Having a leaky window is definitely no fun. Besides significantly reducing indoor comfort, it can cause structural damage, lead to mold growth, and eventually affect your well-being and health. In short, nobody wants to have to deal with these problems. So, what can you do? Is there a way to solve this issue?
Today you’ll learn how to spot the signs of a leaky window. You’ll also find out more about the causes and how to fix them.
Key Takeaways
- The obvious indicator of a leaky window is water dripping from around it. However, sometimes you may not notice the drips or the window isn’t leaking yet, but it definitely will be one day. Common signs indicating this include rotten or warped frames, drafts around windows, and condensation between glass panes.
- Usually, window leaks are caused by old caulking or weatherproofing, blocked weep holes, poor installation, damaged flashing, or broken seals. If you solve these issues ASAP, you’ll prevent costly repairs.
- The solution you choose to fix a leaky window depends on what causes it. You may need to clean the weep holes, replace old caulk and weatherstripping, replace window flashing, or install new windows.
Identifying a Leaky Window
Are you always running around the house looking for towels on a rainy night? Definitely not the best way to enjoy the chilling weather, isn’t it? But the fact that you’ve been observant enough to spot that leaky window will save you a lot of money.
However, leaking windows won’t always have water dripping down from them. Sometimes, there’s a hidden issue that can eventually cause your windows to leak. So, are there any signs to look out for? Certainly! Drafts around windows, condensation between two panes of glass, rotten or warped windows – all of these can indicate a leaky issue with your windows.
Here’s a tip: if you suspect a potential leak, be sure to check your window on the inside and outside. Ultimately, call an expert if you’re not sure what to do next.
Keep reading to discover more about the most common signs indicating leaking windows.
Rotten Wood and Warped Frames
If your wood windows are rotten or just slightly moisture-damaged, they may not leak yet. But if you don’t address the issue ASAP, you’ll soon spend your rainy evenings looking for towels and buckets around the house to prevent further damage.
When water seeps into the wood, it begins to rot, compromising the structural integrity of the window frame. Here are the most common signs of rotten wood windows:
- Paint flaking or discoloration on exposed surfaces
- Soft or spongy spots
- Water stains around window frames
- Swelling
Addressing these issues early can prevent further structural damage and mold growth.
If your windows are vinyl, they may warp over time after being exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. Warped windows can damage the whole window structure and cause gaps between the frame and the wall.
Condensation between Glass Panes
Condensation between the two panes of glass in an Insulated Glass Unit (a double- or a triple-pane window) is an important sign to look out for. It is caused by moisture accumulation between the panes, which, in turn, is caused by seal failure.
If you notice water droplets forming on the exterior glass surface, there’s no need to worry. It’s just window condensation. In fact, you should be happy when you see that condensation – it means your windows are performing at their best!
Conversely, you may also notice condensation on the interior glass surface and a few water droplets once the condensation starts clearing out. This is not an indicator that water leaks through your window; instead, it indicates that the humidity levels in your house are too high, so you may have to address this issue to prevent window frame damage and mold growth.
Drafts Around the Window
Drafts indicate that your windows are not well insulated, and there may be tiny gaps that let air in. This may not necessarily mean that water is already slipping through the cracks, but it may one day if the issue isn’t addressed.
How to check for drafts? Just move your hand around the window and see if you feel any cold air.
Drafts are usually caused by weatherstripping and caulking issues, poor installation, worn-out hardware, or damaged window structure.
All clear about the signs – but what about the causes? We’ve covered these as well and equipped each with solutions – after all, we’re here to help, aren’t we?
Common Causes of Windows Leaking
Window leaks are often caused by damaged caulking or weatherstripping. If the windows are old, the frame can start warping or rotting, leading to gaps and cracks that water slips through.
In addition, when windows are installed improperly, gaps can form between the frame and the wall. These gaps will eventually cause leaks.
Read on to find out more about what causes leaky windows and how to fix the issue.
Blocked Weep Holes
Weep holes are… well, tiny holes, just as their name suggests, at the bottom of the window frame. Their role is to drain the water that gets past the window seals. If this drainage system is blocked, the water won’t have anywhere else to go, so the window will eventually start leaking, especially near the window sill.
How to clean clogged weep holes? All you need to do is to clean your windows in-depth. You can vacuum any visible debris on the tracks, around the window frame, and on any other window components. Then, wipe whatever dirt is left around the weep holes. Pour some water into the window track. This will help you check if the weep holes are blocked. If the water doesn’t come out, use a toothpick, a small brush, or a screwdriver to clean the weep hole.
Old Caulk
Old caulking makes for the perfect environment for cracks, which, in turn, attract moisture and even pests. This can cause mold growth and structure damage. You may not notice that the window is leaking at first, so inspecting caulking regularly is a must. Apply a new caulk layer as soon as you notice that the old one is getting worn up, discoloring, or shrinking. This will prevent further damage to the window and the surrounding wall.
How to apply caulking? You’ll have to buy a type of caulk that’s suitable for your windows. For example, you can use acrylic latex caulk for interior window parts. If you live in a region with extreme weather conditions, you can use butyl rubber caulk. Once you’ve bought the essentials, you should remove the old caulk using a putty knife or scraper. Clean the window frame and the gaps thoroughly to ensure the new sealant adheres properly.
To apply a new layer, use a caulking gun with a thumb release. This will help prevent excess caulk from dripping and leaving a mess. It’s best to work in small sections, especially if you’ve never applied caulk before.
Remember that caulk should not be applied to any movable window parts. In addition, don’t cover any weep holes as this will cause significant moisture damage.
Poor Installation
Improperly installed windows can have gaps and leaks. If you have new windows, and they’re drafty or leaking, they were likely installed badly, or their materials are of poor quality.
How to fix poor window installation? The best way to fix this is to replace your windows. If you’ve just installed them, they’re still under warranty, so you should contact the window manufacturer and see what your next steps should be.
Damaged Weatherstripping
Worn-out weatherstripping can fail to create a tight seal, allowing water and drafts to seep in.
How to replace damaged weatherstripping? If the leak is caused by damaged weatherstripping, you can easily fix this by simply replacing it. Just make sure to pick a suitable weatherstripping and remove the old one.
Measure and cut the weatherstripping to the required length before installation. Moreover, ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying the weatherstripping for maximum adhesion.
Unlike caulking, weatherstripping is used for movable window components.
Cracked Glazing Putty
If you’re new to the window universe, you’re probably wondering what glazing putty is. Well, glazing putty has the same windowy purpose as caulk. It’s a sealant compound made of ground chalk and linseed oil mixed with drying compounds. You can apply it with a putty knife or even using your fingers. One major difference between these two adhesive materials is that window manufacturers don’t use glazing putty widely anymore, except maybe on old windows. If that’s the case and you suspect that the glazing putty is damaged, you may need to replace it.
How to apply glazing putty? If you want to apply glazing putty, you should first clean the surface thoroughly, preferably using a degreaser or soap. Then, apply the glazing putty around the window frame using a putty knife or a similar tool. Make sure the layer is even and fills all the gaps completely. Allow the glazing putty to dry thoroughly.
Damaged Seals
And so we’re back to the damaged seals – if you scroll the article up a bit, you’ll see that damaged seals cause condensation between glass panes. If you try to wipe it down but it doesn’t go away, the moisture is, without a doubt, between the panes. This means the seal is broken, and your window isn’t properly insulated anymore. Besides the fact that cold and warm air is slipping inside your house, the gas that fills the space between the panes is escaping it.
How to fix a broken window seal? Your best option is to check if the window is still under warranty – if you’re lucky and the window manufacturer can cover the repairs, excellent! If the warranty is not an option, you can try calling an expert to fix the seal – remember that this won’t get your windows back to a perfect condition, and it’s only a temporary fix. Last but not least, the best solution to fix a broken window seal is to replace the whole window unit or at least retrofit it if the window frame is intact.
Damaged Window Flashing
We’ve discussed caulk, seals, and weatherstripping – but what about the flashing? After all, it plays a crucial role in preventing water from entering your house through the windows… The thing is that flashing is usually unseen to the untrained eye. It’s basically a thin sheet of material installed around the windows. Their goal is to direct water down and away from it. When a leaking window is relatively new, your best guess is that the flashing hasn’t been installed correctly.
How to fix damaged window flashing? If you’ve never replaced window flashing yourself, it’s best to leave it to a professional. They’ll use specially designed window flashing that’s best for your windows. The investment is totally worth it, considering how important flashing is in keeping your windows safe and sound.
Looking for Replacement Windows? We’ve Got the Best in Ontario!
If your leaking window is beyond repair, the window frame is rotten, or the leaks caused severe structural damage, it’s time to say goodbye to your existing window units. But, as it usually happens, when a door closes, a window opens – or should we rephrase it and say when a window closes, another window opens?
Magic products take the lead when it comes to windows tailored specifically for the Ontario weather. With our windows, you can say goodbye to regular repairs! They last 40 years, and here’s why:
- Our award-winning Parallex Hardware makes our windows crank-less and hinge-less, so you won’t have to care for them too much, except for cleaning and inspecting them once in a while.
- Our distinctive Hybrid Fusion Frame makes our windows exponentially more durable. Our frame material is a mix of aluminum, steel, and vinyl.
- Our patented polycarbonate HI FLO Drainage System eliminates water buildup and prevents air drafts and insect penetration.
- Our Slide ‘N’ Hide Retractable screen technology makes screens much easier to use! You can use our insect screens and solar shades only when they’re needed; otherwise, they are well hidden within the window frame without obstructing any views. If you install our Thermal Blinds, you’ll improve your window’s energy efficiency by 40%.
Last but not least, installation is included in the window price. This means that your windows will be installed by experienced professionals who can guarantee that they are aligned properly, insulated correctly, and performing at their best.
Still not sure if our windows are the best for you? Give us a call at 1-905-856-8805 or book a free consultation! We’re happy to share more details about our windows’ features.
Summary
In the end, it’s clear that having water dripping from your windows is bad news. This is usually caused by blocked weep holes, caulking or weatherstripping issues, a broken seal, or gaps around windows. Undoubtedly, poorly installed windows will almost always leak, so if your leaking window is new, you’ve found the culprit.
Luckily, there are some ways to fix a leaking window – whether by cleaning the drainage system, replacing caulking or weatherstripping, or fixing damaged flashing. In other cases, there’s only one way to fix leaking windows and keep your house energy-efficient and comfortable, and that is getting rid of those leaky windows and installing brand-new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if a window is leaking?
The first thing you should do when a window is leaking is to find what causes it. This will help you find a solution. Look for gaps and cracks, check if the weep holes aren’t blocked, and if the weatherstripping or caulking isn’t damaged.
Is it normal for windows to leak in heavy rain?
It’s not normal for windows to leak in heavy rain unless they are old or have been improperly installed.
What are the early signs of a leaking window?
If you notice drafts, water dripping inside, foggy glass, or rotten wood frames, these could be early signs of a leaking window.
How do you stop rain from leaking through windows?
You can stop rain from leaking through windows by recaulking with waterproof caulk and applying weatherstripping.
Why is proper installation important for preventing window leaks?
Proper installation is important for preventing window leaks because it ensures windows are aligned and securely fitted. This way, there are no gaps that can lead to leaks.
When should I consider full window replacement?
You should consider full window replacement when the window is defective or beyond repair. Contact Magic for a free quote!
How do you prevent a window leak?
To prevent a window leak, ensure that your windows are installed correctly, clean and maintain them regularly, and inspect them for damage once in a while.