wood sashes
With 52.3 percent of the city’s homes more than 60 years old, I see a lot of original wood sashes in San Gabriel. Their glazing putty dries and falls out, and rain runs between glass and wood straight onto the sill.
Houses with thick walls have deep window reveals, and the outer edge of that reveal is where water collects. Sealing it properly matters more than anything on the inside.
How I work
Hose test
Water on the window from the bottom up.
Clear drains
Weep slots opened on newer frames.
Reseal
Putty and caulk replaced where they have failed.
Look inside
Plaster and sill checked for moisture.
Not for me
Full window replacement, new openings, or rotten framing in the wall.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about window caulking and draft sealing, sash and sliding window repair, wood rot repair or door leak repair.
What to send
Photos of the window outside and in, the sill, and any damp patch below.
Window leak questions
Why does rain get past my old wood window?
The glazing putty around the glass has cracked or fallen out, or the sill joint has opened.
Can you fix wood windows instead of replacing them?
Usually. New putty, sealed sills and paint keep them going.
What are the slots at the bottom of my aluminum window?
They drain water out of the frame. Keep them clear and never seal them.
Why is the plaster under my window bubbling?
Water is getting behind it. I find the gap outside first, then the wall can dry and be patched.
What would a window leak repair cost?
I quote from photos, and the estimate is free.
Worth a read: what our sticky wood windows guide says about window leak repair.
Guides
- Old wood windows that stick, rattle or slam shutWhy old wood windows in San Gabriel homes stick, rattle or will not stay open, and how we free painted sashes and repair sash cords and hardware.
- Getting a thick-walled house ready for winter rainA fall checklist for older San Gabriel homes with thick walls and deep windows: sills, doors, drains, caulking and outdoor outlets.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our doors, cabinets and hardware group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.