How Waterproofing Windows Can Safeguard Your Home

All windows can leak, even hurricane-impact windows, if they are installed incorrectly or damaged. Many homeowners find this to be a nuisance. However, that is severely understating the situation. Water leaking into your home and walls can cause major structural damage. An extreme example of this was the tragic Surfside Condominium building collapse last June. While that was not caused specifically by window leaks, it was caused by long-term water infiltration undermining the stability of the tower. As a homeowner, you need to be alert for the signs and symptoms of leaky windows so that you can fix the water leak while it is still a nuisance and not eroding the safety of your home.

Common Signs of Water Damage
Rain entering the home. The most obvious clue that your windows are leaky is rain entering your home during a storm. You may see actual raindrops inside, water pooling on the window sill, or water running down the wall by the window and creating a puddle on the floor.

Exterior wood rot near the window. This can appear as cracking on the exterior window sill or as a window sill that looks misshapen. This indicates that there is likely a small gap between the window and the sill that allows water to enter the wood. The wood becomes damp and does not dry easily because it lacks sunlight and air circulation. This causes rot to grow. The rot can spread to the insulation and frame of the home, causing significant damage.
Cloudiness between the inner and outer window panes. Impact windows are manufactured from multiple layers of glass with gas between the layers. If they appear cloudy, that means the seal around the window is failing and the windows are no longer water-resistant.

Peeling paint and/or black spots on the interior. Similar to cracking wood on the exterior sill, peeling paint on the interior sill or on the wall right by the window indicates that water is infiltrating the paint and seeping into the sill or the wall. Black spots are mold that are growing from the high water content.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, have them checked out right away. In some cases, a fresh application of caulk to your existing windows may fix the problem. However, if your windows are older or have more extensive damage, it may be time to upgrade to new hurricane impact windows. CitiQuiet carries a full range of hurricane impact windows at multiple price points. Our knowledgeable sales associates will come to your home, understand your needs and budget, advise you of your options, and guide you each step of the way. We will even help you secure any required permits or inspections. Contact us today to learn about your options for new water-resistant hurricane impact windows.

Since 2012, CitiQuiet Windows and Doors has been engineering and installing high-quality impact windows, doors, and shutters for residential and commercial buildings throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties.

Based in Boca Raton, CitiQuiet Windows and Doors offers a turnkey service to clients including initial design, engineering, and permitting, installation and finish work. From elegant French doors to hurricane impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors, CitiQuiet Windows and Doors has your solution.
At CitiQuiet Windows and Doors, we carry only the highest-quality products from the nation’s top manufacturers – and we stand behind everything we sell. For a free estimate, contact CitiQuiet Windows and Doors at 561-241-9463, visit us at citiquiethurricanewindows.com, or stop by the showroom today at 6530 West Rogers Circle, Suite 29, Boca Raton, FL 33487.

With an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau (BBB), CitiQuiet Windows and Doors consistently strives to exceed customer expectations.