1. Stop at the safety boundary
Do not caulk drainage openings or seal every cladding joint.
2. Capture the baseline
Take one context photo, one close view and a short note describing location, date, weather, recent water use, equipment state and occupancy.
3. Track the trigger
Rain from one direction and pressure against the facade.
4. Compare, do not assume
Supports this pathway
- One wind direction repeats the leak
- The first wet edge is at the head or side
- Exterior drainage details are missing or blocked
Weakens this pathway
- The symptom follows indoor condensation
- The leak appears with plumbing use
- Comparable storms from the same direction stay dry
5. Repeat only safe checks
- Record wind direction and first wet point
- Photograph exterior joints from ground level
- Check whether sill drainage openings are blocked
6. Decide the next step
If the pattern is active, expanding, safety-related or requires opening inaccessible construction, stop self-help testing and prepare an evidence-based handoff. A window or envelope professional should inspect layered flashing and drainage.
7. Verify the outcome
After any action, repeat the same observation under a comparable trigger. A dry surface immediately after work is not sufficient proof when the original symptom was intermittent.
Observe→Compare triggers→Repair source→Verify outcome
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