Q: I purchased a home that had been used as a model home from its builder, then leased it back to the builder to use as a model home again. He used the home for two years and three months. My husband and I then decided to move into the home. Shortly after we moved in, six windows started to leak.
 
The windows are aluminum. The builder has come back to fix the windows several times, by caulking them on the inside and outside. He also had to replace two studs and some framing below three windows together in the family room, and re-stucco the back of the house.
 
I am now concerned that, as a result of the windows being caulked and recaulked (the builder told me I needed to recaulk the windows every year), that moisture is now trapped between the framing and stucco and that it will rot and do extensive damage to the home.
 
I have asked just about everyone I know, and no one else has told me that they have to caulk their windows every year. The builder has finally said it is my problem to deal with. The builder has also told me that because we live in a flat area with no trees around the windows can't withstand the windy, driving rain conditions.
 
A: What's this? Without trees, the windows will leak?
 
The builder is responsible for the quality of the installation of the windows and the window supplier is responsible for providing a product that protects the contents of the home from the weather.
 
Hire a certified inspector online at the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors (http://www.ashi.org) to investigate any damage to the home. A thorough investigation may require that several holes be made to the interior walls to check for moisture damage. If water has entered the walls, ask the home inspector or a mold inspector to take samples of the damaged wallboard and send them to a laboratory to check for mold spores.
 
Once you've obtained the reports, send copies, by certified mail, along with a letter from you outlining the problems, to both the builder and the window supplier. Say that you demand immediate repairs or you will seek relief either in court or through arbitration. If there is no response to your letters, then it will be time to hire a legal expert.
 

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