Points to Consider in Fixing Leaky Windows

Leaky windows can cause a lot of problems. Your home can become draughty, your energy bills will go up, and you can expose yourself and your family to a variety of health risks.

In fact, the government estimates that energy bills can go up by as much as 25% from leaky doors and windows. Taking care of leaky windows isn’t actually that difficult. It is something that pretty much anyone can do with the right materials and methods. The following are essential tips to keep in mind. Even if you think a leak might be fixed, it pays to consider all of these points.

Windows Vary Widely

If you’re doing a window style comparison, you’ll notice that not all windows are the same in terms of durability. But you can always approach leaks in the same systematic way. Let’s take a closer look.

Caulking

Caulk is a material that is used to seal gaps and cracks between materials to prevent unwanted elements from getting in. Caulking between windows and frames helps preserve your windows in multiple ways:

  • It helps to prevent air leaks by sealing small holes
  • It helps to prevent water from entering and causing damage to window frames
  • It helps to keep unwanted noise from getting into the house

Caulk is generally made from a flexible polymer. Silicone, latex, and rubber are the most common components. It is fully waterproof and can expand as necessary along with changes in temperature. It is also proficient in absorbing vibrations. When you add caulk to your windows, be sure to cover the entire frame, including the bottom.

Window film

Window film is an excellent way to protect your windows and give you additional privacy. It is a thin film made of polyester or polyethylene terephthalate that can be applied to any glass surface, including the glass on your car. It is self-adhesive, so all you need to do is be sure that it is applied carefully and evenly. It can be tinted to prevent people from looking in from the outside.

Window film can provide you with additional protection against UV rays, which can be harmful to your health. It can provide insulation and help to regulate the temperature inside your house. It can also give you additional security in minimizing the possibility of theft. Some films can even provide a new and interesting look to your glass in giving the appearance of frosted glass or different patterns. 

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is another material that helps seal gaps between windows and frames. It can be very effective in preventing air leakage and keeping out drafts, unwanted moisture, and pestilence. It can also help with noise reduction. Weatherstripping can be made from a wide range of materials, including:

  • Vinyl
  • Aluminum 
  • Brass
  • Felt
  • Foam
  • Rubber

Depending on your needs, you can choose the most appropriate material for your windows. Weatherstripping is applied to the frame in order to seal the edges of windows. Be sure to check your weatherstripping on a regular basis to ensure that it doesn’t have any damage. Damaged parts should be replaced and gaps filled as soon as you notice them to prevent problems from getting worse.

Reglazing

If you have a damaged glass pane that you want to replace, you can do this by reglazing. This involves replacing individual panes while leaving the overall structure of a given window intact. In doing this, you should remove the original glazing completely and apply new putty to secure the new pane.

Remember that reglazing should only be used for repairs, and not for full-scale window replacement. If you have a cracked pane or your glazing is deteriorating, you should consider this option. This is a good way to preserve historically unique window styles in cases where you want to keep them in old-style frames.

Full-scale Window Replacement

It may be that you want to replace your windows entirely if your existing ones are in bad enough shape. You might want to change or upgrade styles, or make your windows more energy efficient. Keep the following points in mind:

  • Energy efficiency is king. If you don’t have fully energy-efficient windows, your energy bills could go through the roof. This is particularly the case if you live in a harsh climate, as most Canadians do. Look for Energy Star ratings when you start shopping around.
  • Remember curb appeal. If you think you might want to sell your home in the future, remember that aesthetics have a distinct monetary value for potential buyers. While you want to make a choice that is functional, keep in mind that your choice should also be something that will look nice to a significant percentage of the population.
  • Noise reduction is essential. The more new upgrades come out in windows, the better they get in terms of noise reduction. Keeping unwanted noise out will make your home a happier and more pleasant place to be. It will also add to your home’s value in the future. 

Don’t Neglect Window Sills

When people think about window protection, they usually think about the windows themselves. But window sills can be just as important of a component as the glass is. The right window sills will help to protect walls from water damage. If you do have leaky windows, this will quickly become an issue.

Quality window sills will also aid in energy efficiency by helping to prevent drafts. They provide vital structural support and aesthetic value to windows. Be sure that your window sills are pitched at a 15-degree angle so that any water that enters will flow away from the window and prevent damage.

Proper Window Care Equals a Secure, Happy Home

Regular window maintenance is something that should be taken seriously. Just as you make an effort to vacuum your carpets and dust off the furniture on a regular basis, so too should you assess and take care of any problems with your windows. Leaks can do major harm to your home, your health, and your energy costs. Taking preventative measures to fix leaks as soon as you notice them will help ensure that you do not face larger issues in the future. And you will have a warm, dry, and quiet home as a result.