Leaking windows can truly be frustrating, especially if you’ve been neglecting them. However, you can prevent further damage to your house and even prevent health risks by simply getting right to the bottom of this.

Common Causes of Leaking Windows

So, why do your windows leak? There are several reasons for leaking windows, however, you can narrow them down by starting at the most obvious ones such as worn-out window seals, damaged caulking, and clogged drain channels.

Unfortunately, other causes might be harder to detect since leaking windows might be due to flashing problems, often a result of low-quality installation, as well as condensation buildup around the frame or cracks in the glass.

Clogged Drainage Channels

Keep in mind that windows include drainage channels so they can efficiently drain away accumulated water. However, if these weep holes were blocked with debris and dirt, then water would start to accumulate. As a result, this buildup can allow moisture to enter your home. As a result, leaks and other water damage could occur over time.

Blocked Gutters

For most homes, one of the most common problems is clogged gutters. Perhaps the gutters are blocked by moss, twigs, and leaves, making it difficult for them to perform their job, which is to efficiently move the rainwater away from your house.

That is why it is important to clean your gutters more often, especially if there are several trees around your house. Additionally, you can also use gutter guards to prevent clogging and allow proper water flow.

Damaged Caulking

The caulking that surrounds your windows is your best defense against water intrusion. Caulking is a bendable, weather-resistant material that can help fill the gaps and cracks to guarantee that the window frame is tightly sealed against the walls.

However, when it gets old, damaged, or gone missing, it can no longer efficiently seal the gap between the walls and the window. Once the caulk has deteriorated, it allows the water to enter, causing leaks and even structural problems when left unattended.

Cracks in the Glass or Frame

Once the window glass or frame gets damaged, then it could become vulnerable. Regardless of how small the crack is in either of these parts, moisture could find its way resulting in leaks that could likely damage your insulation, walls, as well as its surrounding materials.

Damaged Window Seals

It is essential that your window seals function properly to ensure that your windows are in good condition. Usually, these seals are made from silicone or rubber, creating a secure barrier between the frame and the window so water and air cannot slip in.

Keep in mind that too much exposure to these elements could damage the seals, resulting in gaps that could allow water to get through.

Once the window seals get damaged, moisture could penetrate inside your home, causing leaks. Additionally, malfunctioning window seals can impact the energy efficiency of your windows, resulting in higher bills.

Poor Installation

Unfortunately, if your windows were not properly installed, they might not fit appropriately into the frames. Windows that are incorrectly installed could leave gaps, causing the windows to leak.

Over time, these gaps could lead to critical problems since they allow moisture to penetrate, causing leaks and other potential damage to your home’s structure.

Problems With Sealant

Sealant is applied to the edges that surround your windows to create a barrier. In contrast to caulking, sealant is a flexible and rigid material commonly used for filling gaps. Sealant is primarily created for elasticity and can effectively hold up in spaces that tend to contract and expand.

To ensure that your sealant is working well, there are some important things that you should be aware of. Make sure that there are no visible peeling, cracks, or water stains found in the surroundings of your window frames.

Flashing Issues

Window flashing refers to the flexible, thin material that surrounds your windows upon its initial installation. This is used to prevent various elements from slipping into your home.

The job of this material is to guide the water away from your home so that leakage can be prevented. Nevertheless, flashing problems might occur whenever there is wear and tear or physical damage.

Window flashing issues usually occur when the window installation is done incorrectly. Some of the typical problems that you should be wary of are loose or misaligned flashing as well as corroded or damaged metal. If any of these symptoms are evident, then most likely it could prevent the flashing from working effectively.

If any of these issues occur, then perhaps it’s time to call the professionals. Hurricane Glass & Mirror can effectively repair window leaks, preventing any damage while protecting your home from different elements.

External Issues That Contribute to Window Leaks

If you discover that your window is leaking, then it does not necessarily mean that your window is damaged. Most often window leaks are not caused by issues relating to the windows themselves.

External factors also play an important role in window leaks and can even worsen it. For instance, roofing, gutters, and overhangs are some of the significant elements of your home’s exterior that must be properly maintained. If these are not properly taken care of, then it could lead to window leaks.

Downspout Problems

If your downspouts are functioning properly, then they should be able to drive rainwater away from your home. However, when your downspouts are not properly positioned, damaged, or clogged, then it will not be able to properly channel the water in the right path.

As a result, the water will gather at the base of your house. Most likely, this excess moisture will collect around your window frames or could get into the window wells.

Overhangs

Also known as eaves and awnings, their job is to protect windows from being hit by sunlight, snow, rain, and any other elements. Overhangs can effectively channel water away from the window frames, minimizing the risk of moisture penetration.

But if your overhangs are damaged or are extremely small, then they might not be able to properly protect your windows. Ineffective overhangs encourage water to run through the sides of the windows or slip into the window frames, infiltrating through the house envelope, and resulting in water leaks over time.

Missing Shingles

Aside from being unsightly, missing shingles on your roof can likely cause water leaks that might originate from your windows.

You might not be aware that water could seep into the gaps in the missing shingles, as it goes through the roof’s structure and gets into the window frames and the walls. Because of this, it can be difficult to determine where the water leaks exactly come from.

The best thing to do is to have a thorough inspection. Look for the most obvious signs such as water damage along the roofline or in the attic. Furthermore, be sure to check for water stains near your windows.

If ever you require residential glass repair, broken glass repair, commercial glass services, or shower doors & enclosures then you can call Hurricane Glass & Mirror at (281) 487-6438. Additionally, we also offer 24-hour emergency glass repair and replacement.