Walking past your window and feeling a cold breeze can be disheartening. Having water leak in between your window sash and frame can be similarly frustrating and can also lead to problems with mold. It’s no secret that leaky windows are a common threat in Dayton homes. If you, too, have been dealing with windows that leak air and water, then your first step should be to figure out why your windows are so leaky. Here are some of the most common causes of window leaks.
Rotting Frames and Sashes
If you have older wooden windows, then there’s a good chance your leaks are due to rot and deterioration in the frames and sashes. Wooden windows look beautiful when they are new, but if you do not keep up with staining and sealing, they can start rotting pretty quickly. And even with the proper care, wooden windows do start to crack, rot, and otherwise deteriorate after 30 years or so. Re-caulking the window can be a good short-term fix, but once your windows show signs of rot, they ultimately need to be replaced.
Warped Sashes
Even if your sashes don’t appear to be chipped or rotting, they may be warped. This happens most often when vinyl or wooden windows that are exposed to frequent changes in moisture and temperature — as is common in the Dayton area. As the sash warps, it pulls away from the glass, creating a gap between the glass and the sash. Air, and sometimes also water, can blow through this gap.
Broken Locks and Latches
Do you notice the leaky windows even when the window is latched closed or locked? Look at the lock closely to see whether the lock is actually working. Occasionally, locking mechanisms fail when a window is relatively new. If this is the case, your broken lock may be covered under warranty. If your windows are older, the lock may not be working as a result of deteriorated material around the mechanism, and a replacement window is probably your best choice. New, properly locking windows don’t just prevent air leaks, either. They also keep your Dayton home safer and more secure.
Poor Installation
Did you just install the windows? If so, the leaks may be due to improper installation. If the windows are not properly centered in the window opening, air may leak in around them. Leaks can also happen if the windows are not perfectly level when installed. This problem can usually be prevented by hiring professional installers rather than installing windows yourself. If professionals make a rare mistake, resulting in air or water leaks, the damage should be covered under warranty.
Bad Glass Seals
Modern double-pane windows have a layer of air between the two panes of glass. The glass is tightly sealed to the sash to keep this gas from escaping. If your windows are leaking, it may be because this seal is broken or pulling away from the glass. This means you are not only dealing with air leaks, but also that the air between your glass panes is not insulating as it should. Resealing the windows may be an option, but replacing the windows is a better choice.
If you’re dealing with leaky windows, contact Renewal by Andersen. We’ll conduct a free consultation in your Dayton home and recommend new, non-leaky windows that serve you better.
