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How to Find and Fix a Leaking Window
Windows are a common source of leaks — and they can let cold or hot air in just as they can allow water to enter your home. Because old and new windows alike can develop leaks, prudent homeowners will want to check whether any leaks are present from time to time, simply as a preventative measure. Finding a leaking window early on will allow you to save money in the long run, because fixing leaking windows prevents extensive water damage as well as lowering your energy bills.
Warning Signs That Point to a Leaking Window
Some window leaks announce themselves in a rather dramatic fashion, leading to immediately-apparent puddles accumulating on your window sills during heavy rainfall. Even less obvious warning signs can point to a window leak, however, and they include:
- Cloudy windows, which result from condensation accumulating between the two layers of your double glazing, point to a leak.
- If you have wooden window frames, rot is a sure sign that your window is already leaking or is about to start.
- Damaged drywall, or chipping and peeling paint right around your window frames, is another indication that you likely have a leak. When previously-moist drywall dries out, yellow stains often develop.
- Mold around your window frames points to a possible leak, as well.
- Drafts shouldn’t be overlooked either — if, while you sit in front of a window, you notice the occasional influx of cold air on a windy day, the window is not sealed properly, and will likely leak water when it rains, as well.
Note, however, that not all water buildup around windows results from a leak. Some types of window frames, especially aluminum window frames, are vulnerable to condensation. While this originates inside your home, it may look like a leak.
Fixing a Leaking Window: What Are Your Options?
The approach you take to repairing a window leak should depend on the cause. Depending on the factors that caused the leak, you may be able to:
- Apply new sealant or caulking. It is possible to do this poorly, but most people are able to do this themselves.
- New weatherstripping can be another fix.
- Replacing the glass seal between your two window pains is the correct solution if you have cloudy windows.
- Wooden window frames that have developed rot can be replaced, or, in some cases, restored.
- The window may also have been installed incorrectly in the first place. In this case, it will have to be reinstalled.
If a window has been leaking for some time, it is important not just fix the source of the leak, but also assess what damage may have been done to the wall and (especially in the case of skylights) your flooring. Water damage can lead to a multitude of expensive problems, including mold and structural weakening.
Not sure what the cause of your leak is? By calling a reputable leak detection company, you will find out in no time — potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Leaks are notoriously hard to detect, and there’s no shame in turning to professional help.