Question 1

What Causes Window Leaks?

Accepted Answer

The location of your leak will give you a fair indication of what’s caused it. A leak in the top of the window indicates a leak in the wall overhead – not the window. A leak beneath the window, on the other hand, will probably indicate a problem with the window itself. A lack of sealant around the edge of the window isn’t the only factor at work here. The problem can often be exacerbated by the building. If there isn’t enough overhang on the roof, then water will drip back onto the wall, gradually eroding the sealant every time it rains. If the fascia board (the bit that sits just beneath the edge of the roof) is angled toward the house rather than away from it, you’ll get the same problem. Other issues relate to poor installation methods and materials. Windows should be sealed using window flashing rather than typical building paper. This will create a water-resistant seal that’ll protect the window. By the same token, if your windows have been poorly installed, gaps can quickly begin to appear between the frame and surrounding wall.

Question 2

How Do I Fix Window Leaks?

Accepted Answer

Fixing a leaky window frame is often a simple matter of resealing the window. This means stripping away the existing sealant and applying a new layer. Sealant guns are inexpensive, and make the job as easy as pointing the nozzle into the gap and squeezing the trigger. Before the sealant has a chance to dry, spread it using a knife so that it covers the entire gap. You’ll want to check that the window is entirely sealed before you call the job done. Occasionally however, the problem might be so severe that the window needs replacing – generally when the seal around the glazing itself has failed. While it’s possible to reseal windows damaged in this way, it’s impossible to put the argon gas back into a double-glazed window once it’s escaped. As such, it’s worth replacing your window ASAP. Another sure sign your windows need replacing is when the leaking has spread beyond the window, and the surrounding structure of the building has been compromised.

Question 3

How Can I Prevent My Windows Leaking?

Accepted Answer

No window lasts forever, so you can be fairly certain that your window will fail at some point. It’s therefore worth inspecting every window in your home once a month or so. Check that the exterior sill is angled away from the window so that water can freely drain away, rather than collecting in a puddle. Timber windows will need more frequent attention than uPVC windows, which are resistant to water by design. You’ll want to periodically refinish them to keep out moisture. The same goes for the drainage channel on hung windows – these can become blocked by fallen leaves and other debris, which will prevent water from draining away from the window. You can often prevent window leaks by paying attention to the roof overhead – especially if it’s flat. As water pools on certain sorts of plastic roof, it can cause the surface to deform until the water cannot escape. The weight of the pooling water will then create enough pressure to cause a leak. Saying that, sloped, tiled roofs aren’t immune, either; inspect them for gaps and damaged tiles, and re-seal vulnerable areas. When leaks do occur, it’s worth bringing in a professional to identify the exact nature of the problem. This will save you considerable stress in the long-term.

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