Water Damage around Windows
Have you checked the windows around your home lately?
Are you finding water or traces of water in the window sills? There may be a number of reasons that you do. You may have water seeping inside after a rainfall. Or even condensation may be a culprit. Depending on the region of the country you live in it may also be high levels of humidity. No matter what the cause, you don’t want the problem to persist.
One of the main factors these window problems should be addressed is “MOLD.” No one wants to deal with mold when it gets out of control. The growth of mold in any part of the home is unhealthy and should eliminated as quickly as possible. Mold and mildew grows easily where there is moisture. Especially where there should be no moisture… such as around windows.
If you have a dormer on your roof with windows, you may want to have an experienced roofing contractor check the flashing for you.
Moister unchecked in and around windows can cause a real headache once it damages the drywall and wood trim and window sill. The only sure way to address the problem properly is to remove the trim, drywall, and window sill and replace them. During replacing these items the surfaces they were attached to surrounding them should be checked as well. This will determine if there is any interior structure damage. Be sure to check 2X4’s for rotting and mold.
Roofing Windows Mold
Water damage around windows often occur because the caulk around the exterior of the window has cracked or pulled away from the surface that it was attached to allowing water to seep in. This old caulk should be cut out and new caulk applied carefully to make sure in is sealed adequately. Glazing putty if it is cracked can also allow water into the interior of your home. Condensation can form inside double paned windows that can leak down and settle on the window sill. Often the window itself must be replaced. A professional window company may need to be called if it something outside your ability to address.
Weatherstripping that has gotten old and worn may need to be replaced. Usually replacing weatherstripping is an easy fix if you determine that is the problem. Whereas window replacement or having to tear into the interior structure may call for professional attention. Many of the problems that pertain to window damage can be assessed by common sense observation.
The sill at the bottom of the window from should be pitched downward in order to drain water toward the exterior. This prevents water from pooling on the window sill and seeping into the interior of the house. Simply put, you want to keep the water outside and the inside dry.
The important thing to remember is you can save yourself worry and money if you take the time to address a window problem as soon as you notice it. Every few months it is wise to walk around your home and check to see if a window problem has begun. Addressing it as soon as you notice it can save you money on the damage you can see, and what you cannot see hidden underneath.