What To Do When Your Windows Are Leaking
Leaky Windows? Do This To Find Out If You
Need Mandarin, FL Replacement Windows
Some Leaks Can Be Solved With A Tube Of
Caulk – Others Need Professional Help
When you spot water entering through your windows, your first instinct may be to rush off in search of replacement windows in Mandarin, FL.
But first, take some time to look a little deeper at the cause of the leaks. This will help you make the right choices while window shopping – and the solution may end up being easier than you think.
Figure Out Where Your Mandarin,
FL Windows Are Leaking
The first step is always to find the source of the problem. See if you can trace the water and find the spot it’s leaking from. Is it happening inside or outside the window frame?
If you’re having trouble pinpointing the location, have a helper spray the exterior of your window with a hose and look to see where the water is entering.
Look For Damage To Single Pane
Or Double Pane Windows
You’ll need to assess the damage the leak is causing. If you catch it early, there may be no issues at all. But some leaks can balloon into bigger problems.
Mold problems can be a real headache to deal with, and will need to be addressed. Structural damage to your home, such as studs rotting due to moisture, is even more serious. You’ll need to call a window replacement professional to assess the damage.
Glass damage, too, can cause leakage. Usually, cracks in the glass are quite obvious, but it’s worth it to look closer, especially if you have single pane windows. Double pane windows generally don’t leak water if one of the panes is broken – but they do lose their energy-efficient argon gas fills.
Home Window Caulking May Help
If the issue lies in the caulking around the outside of your window, you’re in luck! Caulk is relatively easy to replace. While you likely can’t apply it as well as a professional window company, you can try removing the caulk and re-caulking yourself.
This may very well solve your leakage problem without meriting a window replacement.
Of course, if your vinyl windows are of low quality, you may find yourself having to replace caulk frequently. Low-quality vinyl windows tend to warp with temperature fluctuations, causing caulk to stretch and break.
For this reason, we only offer windows from top brands like Pella, Andersen, Simonton, and PGT, which are far more resistant to warping. If you find that your home has cheap vinyl windows that frequently need to be re-caulked, it may be time to consider replacement windows.
Check If Your Mandarin, FL Windows’
Weatherstripping Is Intact
Another thing to check is weatherstripping. Most windows will have a squishy-feeling strip that seals the window in places where there are small gaps. For a single-hung window, you’ll find this strip of material on the bottom edge of the window sash.
If this material is missing or worn out, it should be replaced to keep water from getting in and to improve energy efficiency. You can find various types of weatherstripping at hardware stores, but they may not match the kind that your window manufacturer used.
Degraded weatherstripping can be a sign of your window’s age, as well. If you find that the window’s weatherstripping is in bad shape, it may be time to take a look at your energy bills and ask yourself when you last replaced your windows.
Check Weep Holes On Non-Wood Windows
Non-wood window frames have hollow interiors, which makes them both better-insulating and lightweight. These frames can’t keep water out forever, though, so window manufacturers include weep holes – small openings on the exterior side of the window frame – to let water drain.
If these weep holes get clogged, water can build up inside the window frame, potentially causing leaks. Check these weep holes and clean them out as needed to keep your windows in working order.
Start Searching For Replacement Window Companies
If your windows are still leaking after checking for these common issues, it’s time to get the professionals involved.
Whether you want Pella replacement windows, Anderson replacement windows, Simonton, or PGT, we can help. Jacksonville Doors & Windows carries high-quality, long-lasting, and energy-efficient windows for homeowners in the St. Augustine-Jacksonville Beach Area.
Ready for a free, zero-pressure estimate? Call Jacksonville Doors & WIndows at (904) 503-0680 or get in touch online.