Addressing a Leaking Window in an Abington Home
Challenge
A window can look perfectly functional from the inside while still allowing water to enter where it shouldn't. Over time, leaks around windows can become a sign that the window, surrounding materials, or the window opening itself needs attention.
For one Abington homeowner, a window that was more than 20 years old had begun leaking, prompting the need for a closer look and ultimately a complete replacement.
The Problem: An Aging Window Begins to Leak
The existing window had been in place for more than two decades. While age alone doesn't necessarily mean a window needs to be replaced, the leaking was a clear indication that the existing installation was no longer performing as it should.
When water begins entering around a window, simply replacing the visible window may not address the entire problem. The area surrounding the window opening can also require attention, particularly if moisture has affected the existing penetration or exterior finishes.
For this Abington home, the project needed to address both the aging window and the area around it.
Looking Beyond the Window
One of the important parts of addressing a leaking window is determining what needs to happen around the window itself.
As part of this project, the existing window was carefully removed so the team could address the window penetration. The penetration was repaired before the new window was installed, allowing the project to address the surrounding area rather than simply installing a replacement unit over the existing conditions.
This is an important consideration for homeowners dealing with a leaking window: the source and surrounding area matter just as much as the window itself.
Solution
The Replacement
The Abington homeowner selected an OKNA 550 Series 2-Lite Slider, measuring 43" x 31".
The replacement window features white interior and exterior finishes, giving the window a clean appearance that works naturally with the home's existing finishes. A half screen was also included, allowing the homeowner to enjoy ventilation while helping keep insects and outdoor debris out.
The new window provides an updated alternative to the more-than-20-year-old unit while giving the opening a refreshed appearance.
Completing the Exterior
After the new window was installed and the window penetration was repaired, the exterior was finished with white aluminum window capping.
The capping provides a clean, finished appearance around the window and helps protect the exterior area surrounding the installation from exposure to the elements.
Rather than treating the project as a simple window swap, the installation included the removal of the existing window, repair of the window penetration, installation of the replacement window, and completion of the exterior capping.
What Homeowners Should Know About Leaking Windows
A leaking window shouldn't automatically be assumed to mean that the glass or window unit itself is the only problem.
Depending on the situation, water can enter because of issues involving the window, flashing, seals, exterior materials, or the area surrounding the window opening. That's why evaluating the installation as a whole is important when addressing a leak.
Homeowners should pay attention to signs such as:
- Water appearing around the window after rain
- Staining or discoloration around the window
- Damp or damaged interior finishes
- Deteriorating exterior trim or caulking
- Drafts or noticeable moisture around an aging window
- A window that is more than 20 years old and showing signs of deterioration
Identifying a leak early can help homeowners address the issue before additional damage develops.
The Result
For this Abington homeowner, what began as a more-than-20-year-old leaking window became an opportunity to completely update the window and address the surrounding installation.
The finished project included a 43" x 31" OKNA 550 Series 2-Lite Slider with white interior and exterior finishes, a half screen, repaired window penetration, and white aluminum capping.
The result was a clean, updated window installation that addressed both the aging window and the surrounding area.
A Complete Approach to Window Replacement
A leaking window is more than an inconvenience. It can be a sign that an aging window or the surrounding installation needs attention.
This Abington project demonstrates why window replacement can involve more than removing an old unit and putting in a new one. By addressing the window penetration, replacement window, and exterior finish together, the project provided a more complete solution for the homeowner's leaking-window concern.
