Checking a New Window for Leaks

Nothing about a leaking window shows up on the day it is installed, and the running record san bernardino window installers ncw india holds shows that most leaks are found only by testing. A window installation in San Bernardino, CA should end with a check for air and water leaks, since a flaw behind the trim can stay hidden for years.

Hose test from the top

Water is sprayed from a garden hose starting at the top of the window and moving down in stages, with a helper watching from inside. Each section is sprayed for several minutes, with the spray aimed at the joints, not just the glass. A drop of water inside points to the failed flashing or sealant joint.

Smoke pencil for air

A smoke pencil held along the frame edges and around the sash shows even small drafts. Smoke that bends or streams toward the room marks a gap in the foam or weatherstripping. Windows facing the San Bernardino Mountains see strong winter wind, which makes this test more revealing on windy days.

Light test

With the sash closed and the room dark, a flashlight shone along the frame from outside reveals light leaks around the seal. A thin line of light means air can pass through. The same test works on a casement, a slider and an awning window.

Looking for moisture signs

Staining on the sill, bubbled paint, a musty smell or condensation between the panes of an insulated glass unit all point to trouble. A moisture meter pressed on the drywall beside the window shows hidden dampness. Any reading above the surrounding wall is investigated before the next storm. A bay window or picture window gets extra attention at the corners of the frame, because the largest glass areas move the most with the daily swing between cool nights and hot afternoons in the Inland Empire.

Retesting after repairs

If a leak is found, the source is opened up, repaired and sealed, and the test is repeated until the area stays dry. Repairs without a retest simply move the problem. The final result is written down so the owner has a record of what was tested. A second look after the first heavy rain of the season, when the wind comes off the San Bernardino Mountains, confirms that the seal holds under real weather and not only under a hose.