Once homeowners see any little bit of water near their windows, they start freaking out. Are you one of them? Well, we are here to tell you that it's perfectly normal! Your windows have a built-in drainage system called “
It is normal, especially in the case of heavy rain. Since the outer side of the track is exposed to the elements, water from a storm is naturally going to make its way in there.
It is normal, especially in the case of heavy rain. Since the outer side of the track is exposed to the elements, water from a storm is naturally going to make its way in there.
To help prevent the blockage of the drainage holes (and therefore help to reduce the risk of water ingress) the tracks should be maintained and cleaned on a weekly basis, to ensure the optimum performance of the sliding doors and to ensure that debris is not building up and slowing the systems designed drainage.
Common Causes of Window Leaks
This is a frequent issue in homes with poor insulation or high humidity levels. The condensation drips down and collects on the sill, giving the appearance of a leak. While it might not indicate a structural issue, it can lead to mold growth or damage if not addressed.
You can find weep holes on the: Exterior bottom corners of your windows. Inside the bottom of the screen track. Inside below the window track sliding windows.
Leaks often stem from the door track but can come from several locations. A dirty or broken track can break the seal between the frame and the door. Check your rollers, flashing, and weep holes for repairs. Your glass can become unsealed over time.
You can couple a ventilating fan with a dehumidifier for maximum effects in reducing humidity and thus the moisture trapped on the door's glass surface. Install exhaust fans in your kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms to help deter this warmer air from mixing with the colder glass surface.
If your doors have vinyl tracks, be sure to use a lubricant that's silicone-based and non-stick. A silicone, non-stick lubricant is essential for vinyl tracks so the door slides easily and the lubricant doesn't attract dirt that can cause a clog in the track.
Inspect around the door frame for any open cracks, damage, or rotting. If you have a vinyl door, take a step back and look at the frame of the door. Does it look off? Warping of your door frame will create cracks and open seals around the frame, allowing water to get into those cracks, leak, and rot.
Excessive humidity is the cause of most window condensation. As the outside temperature drops, the window glass temperature also drops. When moist air comes in contact with the cold glass pane, the moisture condenses and forms water droplets.
Check weep holes at least once a year, before the rainiest season. If they're clogged, open them up with a brush, a screwdriver or a toothpick. Clear away leaves, twigs and dirt that accumulate on the windowsill.
Importance of Clear Drainage Holes
Sliding doors have weep or drainage holes at the track bottom to let water out. These holes can get blocked by dirt, leaves, or other things, stopping water from draining. Check and clean these holes often to keep the water out as it should.
Place baking soda over the entire window track and don't forget to add it to the nooks and crannies since this is where a lot of the dirt collects. Mix together dish soap, vinegar, and water in a spray bottle. Add the solution over the current baking soda to mix it. The window tracks should be completely covered.
Begin by gently wiping the external and internal glass surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in the soapy water mixture. Carefully clean the corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate. After cleaning, use the squeegee to remove excess water, ensuring minimal streaking.
Condensation on windows and doors happens because water vapour in the air accumulates on surfaces at lower temperatures. When damp air comes into contact with a cold, impervious surface, such as the glass of your windows and doors, it releases moisture onto the glass as water droplets.
Over time, the weatherstripping or seals on sliding windows deteriorate, leading to air leaks and drafts. These leaks can compromise indoor comfort and energy efficiency. Be sure to inspect the weatherstripping and seals around the window frame for signs of wear or damage.
These are known as Weep Holes and are designed to help drain water from the track and stop it from building up. Naturally, in time, these Weep Holes will become clogged by dust, dirt, and other debris that can get in from outside.
The sliding portions of the windows have a bug screen and when the wind is driving the rain through the bug screen the water comes right in, it will start sitting inside the frame until there is a lot of it, and then it will begin draining itself out the weep holes.
There are several reasons why water seeps indoors through sliding glass doors: Plugged weep holes. Small slots in the exterior section of track provide drainage when water comes in contact with the glass door. The openings often become clogged with dirt and debris.
Do all windows have weep holes? No, many windows don't have weep holes. They're not usually found in wooden window structures. But you can expect to find weep holes in many vinyl windows and aluminum models and any window type that slides or rests in an outer frame that has a bottom track.