A Tampa storm blows sideways for twenty minutes. Then you find a wet spot under the window and a stain running down the wall. Window sealing and leak repair in Tampa stops water at the window before it reaches your drywall, trim, and floor.
Where Window Leaks Come From
Most leaks through windows are not through the glass itself, but occur around the edges of the frame. Causes include: Dried-out caulk around the exterior of the frame; Failure of the glazing seal between the panes of glass; Worn weatherstripping; Poor corners; Clogged weep holes at the sill. Weep holes are provided at the bottom of the frame to allow a little water to enter the window, which then drains out. If the sand or old caulk is blocked in the weep holes, water can fill up in the sill of the window and leak inside.
How We Handle Window Sealing and Leak Repair
Locate the true point of entry, check the sill, frame corners, glazing bead, the top of the window, and the path that water will take. Guessing and covering the leaking window with additional sealers only to find out that it is still leaking will only lead to more frustration. Clearing the weep holes, replacing the failed glazing seal, fitting new weatherstripping, and applying exterior sealers to the exterior of the frame are all required. Just remember to leave some drainage open. Sealing a window up tight will only trap more water in the frame of the window.
Storm Season and Tampa Neighborhoods
Small leaks can turn into stains between June and November. Homes near Bayshore and Bayshore Beautiful can have wind and rain blown against them. Older homes in Hyde Park and Palma Ceia have wooden trim where the caulk has cracked at the top corner. Stucco homes in the Westshore and Beach Park areas can leak above a window and show up inside. High-rise units in the Channel District are subject to heavy wind loads.
What to Do the Moment a Window Leaks
Remove the damp from the sill and floor. Pull back rugs and furniture from the walls and take a photo of the area whilst it is still wet. Examine the outside of the top corner of the window. Ensure the window is locked – a locked sash will seal better than an open one. Don’t block the inside of the frame with caulk as this will restrict the ability to allow water to drain from the sill and will make a worse problem.
Who Does the Best Window Leak Repair Near Me
Look for a company that diagnoses the root cause of the problem before attempting to sell a fix. Ask if they check for proper drainage as well as sealing with caulk. Ask for a written quote before allowing them to proceed with repairs. At Excellent Sliding Doors, we are experts in repairing all types of windows, glass, screens, and sliding doors. We have been servicing homes in the Tampa area for years and have seen firsthand how leaky homes can be. We are a local, fully insured company. If you can’t get to us with the problem, we can try to diagnose the problem from photos of the wet area and the exterior of the window.
Window Leak Questions
Why does my window only leak in heavy wind?
Wind pushes rain into the cracks that no amount of gravity can fill. This could be due to worn weatherstripping, a weak corner joint, or blocked weep holes.
Can you seal a window without replacing it?
Yes. Assuming a sound frame, new seals, new weatherstripping, and adequate water drainage, the leak should be cured.
How long does window sealing and leak repair take?
Most single window repairs are finished in one visit. Exterior sealant work needs to set in dry weather, and can get delayed by rain.
Do you work on condos in South Tampa?
Yes. We serve condo owners and property managers in South Tampa, Hyde Park, Westshore, and the Channel District. Exterior work typically requires board approval.
Stop the Leak Before the Next Storm
Water damage costs far more than the repair that prevents it. Call Excellent Sliding Doors at (727) 831-7631 for a free estimate, or send photos through the form at excellentslidingdoor.com.
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