redoing jamb extension and casing on window – but bottom jamb is wet – what to do?
Hello – excuse me if i’m using the wrong terms for the window – still learning!
I am redoing the jamb extension and the casing (trim) on the window. When i removed the current stool and the apron, i noticed that the right side of the lower jamb was moist (interior). a little of the top of the jamb on that side could peel off. The left side wasn’t moist but when i took the nail out of the left side, a larger than expected hole was created that looked like there could be some rot on that side. both sides feel solid below the top of the jamb, but i’m concerned that this might be a problem and of course do not want to go through with the installation of the new trim before i figure out what to do with this.
i have attached a few pictures to hopefully give some help as to what I’m talking about here. although you might not be able to see how wet it is in a picture, perhaps it can still provide visual assistance (i’m hoping).
any assitance is appreciated. will do my best to answer any further questions.
if you think that this isn’t a major issue or is easily remedied, then that’s great. if it is something that requires replacing the jambs and figuring out where the leak is coming from, would i need to replace the window as well? the window’s seal is broken and it doesn’t slide well, so that’s not a huge deal but i wasn’t planning on doing that. Would i need a complete window replacement or just a new insert of a frame and sash?
Thanks.
Replies
What to do in a situation like this is always a tricky question. There are situations where you'd just cover it up and move on, but probably you need to at least ATTEMPT to fix it.
Based on the pictures it appears unlikely that the window frame is the source of the leak. Rather, water is probably coming in around the flashing and caulking around the window. Another possibility would be that someone has made the sash inoperable and caulked the outside joint between sash and sill, causing water to back up there. You need to inspect and try to fix whatever problems you may find.
Whether or not you're able to fix the leak, you need to treat the wood in the area with a "rot preventer" of some sort. Generally this is a water-based product that soaks into the wood and chemically prevents/slows rot. You should try to get the wood dry before you apply this.
Youy want to really fix it? If you do you'll need to pull the window and do a proper flashing job. As it is I don't see any flashing at all. If you don't fix it now I promise you you'll be replacing the window, studs and possibly floor joist later. This is no place for a patch and it can't be fixed with caulk.
Why would you see flashing on the inside?
Improperly flashed
My first impression: a flashing problem. If not, then rain water is getting behind the siding some place above the window.
Q: Is there Z-flashing directly above the top exterior trim piece?
Q: Are the areas where siding and trim interface properly caulked, or otherwise made weather proof?
Q: Does the bottom of the exterior window sill have a groove cut into it so that water can not migrate up and under the exterior sill?
A HINT: It appears that the original window was removed, its frame left in place, and a new window (with it's own frame) installed in the old (existing) frame. If this is true you not only want to check for Z-flashing above the existing exterior (wood?) trim, but also for leakage where the top of the replacement window meets the top of the existing frame. Do me a fav. and take a photo from the outside!!
In sum, you have a problem that needs to be carefully assessed and corrected, else not only the (old) window frame but the wall below it will be compromised. You can do it! :)
Mel froscarpentry.com