Leaking windows are a definite nuisance to any homeowner. Windows of any type are designed to be water-resistant, not waterproof, even if they are installed one hundred percent correctly. If you are lucky, leaking windows will cause only minor damage that can be repaired. However, depending on the cause or time left untreated, it can cause major damage to the walls of your home. Once moisture gets in the walls, it can cause rotting, pest problems and even mold. The first thing that needs to be done is to figure out why they are leaking and then you can plan your best course of action. Here are some possibilities:
Overhangs and Fascia
Many homeowners believe that overhangs are simply used to create some shade and drain the water off of the roof. Though that may be true, they are also used to keep wind-driven rain from seeping into the walls through leaking windows. Also, the horizontal board above the window is called a fascia. If this is angled inward, not outward, it’s pretty easy to see that water will flow right towards the window instead of away from it. Worse than that, this water can also leak into the insulation between the window and the house, which will eventually cause mold and rotting. If you believe these could be the culprits of your problems, have a professional take a look to see what needs to be done.
Sealants and Wrong Type of Nails
Caulking is a must around windows. There should be no breaks in the caulk, but a continuous, uniform fill of sealant behind the flange. It should also cover any unfilled nail holes. The nails used for your windows must be corrosion-resistant nails. Otherwise, any moisture from the rain will eventually rust them and water will slowly creep into those holes. You may choose to replace the windows all together or have them re-caulked. If you aren’t sure, your best bet is to contact a professional.
Not Enough Paint Seal
If your problem doesn’t seem to be any of these, you may want to inspect the paint seal on the windows. This may sound shocking, but when painting that exterior molding that is holding your windows in place, the paint should very slightly overlap onto the glass. I know this sounds crazy because we all try everything possible not to get paint on the glass, but it actually helps create a seal to keep moisture from getting in.If your home is in a hurricane-prone area, you should also learn some basics of what you can do prevent leaking windows and water damage during a weather event. Even hurricane impact windows are not waterproof – only water-resistant. Without going into the details of their certification, you should choose hurricane window products with the highest possible design pressure. Be sure to seal any gaps caused by weather or aging under the windowsills with caulk. For the best, most durable and energy efficient windows, call Green Energy of San Antonio today!
