We can all agree that older-styled homes have a charm on their own, but more often than not, they start deteriorating. Aside from the pleasant look and feel of a place that has stood the test of time, buildings from decades ago also start to show their age.
Especially when it rains. Leaky window frames aren’t something uncommon in older homes, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have to be solved. Water causes severe problems to a home. Even the smallest leaks can lead to substantial damage, mold development, and sometimes both.
Drywall water damage can be an expensive nuisance to repair, as can mold remediation. A leaky window makes it so much easier for mold to grow inside your walls for some time before it becomes noticeable.
Here we’re taking a look at why you might be a victim of leaky windows. To solve your problem, we’ve provided some of the main things that cause leaks. Read on to find out how to fix window leaks for good.
Poor Installation
One of the easiest assumptions you can make about why you experience window leaks is poor installation. While a window may look good to a non-professional, it can actually be hiding problems such as breaks in the window flashing.
It’s not uncommon for installers to use house wrap or building paper rather than proper window flashing. If that’s the case, it will result in water seeping into the wall around the house.
The solution to this problem is much more complicated than adding caulk. You may want to remove the siding to check the house wrap and flashing tape around and above the window. The house wrap’s function is to keep any water that gets behind the siding moving down and out.
Roof and Wall Leaks
Window leaks can be caused by a structural issue in another place inside your home. For that, you’ll want to inspect your roof, upper floors, and siding.
If you observe water stains on the wall above the window or along the top or bottom of the frame, this indicates that there’s a leak inside the walls. From the point of entry, water will run downward, enter the frame, and collect along the flat surfaces of the top and bottom.
This kind of problem is difficult to recognize. If you have trouble figuring out where the water is getting in, contact a professional to help you with a solution.
Damaged Sealant
Windows are typically sealed with expanding foam which prevents window leaking. However, if your sealing is a bit worn off, it can create air channels between the wall and window, resulting in leaking. It’s important that you get a proper installation of your windows as well as an accurate measurement. It isn’t a good practice to get smaller windows that fill in the gaps with foam.
Such problems happen when the glass seal has deteriorated, and rain is getting through the panes. This doesn’t mean that water will break into your house soon. However, it shows that the gas which is supposed to provide insulation between the panes is gone. You can live without fixing this but installing new windows will increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Too Much Moisture
Condensation isn’t exactly a sign of a leak, but it may be an indication that there’s too much moisture in the house or insufficient insulation around the window. Turn on the air conditioner or a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity inside the space. Doing this will reduce the amount of condensation that forms on the window.
Clogged Holes
There are several reasons why your windows leak at the bottom. If your windows have metal or vinyl frames, they have drain holes near the bottom edge of the frame. These holes allow water to escape the frame, but they can get clogged from time to time. Cleaning the holes with a wire coat hanger will fix the issue.
Missing overhangs
If your home doesn’t have overhangs that drain the water off the roof, you may be getting a large amount of rainfall striking your windows. In a similar way, the fascia boards above your windows should be at an angle that ensures the water gets away from the window.
Preventing Future Leaks
Most modern windows are known to not require any maintenance at all. However, there are still some things that you can do to ensure the best possible performance of your windows.
Make sure to check the caulking around the outside of your window for continuous seal.
Replacing the caulking can provide a continuous closure for the window and extend its life.
Even with proper maintenance, you may experience water leaks after some time. It’s important to turn to professionals who can help you identify the source of your problem. We at YourHomeFix can help you solve all your home problems hassle-free.