How to Stop a Window from Leaking

A leaking window can be a source of major frustration because a rainy day may mean having to round up buckets and towels to mop up the water that has swept into your home. It’s a hassle, but it’s completely necessary in order to prevent potentially costly water damage.

A leaking window is problematic even on sunny days, however, because it allows air transfer. When air escapes your home, your HVAC unit must work harder to maintain a consistent temperature, which can lead to higher energy bills.

If your window is leaking from large gaps, or if leaks have already affected the structure around the window, reaching out to a window replacement professional for an evaluation would be the best solution. But if your window gaps are less than a 1/4-inch wide, you can undertake a simple do-it-yourself project. Here are the items you’ll need:

• Tube of high-grade polyurethane caulk
• Caulking gun
• Caulk backer rod
• Utility knife
• Putty knife
• Can of expandable spray foam

Easy Does It

After you’ve detected all the small gaps around your window:

• Cut the tip off the tube of caulk and load it into the caulking gun.
• Push the plunger down to the end of the tube.
• Position the tip of the tube against the smaller gaps and squeeze the gun trigger to fill them with caulk.
• For larger gaps, push the caulk backer rod into them with a putty knife. Apply caulk over the caulk backer rod to seal the gaps.
• Spray expandable foam into gaps that are too large to fill with a foam backer rod. After allowing the foam to dry completely, cut away the excess foam with a utility knife. Apply caulk over the foam.

If you’re not confident that you’ve sealed your window properly, or if your window still leaks after your DIY project, let Alure Home Improvements help. With more than 70 years of experience remodeling homes throughout Long Island, we are a one-stop source for all residential remodeling needs. We offer full-frame replacement windows that will give you peace of mind that your home is protected from the elements. Thoughtfully designed to prevent air infiltration, our UltraShield windows come with advanced, triple weatherstripping, and polyurethane frame insulation for extra comfort and superior energy efficiency. At Alure, we make window leaks a thing of the past by installing durably constructed windows that will serve you well into the future. Contact us for more information.