window leak

we just bought new home. last night a heavy rain storm cause a very bad leak in one of our basement window. i notice water in between the wood frame, as though the wood was splitting or lost its seal. its occuring on top but not above window frame. can i fix it myself or do i need someone to help me. we are short in cash so we really cant afford to replace windows.

 

Is this a new home, or just new to you? If it was just constructed, have the contractor fix it. It's still under his warranty, and anything you do may be an excuse for him to void that warranty. But if the house is older, and just new to you, Get a ladder and see if you can see where the water is coming in at. What kind of siding does the house have? How are the outside of the windows trimmed? You might try just putting a bead of 100% silicon caulking across the top of the window and see if that fixes it. Or it could be the window itself leaking. What style of window is it? Single hung? Dould hung? Sliding? Casement? Need to know that before proceeding with telling you how to fix it.