Leaky windows in your Tri-Cities home are bad news no matter when you notice them. If you leave them for long enough, the walls around your windows can become wet and moldy, your home’s AC or heater will struggle, and your energy use could rise by as much as 25%–30%, leading to higher utility bills.
Whether your window leaks when it rains or has a draft all the time, you need to know how to fix leaking windows or replace them if necessary. Luckily, we’ve got the tips and know-how you need for this home improvement project.
How to find a water leak around a window
Water leaks around your home windows are much easier to notice compared to small, sneaky drafts. Common signs of window water leakage include:
- Foggy glass. Fog indicates that your window’s panes might have condensation stuck between them.
- Rotten wood or mold around the window. Mold loves moist areas to grow – if you notice this, start tackling the issue ASAP since mold can be bad for the health of your home and the people in it.
- Water dripping near the frame or in between the panes. If you accidentally left your window open during a storm, let it dry, then come back and see if the water is still there.
- Peeling paint or discoloration. Moisture can wear down the paint around your windows over time
Sliding windows might be a little more susceptible to water leaks since they’re designed to move back and forth. But any window can spring a leak given enough time, so it’s a good idea to check all the windows throughout your house every once in a while.
How to detect window drafts
Window drafts are a little trickier to notice, especially if they are minor. If you notice that one of your rooms is a little cooler or hotter than the others, for example, that could be a surefire sign that one or more of the windows in that room is leaking air.
Alternatively, you can follow these steps:
- Take a lighter or candle into the room and close the door. Make sure the air conditioner, heater, and fans are turned off for the moment.
- Hold the lighter or candle near each of the windows.
- If the flame moves when it gets near the window, it could indicate the presence of a window leak.
How to fix a leaking window once and for all
If several windows in your Tri-Cities home are leaking, you’ve got a bit of a project on your hands. But on the plus side, there are several budget-friendly ways you can fix window leaks if they’re small or manageable.
Clean window frames with wire/toothbrushes
Before you attempt any other fixes, take a coat hanger, a wire, or even a toothbrush and clean out the window frames. You’d be surprised just how much gunk and debris can pile up between a window and its frame over the years. If that gunk builds up too much, it could derail your window and even cause a leak. Clean that stuff out and see if that fixes the leaking issue.
Try weatherstripping windows
Weatherstripping leaky windows is another cost-effective fix. If one of the windows in your house has a bad leak and regularly lets water or wind inside, purchase some weatherstripping at a local home improvement store like Lowe’s. Then just cut the strips to size and place them over the leaky areas.
Some weatherstripping will last for years, so be sure to buy a good brand! That’s doubly true if your window is leaking because the old weatherstripping is old or low-quality.
Remove and replace damaged caulk around leaky windows
What if there are one or more small cracks in your window’s frame or sill? Those problems are perfect for fixing with a caulk gun, which you can use to fill in those small gaps.
Caulk is a pliable, sticky substance that will fill in empty spaces, plugging the holes around your window. Just be sure to give the caulk enough time to dry, so apply it well ahead of the next projected Tennessee storm.
Reseal or replace the window gaskets
Your windows should already be fitted with gaskets. Also called window seals or seal gaskets, gaskets are placed within window frames and normally stop water and air from leaking through. Over time, the gaskets can become worn down, torn up, or otherwise busted from wear and tear.
Check the rubber gaskets of your windows. If you see water gathering on the windowsill or clear signs of a draft, purchase a new window gasket seal and fit it inside the frame. This can be tricky if your home’s windows are irregular sizes and shapes, though. If that’s the case for your leaky windows, you may need to call in the experts and have them make custom new gaskets to get the job done.
Replace window glass panes, window frames, or both
In some cases, unfortunately, your windows might be too leaky or drafty for DIY repairs. If the above tips don’t cut it, take it as a sign that you should replace those old windows with new ones. Brand new windows from providers like Simonton offer excellent options, like the 5050 Sliding Windows. If you just need new panes of glass, try a provider such as Alside, which offers fixes like ClimaTech Insulated Glass Packages.
When the time comes to replace any old windows with new, energy-efficient models, Window World of the Tri-Cities is ready for your call. Contact us today to ask about replacement windows and installation, or visit our showroom to see new window models in person!
Back to Blogs
