The Hidden Risks of Poor Window Installation and Flashing in Buildings
Window leaks are one of those problems that can be ongoing and difficult to diagnose and resolve. Minor staining can be due to condensation or thermal issues or could be a sign of a more serious root problem that, if unaddressed, can lead to costly repairs and potential structural damage.
Leaks caused by faulty windows and flashings are considered silent killers because not everyone knows what to look for when it happens. Without a professional engineer who can complete an inspection of the building envelope, these defects often remain undetected until the situation has escalated into more severe problems.
The Roots of Water Leakage Problems in Buildings
Based on the data released by the Insurance Information Institute, water damage is the second most common cause of property insurance claims in the US. Repairs for water leakage damage can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the problem.
Two of the most critical elements that help prevent water leakage in buildings are the windows and flashings. If these components are improperly installed, water may seep into the structure.
- Improper Window Installation
Windows act as barriers that keep rain, wind, and moisture out. Improper window installation can weaken the building’s defense against these external elements.
Some of the common factors of incorrect window installation include:
- Inaccurate measurements
- Poor shimming
- Uneven caulking
- Bad Sealing
- Installing replacement windows instead of complete windows with perimeter flange
- Faulty Flashing
Flashing is a thin layer of waterproof material that directs rain and moisture away from the building’s joints and seams. It is typically installed along the top, bottom, and sides of windows to create a watertight seal and prevent water from seeping inside.
Common reasons for the improper faulty flashing include:
- Incorrect material
- Insufficient overlap
- Wrong adhesive or sealant
- Misalignment with the building envelope
- Gaps between flashing materials around window perimeter
Flawed window installation and flashing poses various risks to the property and its occupants. Property owners must know what signs to watch for or consult professionals for a thorough assessment. Recognizing early signs of water damage can mean the difference between a minor repair and a major structural overhaul.
The Silent Signs of Water Intrusion
Water often creeps into the building envelope out of sight through tiny gaps, cracks, or poorly sealed areas. By the time signs are visible, the water has usually penetrated deep into the walls, ceilings, or floors.
Knowing what to look for will make a lot of difference in avoiding the risks of structural damage and costly repairs. Here are some of the common signs to watch out for:
1. Foggy Windows
An improperly installed window may be ineffective at closing the gaps between the frame and the wall. These openings, albeit small, can let humidity seep indoors. When this trapped moisture condenses, it creates fog on the glass surface.
2. Drafts
Drafts occur when a window’s sealing or weatherstripping is defective and outdoor air leaks inside through the building seams. If the property is located in a region with extreme seasonal temperatures, humid climate, or high amounts of rainfall, these drafts may be more pronounced.
Drafts may be observed in several ways:
- Noticeable breeze or movement of air in areas where gaps or leaks exist
- The indoor environment feels clammy or damp
- Air is cooler when standing near the windows
3. Damp Odors
Faulty windows lead to poor ventilation and trap stale air and unpleasant odors inside. Inadequate ventilation causes damp air to linger, exacerbating the smell from cooking, pets, and other sources.
4. Water Stains
Drywall, insulation, and other wall materials absorb the moisture that infiltrates through gaps in the window frame or around improperly installed flashing. As water accumulates, it brings along minerals, dirt, and debris from both inside and outside the wall structure and causes beige, yellow, or brownish discolorations.
5. Peeling Paint
Another sign of water intrusion is peeling paint along the walls surrounding the windows. As water seeps into walls, it dissolves the salts in the building materials. When the water evaporates from a temperature change, these salts form a white, powdery residue that pushes the paint outward.
6. Molds
Molds thrive in environments that are warm and humid. Areas along improperly installed windows are the most common places where mold grows. Molds show up as dark spots on walls or ceilings and usually come with musty odors.
Early Detection and Fix
Despite the advances in construction materials and methods, water is still a building’s most persistent threat. Water intrusion can happen even from seemingly minor issues like poor window sealing or miscalculated flashing overlap. When these root causes go undetected, and water seepage through the window gaps continues, a simple leak can turn into significant structural problems.
Here are some of the risks of unaddressed water intrusion:
- Mold and Mildew: These can cause several respiratory problems for those exposed to them. The worst kind is black mold, which can cause allergies, asthma, and lung infections.
- Structural Damage: Water can penetrate through concrete, brick, steel, and insulation and weaken the structure’s chain of components. Prolonged water exposure can lead to rot, rust, and deterioration; all of which compromise the structural integrity of the building’s foundations, walls, and floors.
The earlier the signs of water intrusion are detected, the higher the chances of preventing severe damage and costly repairs. To determine the leak’s source, property owners should hire a professional NJ structural engineer to systematically check for common suspects like failed waterproofing or poor window drainage.
Although it may seem over the top to hire engineers for a simple window leak, their expert diagnosis can give homeowners various advantages, including:
- Systematic Diagnosis
A professional structural engineer New Jersey follows a systematic method of eliminating the possible roots of the water intrusion to finally diagnose the cause of the problem. Their procedure will include reviewing the plans, gathering information from affected individuals, and physically inspecting the building. What they excel in the most is finding the source of the leak even when the signs are unobservable through untrained eyes. Their knowledge and experience will provide recommendations if more invasive inspection is needed to determine the root cause of the issue.
- Assessment of Damage
Engineers will also examine the current impact of water intrusion on the building. This helps them appraise whether the water problem has affected the property’s structural integrity.
- Recommendation of Solution
Once the root of the problem and the level of existing damage are identified, a professional engineer will recommend solutions to address the situation. In contrast to other commercial building inspectors NJ, engineers incorporate their experience and proficiency in engineering and building codes to remedy the issues.
Professional Engineering Inspections in New Jersey
Whether it is from the property aging or defects in the original construction, water intrusion should not be taken lightly. If you are noticing signs of water intrusion in your New Jersey building, consult them immediately with professional engineers from Lockatong Engineering.
Our professional engineers have years of experience identifying hidden defects in building components and creating plans of action for the necessary repairs and maintenance. With professional insights and timely problem-solving, you can prevent the costly and stressful consequences of water intrusion on your property.
Contact the nearest Lockatong Engineering office in your locality today at https://www.lockatong.com/contact-us/.
