Brantford Repair Services: 4 Signs of a Window Leak

Windows are valuable as access points for natural light and ventilation. However, they’re also weak points in terms of moisture protection. Over time, wooden frames can warp and rot, letting water into your house. When this happens, it’s essential you hire a carpenter in Brantford as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’ll have to contend with termites, mould and compromised internal structures.

The good news is that you can identify a moisture problem early if you know what to look for. If you suspect a leaking window, keep your eyes peeled for these four warning signs.

1. Your Floor Is Moving

Water follows gravity and is most likely to pool at the lowest place in your house. As a result, your floors are in the most danger from a window leak.

If you have a wood floor, you may notice warping and boards soft with rot. You may also see baseboards coming away from the wall or crumbling with decay.

Tiles aren’t immune to moisture, either. Constant water can undermine the adhesive keeping tiles in place, allowing them to move. It also degrades grout, giving moisture another way to seep into the subfloor. A saturated subfloor should be addressed immediately, as the trapped water can compromise your foundation, leading to expensive repairs.

Vinyl and linoleum also suffer from excess water. Since they also rely on adhesive, vinyl and linoleum strips will loosen and peel up when exposed to moisture for long periods of time.

2. Your Paint Is Peeling

Water may end up on the floor, but it’ll first damage the wall beneath your window. Drywall doesn’t respond to moisture well — it absorbs the water and gets soft, then loses its shape. The paint on top also moves, allowing air and water between it and the drywall. The result is ugly:

• Cracking
• Peeling
• Bubbling
• Flaking

If you have wallpaper, it’ll suffer the same fate as vinyl or linoleum and peel away.

3. You Find Rot and Mould

Mould needs consistent dampness to grow, and unfortunately, a leaky window is a perfect source. Additionally, most moulds grow in darkness, which makes the interior of your walls a prime spot for fungi to flourish. If you spot mould on your walls’ exterior, there’s probably more you can’t see.

If you notice white, brown, yellow or black spots near a window, it’s time to call a professional. They’ll have to tear out the drywall, eliminate the mould, dry the area and replace the drywall while following safety protocol. Mould can be hazardous due to the spores it releases, which cause respiratory problems when inhaled. Remediation experts have the necessary equipment to rid your home of fungi without risking their health.

Rot is another type of fungi that causes wood to crumble and decay. If it’s allowed to take root in your wall, it can seriously undermine the strength of your house’s structure.

4. You Smell Something Musty

Mould, mildew and rot all have a particular smell: musty. Even materials that haven’t developed the aforementioned issues may smell damp if they’re subject to a window leak. If you recognize a musty odour around a window, you should investigate for other signs that moisture is getting in. Windows that are no longer water-tight may also allow in scents from outdoors, so take note if you smell greenery, pollen or woodsmoke with no discernable source.

If your window is compromised, it’s time to call Handyman Connection. We offer a variety of home repair services in Brantford. In addition to fixing your window sills, our experts can also replace damaged flooring and drywall. We can even apply a fresh coat of paint when it’s all done, so your home looks good as new. To learn more about our services or request an estimate, call us or contact us online.