This house is only 12 years old. It was thrown up quick by the biggest builder in the region (who just went bankrupt). Back then maybe it was common to set the window straight onto the sheathing, and then butt the paper, and siding to the edge of the window. The top piece of trim did not have any of the z metal flashing...only caulk. I can surmise that the water landed on the top edge of the window, ran to the edges (behind the siding), then down the edges and ran off the side flanges onto the OSB [all behind the siding and paper]
Using flashing tape on the window flanges and metal flashing on the top trim would have stopped that. Then, at least, any water that might ever sneak in there would be kept on the siding side of the house-wrap.
Now the customer has to decide how far into the inspection for rot, they want this to go.
Using flashing tape on the window flanges and metal flashing on the top trim would have stopped that. Then, at least, any water that might ever sneak in there would be kept on the siding side of the house-wrap.
Now the customer has to decide how far into the inspection for rot, they want this to go.

