Cincinnati windows get old and leak, and there is really nothing you can do to prevent it, you just have to fix the window or replace them with new windows. But sometimes a window leaks earlier than it should because of bad construction or bad architecture.
To help you figure out if your window might leak in the near future or why it is leaking already, here are 5 things to look for.
Window Leak Cause #1: Paint Seal
Oddly when your windows are painted you actually want to get a little paint on the glass. Now, we aren’t saying that you want to paint all over the glass, because that would be silly. But when the exterior molding is being painted, a little of the paint should get on the glass to create a continuous membrane that seals the small crack between the molding and the glass.
This will give water one less place to sneak in through.
Window Leak Cause #2: Glazing Putty
If there are any cracks in the glazing putty or it is coming off it needs to be fixed. This is a fairly simple fix as the old putty just needs to be taken off and new putty be put on.
Window Leak Cause #3: Not Enough Sealant
When a window is installed, a sealant is applied behind the mounting part of the window, and the more sealant the better. It should actually be oozing out of every open hole and out the sides of the window. If there isn’t enough sealant used then the window can leak.
This is not something you would be able to see as this part is hidden, and is just one of many reasons why you should have a professional inspect a leaky window for you instead of you doing it yourself.
Window Leak Cause #4: Window Flashing
When your windows are installed, a material called “flashing” is placed between the wall of your home and your windows to keep water from getting to your walls and through your windows. Leaky windows can be the result of no flashing at all being used when the window is mounted, other types of material being used as flashing that really aren’t, or flashing being installed improperly with gaps in it.
Window Leak Cause #5: Angled Overhang
The overhang above your window does a great job of preventing water from running off your roof and to your window; it also helps to deflect most windblown rain from getting to the top of your window as well.
Why is this good?
Because the less water that is able to make contact with the window or the edges of the window the less likely the window is to leak.
But when your overhang is angled in towards the window, all of this protection that the overhang usually offers goes away. Now the water is actually being angled to the window and it is more likely to leak in the future.
