Water / Article 35
Window Leak and Wall Stains: Is It Rain, Condensation, or Flashing?
Window stains can come from exterior leaks or indoor condensation.
Situation snapshot
The problem in plain English.
Window stains can come from exterior leaks or indoor condensation.
Start with safety and source control. Then work through what can dry, what needs removal, what should be documented, and where professional mitigation or remediation should take over.
Action order
Move through it in the right sequence.
- 01Note whether water appears during rain or humidity changes.
- 02Inspect caulk, flashing, sill slope, and interior condensation.
- 03Dry wall cavities before cosmetic repair.
- 04Improve drainage or insulation as needed.
Risk check
What changes the seriousness.
Watch for
Soft drywall, recurring mold, swollen sill, or water inside the wall.
What the pros look for
Pros check moisture patterns and exterior water entry points before repairs.
Source backed
