If you’re a Tennessee homeowner, you already know how brutal our storms can be, and those leaking windows aren’t going to fix themselves. The humidity here makes everything worse, turning small window leaks into mold breeding grounds faster than you’d expect.
A window leak inspection catches problems before they spiral into expensive repairs. Let’s talk about how you can check your windows the right way, what you’re looking for, and when it’s time to stop messing around and call someone who knows what they’re doing.
What Window Leaks Look Like
Before you start poking around, you need to know what you’re hunting for. Here’s a breakdown of the telltale signs:
| Location | What to Look For | What It Means |
| Window sill | Water pooling, discoloration, soft spots | Active leak or drainage issue |
| Interior trim | Bubbling paint, cracked paint, warping | Moisture entering through the frame |
| Wall areas | Water stains, mold growth, peeling wallpaper | Persistent leaks causing structural damage |
| Window frame | Daylight entering, visible gaps, damaged caulking | Poor installation or seal failure |
| Glass panes | Condensation between panes, fog | Broken seal in double-pane windows |
Some of these issues start small. A tiny crack in the caulk seems harmless until you get heavy rain. Then you’re dealing with water damage that could’ve been avoided.
What Causes Windows to Leak
Improper installation tops the list. When windows are improperly installed, they might look fine for months or even years. Then, extreme weather conditions expose every shortcut the installer took. The frame shifts, the seals fail, and suddenly you’ve got water infiltration.
Age breaks down everything. Rubber gaskets dry out and crack. The seal between the glass panes weakens. Even well-installed windows eventually need attention.
Sometimes the window itself is fine, but everything around it fails. Settling foundations shift window frames. Tree branches scrape against the siding, creating openings. An incorrectly installed roof channels water right at your windows instead of away from them.
Exterior Inspection: Check Leaking Windows from the Outside
Grab a ladder and start with an exterior inspection. Look at the entire window, not just the glass. The frame itself tells you a lot about what’s happening. Run your hand along the edges and feel for soft spots or areas where the wood gives under pressure.
Check the caulking around the window. If it’s cracked, peeling, or missing completely, you’ve found a potential entry point for water. Old latex caulk breaks down over time, especially with Tennessee’s temperature swings.
Look up while you’re out there. Missing shingles or damaged flashing above your windows can dump water right onto them during storms. Clogged gutters do the same thing: overflow and send water cascading down your walls. The National Weather Service reports that Tennessee experiences intense rainfall, and your windows take the brunt of it.
Don’t forget the weep holes at the bottom of your sliding window frames. These tiny openings let water drain out, but they get clogged with dirt and debris. Grab a small wire or toothpick and clear them out.
Interior Inspection: Examine Leaky Windows from the Inside
Now get inside and close all your windows. Stand back and look for visible signs of trouble. Water stains are obvious, but also watch for areas where the paint looks different, or the wall texture has changed.
Here’s a trick that works surprisingly well: light some skinny taper candles and hold them near the window frame. If the flame flickers or dances around, you’ve got air leaks. Air and water leaks often go together since they’re coming through the same gaps.
Feel around the window sill and interior trim. Moisture makes surfaces feel cooler than the surrounding wall. Press gently on the wood. Does it feel spongy? That’s water damage, and it means you’ve had a leaky window for a while.
Turn off your home’s furnace, exhaust fans, and floor fans for this next test. Get a physical inspection going by wetting your hand and moving it slowly around the window frame. You’ll feel additional air movement from any cracks or gaps. This works better than you’d think, especially on windy days.
Testing for Air Leaks Around the Window
Checking for air movement helps you find water’s path, too. Run a visual inspection first to look for obvious gaps. Then try these methods:
- Hold tissue paper near the window frame and watch for movement
- Use an incense stick and track the smoke
- Wait for a windy day and feel for drafts with your hand
These DIY methods work fine for finding problems. Energy efficiency takes a hit when air escapes around your windows. According to the Department of Energy, air leaks can increase your cooling bills by 10-20% in humid climates like ours.
The two sashes on double-hung windows create extra spots for air to sneak through. Check where they meet in the middle. If you can see light or feel air when they’re locked, the seals have worn out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I inspect my windows for leaks?
Check them twice a year, once before storm season and again after. If you notice any visible damage or water stains between inspections, don’t wait. The longer water sits in your walls, the more expensive the fix becomes.
Can I fix a leaking window myself?
Depends on the leak. Recaulking exterior seams is doable if you’re handy. But if the window frame is damaged, the installation was botched, or you’re dealing with water damage inside your walls, call a professional. Some repairs need specialized tools and knowledge.
What’s the difference between condensation and an actual leak?
Condensation forms on the inside of the glass when warm, humid air hits cold surfaces. It’s annoying but not a leak. A real leak shows water between window panes, dripping from the frame, or staining the wall. Condensation you can wipe away, but leaks keep coming back.
How much does window leak repair cost?
Simple recaulking might run $100 to $200. Replacing damaged wood trim costs more. A full window replacement because of structural damage from persistent leaks can cost several thousand dollars per window. That’s why catching leaks early matters.
Will insurance cover window leak damage?
Sometimes, but not always. Most policies cover sudden damage, like a tree branch smashing through during a storm. Gradual damage from poor maintenance? Probably not covered. Read your policy and talk to your agent about general guidance for your specific situation.
Know When To Call a Professional
Here’s the truth about doing a thorough window leak inspection: it’s time-consuming, and you need decent weather to do it properly. Even after you find all the problems, you still have to fix them. Maybe you’d rather spend your weekend doing literally anything else.
Professional window repair specialists see hundreds of leaking windows every year. We know Tennessee weather, and we can tell the difference between a quick fix and a disaster waiting to happen. We’ve got the right tools, the proper course of action for each situation, and we guarantee our work.
Ready to stop worrying about water stains and mold? Call us at (615) 861-2315 or message us here. We’ll inspect your windows and tell you exactly what’s going on, no runaround.