When Does a Window Leak Result in Water Damage?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

It can be tough to tell whether a small leak has created lasting damage. Windows experience general wear and tear over time. With age, windows lose the ability to perform the way they did upon installation. Windows may not retain a seal and let a draft in or out. Perhaps the most common threat malfunctioning windows pose is water intrusion. When windows leak water inside a home or business, water damage and mold damage commonly follow.

In South Florida, malfunctioning windows can lead to water damage quickly because of the humidity and amount of rain the area experiences year-round. When you are trying to determine if your home or business has water damage from a leak, you should look for the following:

Puddles of Water 

When water accumulates into puddles on floors, it is one of the most apparent signs of a leak. You will want to rule out that a window or sliding door was just not closed properly. Once you have ruled out human error, try to follow the water to see if the surrounding areas of a window, like a seal, are saturated.

Staining and Peeling Paint on Walls 

Look for yellow or copper stains along the wall. Discolored wall areas and cracked paint are typically a result of water damage. Check for these signs on windows and glass doors if you suspect a leak.

Warping or Sagging Drywall  

People may wonder why they can’t just reseal a window or use weather-stripping to prevent further leaks from a window. Often water damage to windows and their frames is severe enough to require replacement. Look for moisture between the panes of glass, cracking of the frames, sagging ceilings, and wet spots on walls. These signs are all potential indicators of water damage.

Musty Odors 

If you notice a musty or unpleasant odor around your home or business, you could have mold growth inside of the walls. Mold produces a strong odor, even when you do not see visible signs of it.

Flooring Changes Like Cupping or Crowning

Water leaks can lead to warping of furniture and flooring. Warped floorboards can signal that moisture has seeped into the subfloor and caused the flooring to swell. Floorboards can lift into a cupping shape, or sometimes crown out of place. When this occurs, call restoration technicians to help dry the air and prevent further damage.

Repairing a Window Leak 

Unfortunately, once water damage is confirmed, restoration and replacement windows are necessary to prevent further damage. SERVPRO of West Palm Beach offers water damage restoration and reconstruction services. If you have experienced water damage from a window or sliding glass door leak, call 561-795-5410 for mold remediation and repairs.