The Leak: Dave noticed during heavy storms there was a lot of water coming in through his window on the second floor. He called Dr. Leaks to find the leak and fix the repair once it was found.
The Detection: Dr. Leaks tested the surrounding areas of both the second and third story windows to locate the leak.
The Repair: Our team removed any additional water damaged areas, replaced the window sills, reinstalled the window pane, replaced insulation in the drywall opening, and installed blocking as needed.
In 2025, West Philadelphia homeowner Dave contacted us about a window leak that allowed significant water inside during heavy wind and rainstorms. The leak was on the second floor in his Philadelphia home, where he lived, but the third floor, which he also owned, played a major role in the issue.
Dave was noticing water intrusion above the second floor window. He planned to rent this unit out, but needed to get this window leak fixed beforehand, especially with the significant amount of water that comes in. When Dave needed more help detecting and repairing his window leak, he called Dr. Leaks. We sent out one of our Leak Detection and Leak Repair experts, one of them being Steve, who began our thorough Leak Detection Process.
Second Floor Window Leak Detection
Our Leak Detection expert, Steve, opened a small section of the ceiling above the window for inspection. We found significant water damage around the corner joists, so we removed some insulation and began testing.
Initially, testing directly above the window leak showed no results. However, when we moved slightly higher to a gap between two siding panels above the window, water immediately began leaking in. We also observed multiple openings around the corner fascia and decorative cornice below the shingle roofline. After testing this area, a significant amount of water leaked into the exposed ceiling section. The next step was to investigate the third story window to ensure we were comprehensive in our Leak Detection.
Investigating the Third Floor Window
Upon examining the window above the leak zone, we noticed a significant buildup of moss and debris around the third floor window sills. The windows appeared to have been closed for an extended period, with the screens slightly stuck and overgrown with moss along the bottom.
We tested the base of the third floor window, which led to water intrusion after 5 minutes. We tested the corner where the shingles meet the aluminum step flashing, and water began to leak in. It was clear that both the second and third floor windows were the issue, or more accurately, the areas around the window that were letting water in.
After every inspection, we provide a detailed Leak Report outlining our findings and recommendations for fixing the leak. This report includes photos and data collected during the inspection, compiled into a clear and easy-to-understand document. It highlights the specific causes and effects of the leak and presents a complete repair plan, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions and stay in control throughout the process. After reviewing his Leak Report, Dave agreed with Steve’s assessment and proposed solutions, so we got to work repairing the window leak in his home.
Moving on to Window Leak Repair
After removing the insulation from the water-damaged area on the second floor, we moved to the third floor and began removing the trim from the interior front right-side bay window. We then installed new window sills and reinstalled the existing window. The following day, we added new flashing to the roof near the targeted window and a new panel area. On the final day, we sealed all leak points as well as other problematic areas.
Cosmetic Repairs
To the best of our ability, we matched the existing paint color of the house and repainted the areas that required repair. We applied multiple coats of the selected color and sheen, along with topcoats, both inside and outside.
At this stage, we have completed the project by fixing the leak and repainting the affected areas to blend seamlessly with the original colors. We then cleaned our work area by removing all tools, equipment, and debris from the site. Additionally, we swept, wiped down surfaces with a damp cloth, and used a blower to ensure the area was thoroughly cleaned inside and out.
Leak repair isn’t just about stopping water from entering your home, it’s about ensuring a leak doesn’t return after it’s fixed. Many homeowners find that DIY fixes or contractor repairs only provide temporary relief. When these solutions fall short, they face the frustration of hiring multiple contractors who lack expertise in Leak Detection and repair, wasting both time and money. At Dr. Leaks, we specialize solely in water leaks in the Philadelphia area, giving us the expertise on Philly style homes and leaks, allowing us to accurately detect and permanently resolve the issue.
Need to address a leak problem in your home? Book an Appointment today.
