I was asked “what could cause a window pulling apart?”
This a 1990 house that got replacement siding & windows about 15 years ago. The owner had a concern that the had water running behind there siding, they thought that if the caulked the lower left hand corner it would fix the problem. I told them that they should get a professional contractor to assess the issue.
Is it that the window not sized right or is the structure moving causing the window opening to become not square? I was not able to look at the foundation because the basement was finished off.
You guys have any thought on this issue?
Exactly…
I was asked “what could cause a window pulling apart?” Raked or warped framing. I suspect the owner may have had a hand in this.
The owner ‘had a concern’ that the had water running behind there siding, they thought that if the caulked the lower left hand corner it would fix the problem.
Poor idea if you are not a sealing caulking professional. Block drainage channels and now water will back up into the assembly. Over time the frame rots and rakes, twists, warps.
As well. Window treatment. Blinds, Drapery. Poor circulation will rot the wood.
The windows were installed 15 years ago. Metal, Plastic, PVC?
You use thermography, Larry? I would have looked at the framing.
Get a qualified contractor to repair.
That window was not installed properly. If it had the proper shims that are required at the corners of the window upon installation, the jamb and sill would not separate like I see in the photo.
To verify, the casing on the interior of the window need removed and check to see if the rough opening sill is water damaged and why the shims did not hold the window sill up tight to the jamb.
I have a feeling other things are involved. Simple removal of the interior trim will tell the story on some of it.
That looks like the trim coil / aluminum cladding was cut short and either never sealed or the caulking came off .
Sure looks like a double or single hung vinyl clad to me and the Factory jamb/sill connection has pulled apart.
It looks like the same thing to me, Marcel.
You can see the welded frame , the trim appears to be turned into the mullion groove as it should and caulked
Saw something similar this week and recommended caulking. The windows were old; I also recommended to budget for replacement. The separation was most likely caused by improper (shims) installation, like Marcel C said.
As it turns out that the owner removed the inside window trim and found the window opening is rotted…
To me it appears to me that the window was improperly installed, leaked water then the
window opening got distorted?
LOL! Thanks, Gary! 
no surprise there, that bottom capping should be turned up at least 1 inch behind the side capping
Sorry I’m not understanding the “bottom cap”?
https://youtu.be/wUMyd3wIXKk. Skip to about 9:30 in the video
I’m just saying the window itself is not defective ,it should be pulled out and the rotted structure under it replaced and the reinstalled correctly
Its obviously done wrong now that you pointed it out for me, a BIG thanks…
Gary, what kind of house needs new windows and siding after only 15 years? I’d be sure to get a straight answer from the owner.