Monsoon Alert: How to Waterproof Your Windows
Extreme rain can wreak havoc. It's never too late to prepare your homes
Does monsoon come with a bit of a worry? Is water seepage from your windows an issue? It is time to make your fenestration systems watertight. Here is how to fight the intrusive element – for both new and existing installations. These techniques are practical and potent. Give them a try!
3. Frame arrangements
Are you planning to replace your old squeaky windows that start leaking when it rains? Then consider this. Engineered metal and uPVC windows have special integrations that prevent driving rain and drips from entering the home.
The frame section of the window holds an elevated inner track which catches rainwater and diverts it out. The position of the sill prevents the water from coming indoors. Furthermore, the panel-track with a minimum of 5 degree inclination ensures that the overflowing water keeps draining out. Check out Fenesta’s range of such window products.
4. Foam sealants
Do you see a large hollow space in your window frame? Or is there a gap forming in the jambs? A foam spray will help you out.
Similar to caulks, foam sealants are sealers that are applied with a foam gun. The foam expands and fills gaps big and small, providing insulation better than that of caulks and weatherstrips. After the foam dries completely, the excess is trimmed down with a knife or peeler.
Tip: It is not advisable to use a foam gun without proper training. It is safer to employ a professional for the job, even if it is a small piece of work. Make sure you select a low-pressure and low-expansion sealant so that your window frame and panels do not distort with the expanding foam.
5. Self-adhesive tapes
This is a temporary but powerful solution. A gaffer tape is a cloth-backed waterproof sticky tape, something like duct tape. You can also use an all-weather flashing tape in place of a gaffer tape. Tapes are budget-friendly and they firmly adhere to all kinds of surfaces and textures. With tapes, you can seal your seeping windows on your own without a speck of mess. You can buy durable flashing membranes and tapes from Durastrip. Adhesive tapes are easily available in hardware stores as well.
Find a professional near you to help design your home
Are you planning to replace your old squeaky windows that start leaking when it rains? Then consider this. Engineered metal and uPVC windows have special integrations that prevent driving rain and drips from entering the home.
The frame section of the window holds an elevated inner track which catches rainwater and diverts it out. The position of the sill prevents the water from coming indoors. Furthermore, the panel-track with a minimum of 5 degree inclination ensures that the overflowing water keeps draining out. Check out Fenesta’s range of such window products.
4. Foam sealants
Do you see a large hollow space in your window frame? Or is there a gap forming in the jambs? A foam spray will help you out.
Similar to caulks, foam sealants are sealers that are applied with a foam gun. The foam expands and fills gaps big and small, providing insulation better than that of caulks and weatherstrips. After the foam dries completely, the excess is trimmed down with a knife or peeler.
Tip: It is not advisable to use a foam gun without proper training. It is safer to employ a professional for the job, even if it is a small piece of work. Make sure you select a low-pressure and low-expansion sealant so that your window frame and panels do not distort with the expanding foam.
5. Self-adhesive tapes
This is a temporary but powerful solution. A gaffer tape is a cloth-backed waterproof sticky tape, something like duct tape. You can also use an all-weather flashing tape in place of a gaffer tape. Tapes are budget-friendly and they firmly adhere to all kinds of surfaces and textures. With tapes, you can seal your seeping windows on your own without a speck of mess. You can buy durable flashing membranes and tapes from Durastrip. Adhesive tapes are easily available in hardware stores as well.
Find a professional near you to help design your home
6. Window snakes
Do you wish to quick-fix a dripping window? Make yourself a snake! Window snakes or draft stoppers or draught excluders are long cushion-like tubes filled with an absorbent or insulating material. They can be placed at the bottom crack of windows to soak up the leaking water.
DIY: You can make a window snake at home by sewing old fabrics (socks, pillow covers, t-shirts, or anything else) in a pipe-like shape and filling it with sand, raw rice or beans. Make sure the chosen fabric is absorptive. Silk, linen and rayon do not retain water.
Tip: Once you have taken care of the leaking window, think about adding monsoon blinds. Monsoon Blinds block out the rain but not the view making them the perfect addition to prevent water from coming in.
Read more:
How to Make Your Bathroom Watertight
Why uPVC Windows Are All The Rage
Tell us:
Did these approaches work for you? Share your success stories in Comments below.
Do you wish to quick-fix a dripping window? Make yourself a snake! Window snakes or draft stoppers or draught excluders are long cushion-like tubes filled with an absorbent or insulating material. They can be placed at the bottom crack of windows to soak up the leaking water.
DIY: You can make a window snake at home by sewing old fabrics (socks, pillow covers, t-shirts, or anything else) in a pipe-like shape and filling it with sand, raw rice or beans. Make sure the chosen fabric is absorptive. Silk, linen and rayon do not retain water.
Tip: Once you have taken care of the leaking window, think about adding monsoon blinds. Monsoon Blinds block out the rain but not the view making them the perfect addition to prevent water from coming in.
Read more:
How to Make Your Bathroom Watertight
Why uPVC Windows Are All The Rage
Tell us:
Did these approaches work for you? Share your success stories in Comments below.
Window caulking refers to sealing the joints of the window frame to the base wall in order to create an impervious system. Silicone, silicone latex and rubber are common compounds used for securing windows in homes.
Wondering how to use a sealant?
Caulking compounds are generally available in cartridges which can be applied using a caulk gun. Next, the bead of caulk is smoothed with a tool to fill gaps. Although caulking is not a complex process, it needs skill. It is suggested that you hire a specialist for the job to make sure there are no leaks post application. Dr. Fixit offers caulking compounds and other waterproofing merchandise across India.
Tip: Caulk compounds require a minimum of 24 hours to set; so wash or clean the area in advance and make sure it is dry before you start. If you wish to re-caulk a leaking window, remove the dried caulk matter and prepare a clean and dry surface before the compound is applied again. Schedule the caulking for when the weather will be dry for a few days.
2. Weatherstrips
Weatherstripping is inexpensive and as effective as caulking. Your drafty and leaky windows can be fixed in a moment by installing self-adhesive weatherstrip tapes along the seams of the window pane and frame. These tapes can be used in the interiors without hesitation as they do not hamper the look of the window.
Rubber, foam, felt and vinyl are among the commonly used weatherstrips on windows. You have to choose a material that sticks to your window material well.
You can put weatherstrips or weather seals on your windows yourself. Just cut the tape according to the width of your window, peel off the backing and press the adhesive side to the window surface in a straight line. It is that simple!
Schlegel offers certified weatherstripping solutions in India. But you can look for local suppliers for tough weatherproofing strips, too.