Durable glass and sturdy window frames help keep the wind and rain outside your house, but here are some tips that you can do that will help maintain maximum efficiency and weather sealing. By following these simple steps once a year, you can keep your windows and doors from letting climate-controlled air escape or letting bugs or moisture in.

One crucial aspect of proper window installation is reliable weather sealing. Without proper sealing, the elements can get inside your house and cause damage or compromise your windows’ energy efficiency. Even if your windows are otherwise fine, it’s always a good idea to inspect the sealing and the walls surrounding your windows and doors each year.  Here’s how to do it.

Leaks around windows are often not caused by the window itself. Cracked caulk or weather-damaged seals are just a few things that can let rain in! Here’s how to inspect the sealing and know when it needs work. #CustomWindowsTX Click To Tweet

Interior Walls

Problems with your windows will frequently manifest in spots on your walls. Inspect the interior walls around your windows, especially at the corners. Check the upper corners and the window sills for signs of water stains or peeling paint. These are easy to spot indications that may help to pinpoint areas to look for outside the home.

Weather Stripping

Every window and door is designed with rubber or felt gaskets that help seal against air and water infiltration, but Houston’s extreme heat and humidity can cause them to break down over years of exposure. Open each operating window and inspect these weather strip gaskets, looking for any gaps or abrasions that might allow your air-conditioned air to leak out or the outside elements in.

Pro Tip: Cracks in or around your windows can let rain and bugs inside while your climate-controlled air escapes. Touch up your caulking or repair damaged weather stripping to seal up all the air leaks!

Exterior Caulking

The next step, whether you find any stains on the inside walls or issues with any of the weatherstrip seals, is to walk the exterior of the home to complete your annual inspection. Check each window for a sturdy, airtight seal of caulk to keep water out. Additionally, whether your walls are brick or siding, inspect around the edges of the windows to ensure there are no gaps between the wall and the window frame. Occasional touch-ups with a high-quality sealant like OSI QuadMAX can help cover cracks and gaps that may be the early signs of possible issues.

Exterior Walls

Don’t stop by just inspecting the caulk and weatherstrip seals! Often your exterior walls can also be an unexpected source of leaks. If you have brick or stone exterior walls, inspect the mortar for any gaps or holes around and above any windows. In siding, check the trim or fasçia boards around the perimeter of the window to make sure they are fully sealed to the siding and water cannot leak around them to reach the windows.

Keeping the Weather Outside

By doing a simple inspection every year, you may catch some minor issues before they become potential problems!  But if your old windows are single pane, or you see multiple applications of caulk around your windows, adding more sealant may simply be putting a band-aid on the problem. It may be time to have the windows professionally replaced with high-efficiency windows and modern sealants!

Connect with us for more tips on inspecting your windows.