Window Drainage Problems

Do you have windows that leak in the rain? Or is it a window well that fills up with water, and you can't seem to get the water to stop the leakage? Window leakage is a common problem in old and new windows alike. Although there are various causes to it, the simpler answer is that you need to solve it right away. By the time you're done reading this piece, you shall have known various types of window drainage problems, what causes them↗, and how to solve them.

Common Window Drainage Problems

Water drainage problems are a result of many factors. It can be a defect from poor installation, wear and tear of some window parts, or poor maintenance.

Drainage Problems Due to Clogged Weep Hole

If your window leaks near the top of where it meets the roof, then it probably has a clogged weep hole. The weep hole is located at the bottom of your window on siding that extends below the window sill. It helps drain rainwater from under your window and through the wall behind it. A weep hole can be blocked by excess dirt or debris that might collect in it with time. With this blockage, any water that passes around doesn't end into the sill but instead leaks around.

Drainage Problems Due to Clogged Window Sill

The window sill is the vent for your window that allows water from inside the house to drain properly out of the frame. So when it clogs with debris or leaves, the water will not drain, but instead, seep into the frame and leading to rot.

Drainage Problems Due to Improper Installation

Air Leakage

Air leakage happens when air passes through a small crack in a window frame or seal. Air leakage is caused by poor installation and can be fixed by replacing the window unit or by resealing it.

Paint Leakage

Paint leakage happens when moisture enters between the window panes and sticks to the paint on the glass surface causing it to peel off. This type of leakage is caused by improper installation and needs to be fixed before it causes water damage, mold, wood rot and other issues.

How to Properly Maintain Window Drainage

If you're a victim of any of the drainage problems mentioned above, you can maintain your window through:

Cleaning The Window Frame

Clean the window frame using mild soap and clean water to remove mildew and mold. Apply a disinfectant cleaner like bleach or vinegar to solve the moisture problem. Ensure you rinse off the residue remains with clean water to leave a spotless frame. Repeat this process during your regular cleaning.

Clearing Debris From Window Sills

Inspect the window regularly to remove debris, dust or dirt build up in the sill. Wipe any dust or debris with a wet rag. But if there's mold growth, spray an anti-fungal solution and leave the window to rest for 24 hours. Then use a soft sponge or rag to remove the mold.

Installing a Window Well

Buy a window well from the local store and install it around your basement window. It will help keep away dirt, leaves, and debris from entering the window frame or sill. Ensure to install it in slopes to allow water to drain properly.

Adding A New Coat of Paint

A new coat of paint prevents mold and any type of mildew from building up on the frame or sill. It also covers the pores that seep pockets for air. Use water-based paint as it doesn't allow water to seep through easily into the frame.

How to Find the Source of Window Leaks When It Rains

A leaking window can be frustrating. The worst is that you may not know where the leak is coming from. Here are signs to check for in a leaking window:

Watermarks and water strips against the walls
Dirt or mold on the outside of the window frame
Window frames tightly close against each other
Cracks in the windowsills, siding or the window foundation
Cracked or missed sealants and paint
Clogged gutters or weeping hole
Wall leaks and damps, especially at the base of the floor
Rotting wood
Electrical hazard

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed some of the causes of window leakage and provided a few solutions to help fix them. We hope you find the information useful. Check out other ingenious solutions to other window problems and simple window replacements that are thousand-dollar-worth.