Sunrooms are relaxing and pleasing to the eyes however they also rely on many windows to in sunlight and this makes them more prone to leaking.
Leaks need to be fixed as soon as they start because moisture build up can damage your walls and floors whilst also causing mold problems. Inhaling mold can also cause health problems for you and your family such as asthma.
Sunrooms commonly leak in the seams between the glass panels and should be inspected as soon as you suspect a leak. The problem must be sorted as soon as possible so that it doesn’t progress.
How to fix a leak in the window wood frame
Examine the weep holes at the bottom of the track on each of the windows in the sunroom. These holes are at the bottom of the track on each window that is in the sunroom. The holes often get blocked with dirt which results in leaks. This happens because the window is now unable to drain water properly. You can use a sewing needle or any other pointed object to clear the holes so that they work properly.
Check that the caulking on each of the windows looks good and is not worn out, pitted or coming out of the frame. If it is then it would need to be replaced. Remove the old caulking by scraping it out with a razor blade and wash the area with a sponge and detergent. When it is dry reapply fresh caulk to the seam using a waterproof caulk and a caulk gun.
Replace any glass panes that may have cracks in them and examine the windows to ensure that you don’t need to do glass repair on them. Even if there is a small hole, it will leave an opening that water can seep through. You should run a masking tape across the glass a few times to protect it against shattering as you remove it. Remove the caulk with the razor and lift off the glass. Remove any remaining sealant around the frame and add a fresh application of caulk. Place the new pane into the frame and caulk the window again, this will ensure that the seal is watertight.
You should apply additional roof sealant around the flashing on the roof if there is a chimney on your sunroof. The flashing is the metal connection between the roof and the chimney. If there is a space between the two, you will experience a leak. Fresh sealant will help prevent this and will close any openings that water may seep through.
Window frame leaks are a serious problem and in most cases the cause is found in the seal or the caulking. Leaks are common in wood-framed windows because wood expands and contracts as the temperature changes and when the humidity changes. This will then cause the caulking to crack and detach from the glass. Water stains are unpleasant, and they also lead to mildew and mold growth. Later on, this will cause structural problems as wood begins to rot from the moisture. Applying new caulk will not only stop the air leaks but also help save on energy costs.
If the caulking does not help the situation then the leak is probably not starting from the wood frame. It may be coming from a structural problem in your roofing, in your walls or the roof space above your windows.
How to repair leaks in a corrugated metal roof
Corrugated metal roofs are more susceptible to moisture and damage from strong winds. Individual panels are attached to the wood or metal trusses with steel nails that may rust and then cause leaks. Strong winds have the effect of separating the overlapping edges of the panels and causes the roof to leak.
- Access the leak using an extension ladder so that you can examine each row of nails.
- Pull out the nails that are raised using a nail bar. Drill a 1 ½ inch aluminium screw nail next to a nail where the head is rusted away.
- Apply urethane roof cement with a plastic putty knife where the nail was installed.
- Examine the caulk seams on the upper edges of flashing. If you see any cracks or gaps you should remove the loose caulk around the seam and apply roof cement.
Ensure that you do as much research as you can before you begin this task as you need to have some knowledge. If you are unsure, you can enlist the help of a professional who will further assist you.
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