Many window failures are not caused by the product itself. Even the highest-quality windows can leak if they are not installed properly. When windows and doors are replaced, the protective barrier of your home is temporarily opened. How that opening is sealed determines whether your investment performs for decades or becomes vulnerable to hidden water damage.
In Western Washington, moisture is a constant threat, something caulk alone cannot manage. Without proper flashing, drainage design, and integration with the home’s water-resistive barrier, water can work its way behind siding and into the wall system.
Leak Armor is our proprietary waterproof installation system designed specifically for homes in the Pacific Northwest. Built on proven building science principles and refined through thousands of installations, it gives homeowners confidence that their windows and doors are protected against the demands of our climate and backed by our Leak Armor lifetime installation warranty.
What Is Leak Armor?
The Leak Armor installation method was developed by Adrian Au, our owner and founder, and the Lake Washington Windows & Doors installation team. Between 2008 and 2015, the team worked on thousands of projects throughout the Pacific Northwest and refined an installation approach designed specifically for the region’s wet climate, where wind-driven rain and prolonged exposure to moisture place constant pressure on window and door openings.
At its core, Leak Armor uses layers of flashing, installed sill pans, and high-performance sealants to create a multi-layered moisture management system. Rather than relying on surface caulking alone, the system is built around controlled drainage, proper flashing sequence, and integration with the home’s water-resistive barrier.
Today, Leak Armor incorporates five distinct layers of protection designed to manage moisture and air infiltration at critical points in the opening. We integrate Leak Armor into every qualifying installation, providing you with commercial-grade moisture protection at no additional cost.
The Five Layers of Leak Armor Protection
Leak Armor is built around five integrated layers of protection designed to manage water and air at critical points in the window or door opening. Each layer works together to fortify the structure and support long-term performance.
Layer 1: The Leak Armor Boot
We begin by applying our adhesive Leak Armor Boot below the window or door opening. This protective membrane reinforces the lower sill area, one of the most vulnerable points for water intrusion. It helps direct incidental moisture outward rather than allowing it to collect beneath the unit.
Layer 2: The Leak Armor Hood
Next, we install a metal Leak Armor Hood above the opening. This component shields the top of the window or door from direct water exposure, helping deflect rain away from the upper frame and reducing the likelihood of moisture working downward into the wall system.
Layer 3: The Leak Armor Glue Shield and Flange Integration
Before the window is set, we apply our high-performance polyurethane Leak Armor Glue Shield around the perimeter of the rough opening. The window’s built-in flange is then embedded directly into this adhesive layer, creating a water- and air-resistant seal between the window and the surrounding wall structure.
Layer 4: The Leak Armor Rain Jacket
After the window is secured, an adhesive Leak Armor Rain Jacket is applied over the flange along the sides and top of the unit. This added layer reinforces the flashing sequence and helps ensure that moisture is directed away from the opening rather than around it.
Layer 5: A Final Leak Armor Glue Shield Seal
Finally, we apply an additional layer of Leak Armor Glue Shield around the window trim. This final step strengthens the exterior seal and completes the multi-layered protection system, creating a window system designed to resist air and water intrusion.
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Get a free home window inspection, talk with one of our design consultants to get product recommendations, and learn about special offers and financing.
How Leak Armor Improves Your Comfort, Efficiency, and Security
Leak Armor is built for protection, but its impact goes beyond moisture management. The five-layer system supports long-term comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind.
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Superior weather protection: Leak Armor reinforces the top, bottom, and perimeter of every window and door opening. This layered approach helps protect against leaks and reduces the risk of moisture-related issues such as wood rot and interior damage.
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Improved energy efficiency: Properly installed new windows can save homeowners up to 30% on annual energy bills. By creating a tighter seal between the window and the surrounding wall, Leak Armor helps reduce drafts and uncontrolled air movement.
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Stress-free maintenance: Water intrusion often leads to costly and disruptive repairs. Leak Armor strengthens critical areas of the opening, helping reduce the likelihood of premature maintenance issues, giving homeowners greater long-term reliability.
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Reduced outside noise: Air gaps around poorly installed windows can allow exterior noise into the home. By embedding the flange and reinforcing the perimeter seal, Leak Armor helps create a quieter indoor environment.
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Added security: Beyond moisture management, properly installed windows also contribute to overall home security. Secure integration of the window system supports the performance of built-in locking hardware and reinforced components.
Protected by the Leak Armor Lifetime Installation Warranty
Because Leak Armor is installed as a consistent, repeatable system, every installation is backed by our lifetime warranty, which covers the installation itself. If there’s a concern about the installation, our team will inspect the issue and repair it as needed.
It’s separate from the manufacturer’s warranty, which covers defects in the window or door materials and components. But together, these protections ensure that both the product and the workmanship behind it are supported.
How Leak Armor Differentiates Us From Other Installers
Not all window installations are executed with the same level of structure or accountability. While many contractors focus primarily on placing and sealing the window, Leak Armor is built as a defined, five-layer system installed the same way on every qualifying project.
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A unified system: Leak Armor is not a collection of optional add-ons. It is a standardized installation method developed from years of commercial experience and tens of thousands of residential projects in the Pacific Northwest. Every layer is intentional, and every step is repeatable.
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Layered moisture management: Rather than relying solely on exterior caulking or basic flashing, Leak Armor reinforces the opening at the base, top, flange, and perimeter. This structured approach is designed to manage water at multiple points, reducing the risk of long-term moisture intrusion.
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Written lifetime installation warranty: Because Leak Armor is installed as a consistent system, we stand behind it with a written lifetime installation guarantee. Installation accountability is part of the system itself, not an afterthought.
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Built with energy performance in mind: Proper installation affects more than moisture control. By embedding the window flange into polyurethane sealant and reinforcing the perimeter seal, Leak Armor supports the overall energy performance of your windows.
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Consistency on every qualified project: The true difference is our consistency of execution. Leak Armor is installed as a defined system, not left to individual installer preference. That consistency is what sets it apart.
Learn How Leak Armor Will Protect Your Home
Every home is different. Exposure, siding type, framing conditions, and existing installation details all affect how your windows should be replaced.
During your complimentary in-home window consultation, our team will evaluate your current windows, inspect the surrounding openings, and explain exactly how Leak Armor would be applied to your home. You’ll receive clear recommendations, product options, and a detailed project estimate — with no pressure and no obligation.
If you’re considering replacement windows or exterior doors in Western Washington, book your complimentary in-home window consultation today and see how a structured, five-layer installation system can protect your home for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leak Armor
Does Leak Armor cost extra?
Leak Armor is included with qualifying window and door installations. It is not an optional upgrade. It is our standardized installation method for projects that meet the criteria for full-frame exterior replacement.
Is Leak Armor required by building code?
Building code establishes minimum requirements. Leak Armor is designed to go beyond minimum standards by applying a structured, five-layer installation method tailored for Western Washington’s climate.
Does Leak Armor replace the manufacturer’s window warranty?
No. Manufacturer warranties cover the window product itself. The Leak Armor lifetime installation warranty covers installation-related workmanship. These protections work together but address different aspects of your investment.
Can Leak Armor be used with any window brand?
Leak Armor is an installation system, not a window product. It is compatible with the window lines we install and is applied during the replacement process to ensure proper integration with the opening.
Is Leak Armor used in new construction or only replacement projects?
Leak Armor is primarily used for qualifying full-frame exterior replacement projects, where the rough opening is accessible and can be properly prepared for the full five-layer system.
How does the Leak Armor lifetime installation warranty work?
The Leak Armor lifetime installation warranty applies to the original homeowner for as long as they live in the home. If an issue occurs that is determined to be related to installation workmanship, our team will inspect the concern and perform the necessary repairs. This warranty applies specifically to the installation and is separate from manufacturer warranties covering the window or door product.
Does Leak Armor apply to doors as well as windows?
Yes. Leak Armor is used on qualifying exterior door installations in addition to windows. Entry doors, patio doors, and other weather-facing exterior doors are installed using the same five-layer moisture management approach when the project scope allows for full-frame exterior preparation.
