Your leaking windows are the result of poor or no caulking. Since you are using storm windows , I presume you are up north. I would recommend a vinyl (under no circumstances use metal windows- they sweat) double glazed window. The double glazed will reduce the noise as well as eliminate the need for storm windows (if installed properly) and also save on heating and cooling costs. The vinyl windows (some brands) carry a lifetime guarantee and the price you pay, that is impt.
GOOD LUCK, Bill

Hi Bill,

RE: New, sound-insulating windows

>>Your leaking windows are the result of poor or no caulking.<<

Why? This was tried early on to fix the problem. The water overflows from the
base area where the window closes into.
I don't understand how caulking could stop
this.

The water streams down the side of the
building and fills it up so quickly it
can't exit even though I punched several
more holes into it.

Thanks for the info for new windows.
Is wood a bad idea for the interior of the
window? A contractor told me that existing
openings usually require vinyl since they
can be made to size and the standard sizes for wood interiors would probably not fit existing openings.

>>I presume you are up north.<<

Philadelphia, PA

Thanks

Hi Dream:
Don't understand where you "punched holes" or why. Is water streaming down the wall this bad because of a driving rain or run-off from the roof. If the roof, you may need gutters (which I hate with a passion-but whhich I use if absolutely necessary) or if possible use a product called rainguard. Look'em up at: "rainguard.com". Is this a problem that has just developed? If it is just rain washing down the window, you may need to install a weather strip (a small 90 degree metal strip about 3 inches by three inches) above the window you are having problems with. The bottom line: stop the heavy water flow from runnig down and across the window.
Hope this helps. I would like to know your final solution.
Bill

Just realized that I didn't answer your question re. wood windows. Wood is fine. It just requires more maint. than vinyl. Also, you may have trouble finding stock size wood that will fit. If not you will probably find that custom wood is prohibitively expensive.

Bill's right. Nowadays, you can get good quality vinyl windows, custom made to size much cheaper than custom wood windows and they do a fine job. I like the ones that can be tilted in for easy cleaning. No painting or other maintenance required. Beats wood or metal. Make sure they're double-glazed. If you have a problem with hot sun, make sure they're "low-e" glass. The only drawback I know of is that there are few or no color choices. With wood, you can paint any color. Vendors vary. You should get more than one estimate.

Bill, everyone seems to love double-pane windows. Are they only useful up north or can I save on energy down here in the sun belt? Also, is leakage and moisture a pretty common problem? We are building new and can't decide on single vs double windows. Any and all comments would be helpful.

Double glazed can help in all climates. Be sure you get 'low E' coating or the 'heat mirror' film between panes. Again, stick to vinyl frames to stop 'sweating'.

DreamQueen: If you are replacing and sound is a significant problem, find a window manufacturer who will use laminated glass. You can read up on some of it's benefits at: http://www.saflex.com/Applications/ap.htm

As a temporary fix for your water problem, install a significant 'drip rail' above window and install a stick on drip rail at the bottom of the glass to divert the water outside the frame. Can get something like "V-Flex Self Adhesive Weatherstrip" at your local store for the bottom portion, cut to size & stick on for a few bucks. Good luck.