Over time, windows take on a lot of wear and tear to keep out the elements such as rain, snow, and wind. They become less and less effective at protecting the interior of a building. The older a home gets without repairs, the more likely water damage is to make it inside. One major cause of water damage is window leaks. Windows that leak when it rains can quickly damage your home and lead to urgent electrical hazards and the appearance of mold and rot. You need to nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible.
It may seem really easy to spot water dripping from the window. You may notice water pooled by the window after a storm or dark spots on the window sill. However, the culprit is not always the window. In many cases, these may be symptoms of a problem with the wall, siding, gutters, or roof. Make sure you know how to distinguish between roof leaks and window leaks and check for signs our experts at Perfection Steamers have seen as the following issues.
The buildup of condensation can be easily mistaken for rain leakage, especially when it is pooled on the window sill or floor. This condensation is typically created when the heated air comes in contact with the cold air outside. Condensation on your window is a huge indicator of poor insulation on your windows or poor ventilation in your home.
Clogged gutters are a huge contributor to water damage. As water that can not flow away from the home begins to wander down the side of a home, trapped water will rot the boards the gutters are mounted to, allowing moisture to enter your home and causing water damage to the ceiling and walls. Additionally, clogged gutters can direct water into your basement, resulting in floods and water leaking into the foundation. This flooding may cause cracks in your home’s foundation, which will shift the structure of your home and undermine its stability in the long run.
Gutters that are full of debris can also cause damage the roof itself, allowing for wood to rot away and cracks to form. The flowing water can cause the shingles to degrade causing even more leaking. As the build-up of water finds its way into the shingles and roofing material it is really just a matter of time before mold and mildew begin to grow.
Look for other signs of long-term leakage, other than moisture gathering by your window. Symptoms of this include rotting wood on the exterior window frame or sill and peeling paint on the walls near the window and on the interior sill.
No matter the source, water cannot be allowed to reside in a home. The longer water damage sits, the larger the damage will be over time. It is more difficult to repair and becomes increasingly dangerous to be around since water encourages mold and mildew to grow. To ensure your safety and your home isn’t damaged, contact professionals at Perfection Steamers. They will remove any water damage present in your home, no matter how large or where it comes from.