As a homeowner, you may be familiar with leaking pipes under the sink or in basements, but did you know you can also experience leaks from the windows in your home?
Window leaks are far from uncommon, especially in older homes where it’s normal for there to be loose caulk or an ill-fitting window frame. The good news is that there are various solutions to address any leaks you’re experiencing, large or small.
Let’s explore what it means to find a leak in your home, how you can address this problem effectively and efficiently, and when exactly to contact a window manufacturing company.
Finding the Source
Before anything can be done about the leak in your home, you need to first identify where exactly the leak is coming from. If water is coming from the top, bottom, or sides of the window, this is often a result of sealant or caulking that is cracking or damaged. This allows water to then enter the home.
If, on the other hand, water is leaking between the panes of a double-glazed window, this could be the result of a deteriorated seal within the window panes. It also will likely indicate that the gas that was originally between the panes as insulation is now gone.
Understanding the root cause of the issue will help you determine the most appropriate course of action moving forward and allow you and your family to feel secure and comfortable at home.
DIY Solutions
In some cases, window leaks can be addressed with a few simple tools and a pair of hands. This is only likely if it’s simply an issue with the sealing or caulking — in which case, re-sealing is a simple project that can be tackled on your own without the help of a professional window installer.
Before you begin the process of re-sealing or re-caulking, ensure any cracked pieces are removed from the frame and ensure you give the window plenty of time to dry — doing this during calm weather, without any projected rain or snow, is crucial.
If, on the other hand, the problem is more serious, it’s time to call in the experts.
When to Hire a Professional
If your windows are showing signs of a leak and you’re either unsure how to address it, or the problem is beyond your skill set, it’s likely time to call the professionals.
This is often the case for homeowners who are able to identify that the leak is coming from in between the panes of a double or triple-glazed window. This is a reflection of the lack of gas in between the panes, which means there is no more insulation there. Experienced window repair specialists have the tools and resources to effectively remove your damaged window safely and ensure a new unit is securely installed in its place.
Now that you have these insights at your fingertips, you can confidently determine where and why your windows are leaking and implement the best course of action to keep you and your family safe.