Glass Doctor Blog Why Is My Window Leaking?

Why Is My Window Leaking?Gabrielle JacobsMonday, October 14, 2024 - 9:07amA 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 LeaksSo, 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 GuttersClogged 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 ChannelsWindows 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 CaulkingThe 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 SealsWorking 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 GlassAny 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 InstallationIf 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 IssuesWindow 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 ProblemsWindow 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 LeaksIf 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.OverhangsOverhangs (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 issuesFunctioning 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 ShinglesMissing 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 DamageDamaged 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 FoundationThe 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 ConditionsExtreme 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 DamsIce 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 LeaksOf 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 CuesLook 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 HoseIf 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 LeaksGetting 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 function