A leaky window in your home can be a real hassle, especially if left unattended. Avoid water damage to other parts of your home and save yourself from related health risks by getting to the bottom of your leaking window and have it taken care of right away.
Causes of Window Leaks
So, what makes a window leak? Typically, you can narrow down the cause of leaking windows by checking obvious things like clogged drain channels, damaged caulking, and worn-out window seals.
Other culprits may be more difficult to detect as leaking windows can also be the result of flashing problems, often stemming from poor installation, and condensation buildup pointing to gaps around the frame or cracks in the frame or glass.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters are a common issue in many homes. Gutters that are obstructed by leaves, twigs, and moss have a hard time doing their job, which is effectively channeling rainwater away from your home.
You should be cleaning your gutters at least twice a year or more frequently if you have a lot of trees around your home. Gutter guards can also help prevent clogging and encourage proper water flow.
Clogged Drainage Channels
Windows are designed with weep holes to effectively drain away any water that accumulates. However, if these drainage channels become clogged with dirt, and debris, water can start to pool. This buildup can lead to moisture seeping into your home, resulting in leaks and potential water damage over time.
Old or Damaged Caulking
The caulking around your windows is your first line of defense against water intrusion. Caulking is a flexible, weather-resistant material used to fill gaps and cracks, ensuring a tight seal between the window frame and surrounding walls.
Once it becomes old, cracked, or goes missing, caulking can no longer effectively seal the space between the window frame and the wall. Deteriorated caulk seal allows water to infiltrate, leading to leaks and possible structural issues if left unaddressed.
Worn-Out Window Seals
Working window seals are essential to keeping your windows in working condition. These seals are typically made from rubber or silicone and create a tight barrier between the window and its frame to prevent air and water from slipping in.
Prolonged exposure to the elements often causes these seals to wear down, leading to gaps that allow water to enter. When window seals fail, moisture can infiltrate your home and cause leaks. Faulty window seals can also compromise the energy efficiency of your windows.
Cracks in the Frame or Glass
Any physical damage to the window frame or glass can create vulnerabilities. Even the smallest cracks or breaks in either component give moisture a way to sneak in and cause leaks that can damage your walls, insulation, and other surrounding materials.
Improper Installation
If your windows were installed incorrectly, they may not fit snugly into their frames. Improper window installation can leave gaps that will cause your window to leak. These gaps can lead to significant issues over time because they allow moisture to infiltrate and cause leaks and potential long-term damage to your home's structure.
Sealant Issues
Window sealant is a flexible material used to create a waterproof barrier around the edges of windows. Unlike caulking, which is rigid and primarily used to fill gaps, sealant is designed for elasticity and holds up better in spaces that expand and contract. Some things to look out for to see if your sealant is failing include visible cracks, peeling, or water stains around window frames.
Flashing Problems
Window flashing is a thin and flexible material that goes around your windows during initial installation to prevent the elements from getting into your home. This material has the all-important job of guiding water away to prevent leakage.
However, flashing issues can flare up when physical damage or wear and tear are present. Oftentimes, problems with window flashing arise after a faulty window installation. Some common issues to look out for include misaligned or loose flashing and damaged or corroded metal. Any of those individual symptoms – and especially in combination – can hinder the flashing's effectiveness.
If you notice any issues that go beyond what you are comfortable addressing yourself, it might be time to call in the professionals. Glass Doctor® can diagnose and repair window leaks and protect your home from the elements.
External Factors Contributing to Window Leaks
If you find your window leaking, that doesn't necessarily mean it's the window's fault. Window leaks aren't always due to problems with the windows themselves; sometimes external factors play a big role in causing the leaks or making them worse.
For example, overhangs, gutters, and roofing are all crucial pieces of a home's exterior that require proper maintenance and upkeep. When not taken care of properly, you can experience window leaks.
Overhangs
Overhangs (or eaves and awnings) protect windows from direct exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and other elements. Overhangs direct water away from the window frames and reduce the risk of moisture infiltration.
However, if your overhangs are too small or damaged, they can fail to protect your windows. Faulty overhangs often allow water to run down the sides of the windows or drip directly onto the window frames or sills, seeping into the building envelope and causing leaks over time.
Downspout issues
Functioning downspouts should direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation. Downspouts that are clogged, damaged, or improperly positioned can fail to channel the water in the right direction, causing it to pool near the base of your house. This excess moisture can seep into window wells or accumulate around window frames.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles on a roof can be more than unsightly; they can also lead to leaks that may appear to come from your windows. Water can penetrate through the gaps in your missing shingles and travel along your roof's structure until it reaches the walls and window frames.
For this reason, it can be hard to know where exactly a leak is coming from, but a thorough inspection can help. Look for telltale signs like water damage in the attic or along the roofline. Also, be sure to check if water stains are consistently near your windows.
Faulty Siding or Wall Damage
Damaged or improperly installed siding creates vulnerabilities, including for your windows. Siding that is cracked or misaligned often allows water to come between it and the wall. This moisture buildup can lead to leaks and water damage.
Much like faulty siding, compromised stucco, brick, wood, etc. can cause structural damage..
Poor Grading Around the Foundation
The grading surrounding your home can determine if the water goes toward or away from your foundation. Ideally, the ground should slope away from your home to prevent water from pooling near the base.
If the grading is improper or flat, water will run toward your house and increase the risk of moisture entering. Water may even enter through basement windows. Over time, this can lead to significant water damage and structural issues.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Extreme temperature fluctuations can put your windows and their seals through the ringer. For instance, vinyl and wood are susceptible to expanding in intense heat and contracting rapidly in cold temperatures.
This continuous movement can lead to cracks, gaps, and seal failures over time, creating openings for water to seep in. Be sure to monitor your windows during seasonal changes and perform regular maintenance to stay ahead of the weather and the problems it can cause.
Ice Dams
Ice dams can pose a serious threat to your windows. When snow melts on your roof, the water can become trapped behind ice formations and prevent it from draining properly.
The buildup can force melting snow or ice to back up under shingles and leak into window frames. If left unchecked, ice dams can lead to water damage. Ensuring proper roof insulation and ventilation can help prevent ice dams from forming during cold seasons.
Identifying Window Leaks
Of course, finding the true culprit is crucial for figuring out how to fix leaking windows once and for all. Next, we'll teach you how to carefully observe visual signs and perform simple tests to determine potential entry points.
Visual Cues
Look for specific visual signs of water damage around your windows. Check for water stains on your walls or ceilings near the windows. These stains often look like discolored patches and can tell you if water has been seeping through for some time.
Next, check the window frame and sills for peeling or cracked paint, as these are both signs that suggest moisture is getting trapped behind the paint and damaging it. While you're there, don't forget to inspect any wooden parts of the window for warping or swelling.
Be sure to look for mold or mildew growth around the window area. Mold thrives in damp conditions and often points to more persistent moisture problems.
Last but not least, carefully inspect the caulking and sealant around your window for cracks or gaps, and feel along the frame for any dampness or abnormalities that could point to a leak.
Using a Hose
If you don't want to wait until it rains to find a suspected leak, you can simulate rainfall using a hose and determine where water may be entering.
With a friend or family member inside to monitor the window, simply take a hose and try your best to simulate a gentle, steady rain. Focus on the areas around the frame and the top edge.
Inspecting from the interior, look for any signs of water infiltration. Pay close attention to any dripping, moisture building on the window sill, or growing condensation.
Preventing Window Leaks
Getting ahead of window leaks is the best way to stop them and maintain the integrity of your home. Regular maintenance and preventative measures can help you reduce the risk of window leaks and keep them functional. Plus, it can save you a lot of money in the long run. Here are some things you can do to prevent window leaks before they even happen:
- Regularly check the caulking and sealant around your windows for cracks, gaps, and other signs of deterioration. Caulking should create a watertight seal. Address as needed.
- Check the weatherstripping. If it is worn or damaged, install new weatherstripping around window edges to seal gaps and prevent drafts and moisture from entering.
- Check the window frames for signs of damage or wear. Repair or replace any damaged components.
- Inspect your windows before and after any extreme weather, especially rain storms.
DIY Repairs for Window Leaks
When it comes to minor repairs, you can often fix leaking windows yourself with easy DIY methods. Regular maintenance and simple repairs can go a long way in maintaining the longevity of your windows. Here are two common DIY repairs that any homeowner can do to get the most out of their windows.
Caulking
For this repair, you'll want to get a high-quality caulk. Silicone or acrylic latex both offer flexibility and durability. Before you begin, remove any old or deteriorated caulk. Clean the surface thoroughly with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt and debris. It’s really critical to make sure it is completely dry before moving on.
After prepping the area, use a caulk gun to apply a steady, even bead of caulk along the gaps around the window, pressing it into the gap for a clean finish.
Finally, allow the caulk to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 24 hours) before exposing it to water or painting over it.
Sill Pan Repositioning
If a sill pan is contributing to window leaks, you'll need to inspect and reposition it correctly to prevent any more water from coming in. The sill pan should be installed beneath the window to catch and channel any water that may seep in. Start by removing any interior trim or molding to access the sill pan. Check if the pan is properly aligned and extends slightly beyond the window frame to effectively direct water away from the wall.
If the sill pan is misaligned or damaged, carefully lift it from its current position and clean any debris and old sealant from the area. Apply a new bead of waterproof sealant or adhesive along the window frame where the sill pan will sit. Reposition the sill pan and make sure it overlaps the window frame and is level. Press it firmly into place and reattach any trim or molding.
Weatherstripping
Addressing missing or damaged weatherstripping is a simple DIY method that helps create a tight seal around your windows and prevents drafts and moisture from entering your home. To get started, choose the right type of weatherstripping material based on the size of the gaps and the style of your windows. Options typically include foam tape, V-seal, or rubber gaskets.
Start by inspecting the existing weatherstripping for signs of wear, such as cracks, peeling, or a loss of flexibility. Next, carefully remove any damaged weatherstripping and clean the window frame thoroughly to ensure it can form a strong bond with the new material.
If you’re using adhesive-backed weatherstripping, peel off the backing and press it firmly into place along the edges of the window frame, sealing any gaps. For non-adhesive options, apply a bead of adhesive or sealant as you install the weatherstripping. Once you’ve installed the new weatherstripping, test the window to ensure it opens and closes smoothly, and check for any remaining gaps.
When to Call a Professional
While you can take on some minor window leak repairs with DIY methods, there are situations where it's best to call in the pros. If you're facing persistent leaks despite your best efforts, or if you notice significant structural damage around your windows, it’s time to call for help.
Complicated issues such as mold growth or extensive water damage require special tools and expertise. If you’re unsure about the extent of the problem or how to fix it, seeking professional help ensures that the issue is properly resolved.
Glass Doctor Window Repair Services Near You
Glass Doctor brings unparalleled expertise and service to every window leak repair. Our glass specialists are highly trained and experienced in handling a wide range of window issues and can swiftly bring your windows back to tiptop shape. We work quickly to minimize any damage caused by window leaks and restore your home’s comfort and safety.
Your local Glass Doctor provides comprehensive window repair services, from minor repairs to full-on replacements, using only high-quality materials for long-lasting results. Our commitment to excellence is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ to ensure your satisfaction.
Request a Quote Today!
Ready to put a stop to those pesky leaks once and for all? Request a quote from Glass Doctor today! Schedule an appointment or call us directly at (833) 974-0209. Our team of glass specialists is here to provide you with expert solutions and get your windows back in top shape.
This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Glass Doctor is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content.