Many homeowners face leaking windows issues from time to time. The reason why a window may leak might be unclear. Ageing homes or poor window quality are not the only causes. A professional look can identify and solve the problem.
This article is going to teach the reader what to do if windows leak. There are different reasons why windows might leak and ways of inspection to manage the problem.
Reasons Why Your Window Leaks When It Rains
On a rainy day, you may find your windows with leaking water in the window frame. A huge concern faces structural house safety along with increasing energy bills. Professionals identify three main reasons for leaking windows during the rain.
REASON #1: Design of the house.
- Not enough distance set for overhangs to drain water off the windows and protect against extra rainwater thrown by the wind towards the window.
- Sometimes the fascia board which is located above the window is not angled outward enough letting water get window access. This might be the reason for leaking windows during heavy rain.
REASON #2: Poor windows’ installation.
- Avoiding using special window flashing might cause water infiltration. Building paper or house wrap would never hold water from seep behind.
REASON #3: Bad Maintenance.
- Caulking issue, when not properly done or missed.
- Broken glass seal due to cracked glazing.
- The paint seal is not overlapping enough from molding on the top of the window glass.
What Does It Mean When Windows Leaking From Top?
Windows leaking from the top may be caused by poor unprofessional installation. Flashing installed wrong or lack of it may be the case. To investigate better remove the siding and check the house wrap together with flashing tape above and around the window.
The problem can’t be solved by just adding caulking. At the window top part, the above-mentioned house wrap must be folded up towards the house exterior. It also must be taped up before the window installation.
Flashing tape has to be put over the nailing fin after the window is installed. Then fold the wrap down over it. This way the needed shingling process would be completed.
So if the water is leaking from the top of the window frame means the window is more exposed to the weather. Adding head flashing can be recommended here.
To avoid the problem we strongly recommend hiring a professional window installation team for the best result. Our company’s installers are certified and experienced to perform the best installation with total protection and care about your house’s safety and look.
Vinyl Siding Leaking Around Window
There are lots of houses with siding finish. Upon windows installation, professionals must align everything in a proper way. Windows and siding have to work together for your house’s safety improvement against the elements.
In many cases poorly done or cheap caulking might crack with time. This may get moisture and even water coming inside. So it’s better to recaulk to seal leaking windows when needed.
Sealing leaking windows around the siding would guarantee your house protection.
As a piece of good advice, always call a professional window company. Our company’s team is highly trusted in the windows and doors market. We will take great care of the safety of your home and will prevent any leaking problems.
How to Fix Leaking Windows
There might be different ways as for how to fix leaking windows. The reason for the leak itself dictates the possible fixture. Every homeowner is advised to know the basics about repairing leaking windows.
- STEP #1: Home repairs.
Take a general look at your house. It might be a good idea to inspect the gutters. Maybe they clogged up causing windows to leak. The gutter size is really important, the smaller size might be the reason which would require to go for wider gutters.
Also check the roof, especially over the bay windows. If you notice the problem, hire a roof inspector. The case with roof issues might be a problem for the leaking window.
- STEP #2: Sealing, Recaulking, Reglazing.
In case the caulking is cracked or damaged your windows may leak. Do the repair of your leaking windows by applying the new caulking. It is important to remove the old one completely. Don’t apply fresh caulking on the top of the damage.
- STEP #3: Old failing window.
Your windows may be aged, old wooden, metal or vinyl. If it’s over 25 years old (or younger with builder-grade windows) it might be time to get them replaced. The elements will deteriorate the windows and their parts with time, everything has its lifespan. The only wise solution would be hiring a window company to replace your old windows. Call us anytime for the best price!
Vinyl Windows Leaking Air and How to Stop It?
Windows leaking air when the air comes inside through small cracks. Losing energy your heating and cooling bills suffer all year round. Wooden as well as vinyl windows may experience leaking air.
Ways to find an air leak
- WAY #1: Light check with draft detection.
On a sunny day check from the inside for any light coming in between the window frame and wall.
On a cold day simply walk around your window to catch draft coming through.
- WAY #2: Candle flame test.
Trace the windows’ outline with a lit candle. If the flame and smoke pull into a particular direction that’s where the draft is. The candle flame horizontal movement will indicate the cold air leaking through windows.
- WAY #3: Thermal camera.
In case the two ways mentioned above didn’t work and you are still hesitating, rent a thermal camera at your local hardware store. A thermal camera helps not only with finding windows’ air leaks but also checks your total home’s insulation.
Repairing air leak
You will need:
- Weather stripping
- Caulking gun with caulk
- Puffy knife.
a) Sealing in the window’s frame and grills:
- Remove the old caulk with a puffy knife. Wash the area with soapy water. Let it dry completely.
- Apply caulk at a 45-degree angle with a continuous stream.
b) Sealing between the window’s lower rail and sill:
- Clean with soapy water the area for weatherstripping applying.
- Measure and cut weatherstrip accordingly.
- Set up the weatherstrip to both surfaces so that it is compressed creating a seal when the window is closed.
