Doors and Windows - Leaky Bay Window

WE ARE NEW HOME OWNERS. WE HAVE LIVED IN THE HOUSE ONE YEAR NEXT MONTH. THE HOUSE WAS BUILT IN THE 50'S. OUR BAY WINDOW LEAKS EVERYTIME IT RAINS AT THE TOP OF THE WINDOW. MY HUSBAND LOWERED THE GUTTER AT THAT END AND ADDED SOME FLASHING TO TRY TO HELP THE PROBLEM. WE KNOW THAT THE WOOD TOP IS RUINED AND NEEDS REPLACED, BUT WE DON'T WANT TO DO THAT TILL WE CAN FIGURE OUT WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM. WHEN IT RAINS YOU CAN HEAR THE WATER RUN INTO THE TOP OF THE WINDOW THEN IT WILL RUN OUT. I MUST SAY THAT I AM GETTING TIRED OF USING BOWLS AND BUCKETTS TO CATCH WATER. ANY IDEAS ABOUT WHERE TO START CHECKING WILL HELP.

THANKS LADYFEASEL

Without seeing the situation it is difficult to say for certain. I,m assuming your house is a bungalow and the roof eave does not extend too far past the bay. There is no eave starter on the roof allowing the water to creep up under the shingles through capillary action. This water is getting behind the siding and past the flashing over the window. Water could also be entering the attic space further up the slope through a poorly sealed roof vent or torn shingle, running down the slope and pooling over the bay. Good luck.