Frame corners
Joints at the corners of the frame can open up and let wind-driven rain in.
Milgard is a Washington-born window brand found in homes across the Eastside. Kirkland's wind-driven rain tests every window, and when water gets in, it usually starts at the corners, sill or flashing, then runs inside the wall where you cannot see it. Our team checks for hidden water, dries the wall cavity and sill, and repairs stained drywall. We offer same day visits across Kirkland, WA and emergency help 24 hours a day during storms.
Independent restoration company. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or an authorized service provider for Milgard Windows & Doors. We clean up water damage; we do not install or repair windows. Window leaks are often caused by installation or flashing, not the window itself.
Both make windows wet. Only one means water is getting into your walls.
| What you see | Likely | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Fog or droplets on the inside of the glass on cold mornings | Condensation from indoor humidity | Run fans, lower humidity |
| Fog between the two panes | Failed glass seal | Glass unit replacement; usually no water damage |
| Water on the sill only during wind and rain | Leak at frame, weep holes or flashing | Have it checked; we check the wall |
| Stain or bubbling paint below the window | Water inside the wall | Call us for moisture mapping |
| Swollen wood sill or trim | Repeated leaks over time | Inspect for hidden rot and mold |
Joints at the corners of the frame can open up and let wind-driven rain in.
Small holes at the bottom of the frame drain water out. If dirt blocks them, water backs up inside.
Flashing around the window directs water out. Poor or missing flashing sends it into the wall.
Without a sloped sill pan, water that gets past the window soaks the framing below.
Gaps in siding or trim above the window let water run behind it.
Dirty or worn slider tracks can overflow in heavy rain.
Most window leaks are small. But they happen every storm, all winter long, and the water goes straight into the wall below the window.
The sill plate and studs below the window stay damp and can start to rot.
Insulation holds water against the wood. A closed, damp wall is a perfect place for mold. If you smell must, see mold inspection.
Stains, bubbling paint and swollen baseboards below the window are signs it has been leaking a while. Hardwood near the wall can cup too.
Thermal imaging and moisture meters map the wet area below and beside the window without opening the wall. See hidden leak detection.
Readings and thermal scan around the window.
Corners, weep holes, flashing or siding.
Small sections of drywall below the window if framing is wet.
Wall cavity drying and antimicrobial treatment.
Photos for your window installer and insurer.
Drywall, trim, sill and paint restored after the window is fixed.
Clean window tracks and weep holes every fall.
Keep caulk and trim around the outside in good shape.
Make sure gutters are not overflowing onto windows.
Watch for paint bubbles or stains below windows after storms.
Keep indoor humidity in check to limit condensation.
Ask the installer about flashing and sill pans when replacing windows.
Independent restoration company. Not affiliated with these manufacturers.
Same day window leak checks across Kirkland and nearby cities.
Common causes are blocked weep holes, gaps at frame corners, missing or failed flashing, or water running behind siding above the window. Many window leaks are installation problems, not product defects.
Condensation forms on the inside of the glass, often on cold mornings, and is not tied to rain. A leak shows up during wind and rain, usually at the sill or corners, or as stains below the window.
Small openings at the bottom of the window frame that let water drain outside. If they are blocked, water can back up into the home.
Window warranties usually cover the window itself, not damage to your walls. Installation problems are often the installer's responsibility. Check your warranty and installation paperwork.
Yes. Repeated leaks keep the wall below the window damp, which can lead to mold and rot.
No. We find and repair the water damage. A window installer or contractor fixes the window or flashing.
Call (425) 592-3603 for a same day window leak check in Kirkland, or 24 hour emergency drying. See all brands we cover or our homepage.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week: (425) 592-3603