Window and Door Water Leaks
Windows and doors are common locations where water can enter a home if construction details or sealing systems fail.
Because these openings interrupt the external wall of a building, they rely on correct installation, flashing and sealing to prevent water from entering the structure.
When these protective details are missing or deteriorate over time, rainwater can begin to enter around the window or door frame and travel into the wall structure.
Common Causes of Window and Door Leaks
Water leaks around windows and doors can develop for a number of reasons.
Some of the most common causes include:
• deteriorated or missing sealant around frames
• incorrectly installed flashing systems
• gaps between window frames and wall cladding
• failed waterproofing at door thresholds
• structural movement creating small openings around frames
Even small gaps in these areas can allow water to enter the wall structure during heavy rain.
Why Water Can Appear Inside the Home
When water enters around a window or door frame, it may not become visible immediately.
Water can travel through wall cavities, insulation or structural elements before finally appearing inside the home as damp patches, bubbling paint or mould growth.
Because the visible damage is often not located directly at the entry point, identifying the true source of the water can sometimes require careful investigation.
Once the location where water is entering around the window or door has been accurately identified through investigation, the correct repair solution can then be carried out to prevent further water intrusion.
Understanding how water moves through a home is key to identifying the true source of a problem. In many cases, a professional water leak investigation is needed to accurately determine where the water is entering and how it is travelling through the structure.