Water Leaking Windows and Doors

Incorrect Flashing Installation or Missing Flashing Installation

Incorrect Flashing Installation or missing flashing installation could be the culprit for water leaking into your windows from the tops of the windowpanes or from the top of your door jams. Window flashing is a water repellent material that is installed around a window to protect both the window and the structure perimeter from water penetration. There is a system often used called the IPCO Flashing System which is a continuous moisture barrier system that protects masonry walls when professionally installed. Water and moisture will penetrate building interior if you do not have proper flashing installation. Repairing and replacing poorly installed flashing or missing flashing would require a professional to examine the windows and surrounding exterior often having to remove any treatments like siding, brick, and veneer.

Drain Holes in Window Frames need to be Cleaned

If your window is equipped with drain holes at the bases of the windows to let water drain sometimes these can get clogged and need to be cleaned. A homeowner can easily clean them out with an awl or similar long thin tool. If you do not feel comfortable a professional could clean out your drain holes for you and make sure all your caulking and sealants are in good condition and not cracking, missing, or crumbling due to clogged drain holes.

Rusted Lintels that need to be Replaced

Rusted lintels are often the culprit of leaking windows and doors as the rusted lintels will expand to a larger size if they rust and can cause cracks and leaks. Lintels are a horizontal that spans across a door or window frame achieving both a secure structure and often a design element. Lintels should be painted prior to installation to limit any rusting because expansion will cause cracking around the masonry edge. Terribly rusted lintels will weigh heavy and sag and then be useless due to the weight of the masonry. Poorly installed lintels can result in severe damage to properties and be very costly if not rectified.

General Masonry Construction in Northbrook, IL can help you with repairing your leaking windows and doors at your home with precision and care meeting all safety requirements. Contact General Masonry Construction today in Northbrook, IL to inquire more about flashing installation and replacing rusted lintels!

What is the Cause of Leaking Windows and Doors?

It is important to have a professional diagnose why your home has leaking windows and doors. There may be obvious reasons to believe your windows may have issues if they leak after it has rained but what about if there is moisture on the windows when there has not been any rainy weather or frosts. Sometimes there are simply fixes and reasons for water leaks or condensation and then sometimes you need to have a complete replacement of windows and doors and the structures around them to ensure they will not leak in the future and meet safety requirements. Let us explore all the possibilities of why you could have leaking windows and doors.

Water Condensation in Windows

If there has not been any rain and yet your windows have drops of water in them this may be a sign of a humidity issue within the house. Condensation can be controlled using your home’s Heating and Cooling controls or with a humidifier. Condensation is easily remedied with controlling the moisture within the residence.

Old and Cracked Caulking Around the Windows

Old and cracked caulking around windows can cause leaks around windows and doors if it is deteriorating. This can cause water to enter in where the caulking is cracked and old. It is a simple fix, just simply remove all the old caulking and apply new caulking to your leaking windows and doors. If your building is older or you simply had poor sealant and flashing installation your building may result in leaking windows and doors when the building settles and ages. Many homes that have wooden structures and windows will need to be replaced over time.