Common Signs Of Leaky Windows

Leaky windows are a ubiquitous sign of water damage. They are essential to keeping that damage out but become less effective over time due to wear and tear. This is a common occurrence and doesn’t typically become a problem if properly cared for. However, the longer these homes go without repairs, the more likely water damage is to infiltrate. 

Water Damage Cleanup – Auburn, AL

Unfortunately, water damage is a lot more common than one would think. According to statistics, around 14,000 people in the US are affected by water damage every day for various reasons. One huge contributing factor is an improperly sealed home allowing water to seep through the cracks, mainly windows. After a rainstorm, you may notice that water is in places where it shouldn’t be, and the appearance around the windows changes. Here are some common signs that your windows are not keeping water out.

Physical Changes

Water leakage often appears as discoloration on walls, ceilings, and window sills. Colors will begin to change primarily due to mold growth. Mold will thrive around any moisture and take hold of a nearby windowsill, wall, or floor surface. Discoloration can also appear because of general wet spots, leaving behind brown or copper-colored stains in its path. With discoloration, the texture will begin to change. Damp wood causes paint to peel, bubble, and crack, as it can no longer adhere due to moisture. Moreover, the wood will feel soft or spongy when pushed if it has absorbed large amounts of water. 

Floor Movement

When water passes through a window and into a building, large amounts will begin to pool and drip onto the floor. Around the baseboards and flooring, the hardwood will start to warp and change. If you have linoleum floors, they will bubble in certain areas and peel away. If there is tile, they will loosen. Once water seeps below the flooring, it can get to the substructures of a home, causing costly damage. 

Musty Odor

A musty or moldy smell in your home is a classic sign that water is somewhere it shouldn’t be. This stale scent should never be ignored and will need to be tracked down. If you find that it is tracked back to or near the window, that is a clear indicator that water is not being kept out the way it should be. 

These problems are all dismissable at first glance, especially if you are unaware of their causes. Unfortunately, water damage is extremely dangerous because it promotes mold growth. Mold is hazardous to a person’s health and the structural integrity of a building. 

With that being said, water damage must be taken care of immediately. The sooner water damage cleanup starts, the less damage will need to be repaired. However, the cleanup task can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you have never dealt with it. Fortunately, professionals at Restoration 1 of East Alabama are readily available to see any water damage cleanup you may need, no matter the size of the damage. Once they restore your home, there will be no signs left behind that there was ever water damage, to begin with.