Leaking windows

Wet weather always brings out a huge number of phone queries about solving leaking windows. Whilst there is not a lot that can be done with the leak when it is raining, no action other than the placement of rags to capture the water will help at this time. But don’t be frustrated, now is the time to capture the evidence – take some photos of what is occurring during the storm event.

Follow these simply steps and if this does work then, your photos will help someone to make some recommendations for remedy the problem.

Prevention is the best, make sure the weep holes that allow any water that gets inside your frame to flow away are clear of debris like dirt and leaf litter. Make sure the openings in the sills are not blocked.

AND THAT’S ABOUT IT….

If the window is still leaking then it is most likely due to one of the following reasons:-

• Wind is forcing the water back from the weep holes and blowing it back into the track and it is then coming inside the unit

• The vinyl (that holds your glass into the aluminium frame) has perished and has cracks

• There is a gap between the window frame and your external cladding of your building and water is seeping in through this gap into your plaster etc

Image courtesy : BatteryPark.TV (https://www.batterypark.tv/) 

What can be done: Water will always find the path of least resistance.

• In dry weather the glass can be removed and the vinyl replaced (this is a job for a glazier or handyman used to handling glass)

• The glass can be silicone sealed to the frame (anyone can do this must make sure you get a good quality silicone product)

Once these things are done it is simply a matter of waiting for the next similar weather pattern to see if the action taken has resolved the problem.

If they continue to leaking, we would recommend consideration be given to upgrading your current windows to a system developed for the weather conditions of today.

Windows are developed now for our current weather conditions – however windows that are 10, 20, 30 + years old were made for the known weather conditions of the time. Despite what is said, the occurrence of stronger weather patterns is a reality and our older windows and doors were just not designed for the Q100/100 which is only meant to occur every 100 years.

Stay safe with glass by Central Glass and Aluminium