Does a drip cap sit above an Ottawa window?

Yes, a drip cap sits above a window — it's installed at the top of the window frame, between the window and the exterior cladding or siding above it.

What a drip cap does is direct water away from the window opening. Without it, rainwater and snowmelt can work their way behind the siding and into the rough opening, leading to rot, mold, and insulation damage over time. In Ottawa's climate, where freeze-thaw cycles are frequent and heavy snowfall is common, this is a particularly important detail.

How it's installed matters just as much as its position. The drip cap is typically a bent piece of metal flashing (aluminum or galvanized steel) that tucks under the siding course above and laps over the top of the window's nailing fin or brick mould. Proper integration with your window wrap or house wrap is essential — the flashing should be layered so water always sheds outward and downward, never behind the water-resistive barrier.

In Ottawa specifically, proper drip cap installation is critical because ice damming and heavy spring rain can push water in unexpected directions. A drip cap that's improperly lapped or sealed can allow water infiltration that goes unnoticed for years until significant damage has occurred.

If you're replacing windows and your installer isn't mentioning drip cap flashing as part of the process, that's worth asking about directly. It's a small detail that makes a significant difference in long-term performance and moisture protection.

For a free estimate that includes proper flashing and weatherproofing, feel free to request a quote from Ottawa Window Pros.