For many homeowners, plastic windows are a popular option because of their low maintenance requirements, longevity, and energy efficiency. But as fall and winter approach, some people discover an unpleasant problem: their plastic windows begin to leak. Uncomfortable drafts, increased energy costs, and possibly even damage to your house can result from this.
It’s essential to comprehend the causes of plastic window leaks during these seasons in order to prevent and resolve the issue. This problem may be caused by a number of things, including wear and tear from time to time and installation mistakes. You can take the required actions to make sure your windows keep the heat in and the cold out by determining the underlying cause.
We will examine the primary causes of these leaks in this post. We’ll examine typical issues like incorrect installation, failed seals, and frame problems. Knowing these reasons will help you take better care of your windows and have a warm, leak-free house all fall and winter.
- Why does water accumulate from inside the room??
- Increased humidity level in a private home
- Poor ventilation in the apartment
- Natural convection is disrupted
- Errors when installing double glazed windows
- The seal has deteriorated
- Insufficient sealing
- Drain holes are clogged or missing
- On the balcony
- Why is it important to correctly identify the problem??
Why does water accumulate from inside the room??
The first thing to do if you notice that water is passing through the frame of your window during a rainstorm is to get in touch with the expert who installed the window structure.
After the inspection, he needs to identify the issue’s location and resolve it.
It’s more difficult to diagnose yourself, though you can still do it.
Increased humidity level in a private home
Every home has some kind of moisture source. However, some greatly raise the relative humidity. This takes place when:
- wash or dry clothes;
- prepare hot food;
- take water procedures;
- wet repair work is being carried out.
Take note: Nothing important. Simply open the windows in ventilation mode to remove excess moisture, which is also not good for your health.
Poor ventilation in the apartment
For this reason, condensation frequently forms on windows. Ordinary apartments use hoods in the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet to provide ventilation. Because they are visible from the house’s roof, ventilation ducts need to be maintained on a regular basis.
Reasons behind issues with ventilation:
- A foreign object has entered the ventilation duct.
- Roof duct outlet blocked.
- Residents deliberately closed the entrance part of the ventilation duct to prevent cold air from entering their home.
The room’s heat exchange is hampered by poor ventilation. Condensation forms when warm air masses come into contact with cold glass.
Old, leaking windows in Soviet-era homes meant that air was always circulating throughout the unit. PVC windows abruptly cut off the street’s air flow, which caused the humidity to rise.
Ventilation violations are uncommon, and installing exhaust fans fixes the issue.
Natural convection is disrupted
The state of the windows during the winter is primarily determined by the heating system that is in place. It is important to think about convection in this situation. Warm air from the radiators rises, travels along the ceiling, cools, and eventually "descends" to the floor along the wall across from the heat source.
Typically, the batteries are situated beneath the windows, so the heat produced strikes the glass first. Moreover, condensation forms when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface.
The windows will stay dry if the room’s natural convection is normal. Reasons behind disturbances in convection:
- The radiator and the window are separated by a wide window sill. The solution to the problem is to make holes in it.
- Warm air masses cannot break through the decorative grille covering the radiators. The solution is not to install such a grill during the heating season.
- Warm air cannot reach the frames due to massive curtains and curtains.
Errors when installing double glazed windows
First, find out if the window leaks in all weather conditions or just during the rainy season. Probably some sort of installation technology malfunction, if only in inclement weather. This occurs when:
- the work was carried out by incompetent persons;
- the master did not study the design features of a particular window system;
- In order to save money, cheap and low-quality materials were chosen.
It should be noted that window leaks brought on by subpar installation techniques are uncommon. It is advised to get in touch with firms that offer a guarantee on the work and have a long history of installing windows.
The seal has deteriorated
A sealant, a unique rubber substance that guards against leaks, is used during the installation of double-glazed windows.
However, it eventually loses its usability and stops fulfilling the tasks that were given to it.
As a result, water collects on the windowsill, air from the street enters the room, and it blows out of the windows.
Finding out the expected lifespan of the seal is advised even before the technician installs the windows. It is composed of various materials, some of which are polymers that are susceptible to UV light or temperature changes.
Because of this, the seal dries out and loses its plasticity after a sunny summer or winter, causing microtears to form in its structure and the window to leak. Replacing the sealing material is the solution.
Insufficient sealing
The measurements are taken into consideration when making PVC windows. Achieving perfect geometry is nearly impossible, and spaces still exist between the wall and the frame. They are foamed with a special composition during installation, and if the technician uses too little foam, water will seep into the openings.
Vital. Make sure you use polyurethane foam insulation after repairing the plastic frame. This is also done to improve the room’s sound insulation.
Drain holes are clogged or missing
Drainage serves the purpose of removing all water from the structure. The glass will sweat excessively and condensation will build up and drain, creating puddles on the windowsill, if the holes are blocked or missing.
On the balcony
The temperature differential between indoor and outdoor spaces is the cause. Condensed moisture from the air settles on the glass because it is colder than the apartment’s air. On occasion, the balcony’s humidity level surpasses that of the other rooms. This occurs when:
- Wet laundry is dried on the balcony;
- there are plants on the windowsills that need frequent watering;
- moisture penetrates from outside.
A preventive measure would be to raise the balcony’s temperature while lowering the humidity. Moisture won’t accumulate if the balcony is well-ventilated, heated, and insulated, and if the window structure is sound.
Why is it important to correctly identify the problem??
Although "crying" windows can happen at any time of year, they typically do so in the fall or winter.
In the fall, as this is the season with the most wind and precipitation.
Furthermore, the qualities of the room itself should be looked for as the cause during the winter, when the windows are typically closed.
If you forget to change the sash to the "winter" mode, it won’t harm you. However, if it’s extremely cold outside, condensation is normal since it results from abrupt changes in air temperature.
Vital. Accurate diagnosis will reduce costs and save time. You won’t need to touch the window at all if, for example, the high humidity in the space is the issue—you just need to occasionally open it for fresh air.
It will be challenging to resolve the issue if the installation method is not being followed. It is your responsibility to disassemble and reassemble the window structure while adhering to all guidelines and specifications. In a similar vein, the experts who completed the work should redo it if the issue is with the slopes.
It is simpler when dealing with mounting foam or sealants. An "outdated" sealant is easily recognized because it will be cracked and dry. It will be sufficient to take it out and replace it with a new one. The sealing rubber is lubricated with petroleum jelly or another special agent to keep it from drying out. Regarding the foam, apply fresh foam after removing the old one.
If that doesn’t work, the window itself most likely has the issue. It’s possible that the sashes are not correctly adjusted; a special tool is used to tighten them. Deconstructing the old window and installing a new, better one is the solution, albeit an expensive one, if the structure’s assembly is "lame" or if there are issues with the quality of individual parts.
Due to a number of common problems, including improper installation, inferior seals, and inadequate maintenance, plastic windows frequently leak in the winter and fall. Drafts and moisture can enter a window that has been installed incorrectly due to gaps and misalignments. Leaks and energy loss may result from deteriorating window seals over time. Furthermore, if windows are not properly maintained, dirt and debris may impede their tight closure, thereby making the issue worse. By being aware of these variables, homeowners can take proactive steps to ensure that their houses remain dry and warm throughout the winter.
| Main Reasons | Description |
| Poor Installation | If windows are not installed correctly, gaps can form, allowing water to seep through. |
| Sealant Deterioration | Over time, the sealant around the window edges can degrade, leading to leaks. |
| Faulty Hardware | Damaged or worn-out locks and hinges can prevent windows from closing tightly. |
| Condensation Issues | Improper insulation can cause condensation buildup, which can lead to water leaks. |
| Weather Stripping Wear | Weather stripping can wear out or become damaged, allowing moisture to enter. |
| Poor Drainage | Blocked or insufficient drainage channels can cause water to accumulate and leak through. |
Knowing why plastic windows leak in the fall and winter will help you avoid inconvenience and possible home damage. Wear and tear, inadequate sealing, and poor installation are the main causes. Inadequate window installation can result in gaps that let cold air and water seep through. Even properly installed Windows can deteriorate over time and cause similar problems.
Maintaining the condition of your windows requires routine maintenance. Inspect the weather stripping and seals for indications of wear and replace them as necessary. Maintaining the appropriate insulation around your windows will also aid in stopping leaks. Promptly addressing any cracks or gaps that you find can prevent more serious issues later on.
It’s crucial to take the windows’ actual quality into account. Investing in thermally efficient windows of superior quality can have a big impact. These windows offer superior insulation and are made to resist inclement weather. The long-term advantages, such as comfort and energy savings, make up for the possible higher initial cost.
In conclusion, careful installation, ongoing upkeep, and the selection of high-quality materials are the keys to avoiding leaks in plastic windows during the winter. You can make sure that your windows don’t leak and that your house stays dry and warm by following these steps. Early problem solving will save you money on repairs and allow you to spend the winter and fall comfortably in your house.
