Why Are My Policyholders’ Windows Leaking? Causes of Loss That Impact Claims

Rain coming in near the window frames isn’t the only evidence that could point to window leaks at your policyholder’s home or business. Other signs include rotten wood around the window unit’s exterior, air drafts, or microbial growth. Assessments can denote which windows are leaking and, of equal importance, why. Answers to both these questions directly impact window-related claims and how to accurately settle them because window leaks are frequently linked with age-related deterioration, poor installation, or a manufacturing defect.

Water dripping and wood rot could be signs of window leaks resulting in claims.

Age-Related Deterioration

Leaks are not unusual, particularly if window units were installed 12 – 20 years ago. This is when sealant failure typically occurs. Policyholders may notice their property is less energy efficient if air is seeping in or heat is going out. These may be caused by cracked window caulking and flattened and worn-out weather stripping, which could all be signs of age-related deterioration.

Missing or damaged sealant or caulking in the window’s exterior could cause unwanted air or water intrusion. They can be replaced to cover the opening and improve insulation. However, if damage resulting from the failed sealant has already occurred, other measures may be needed. Exterior sealants are typically a secondary means of preventing water intrusion and may mask underlying issues with the original installation and flashing methods.

When determining window leak causes, age is a consideration – but adjusters shouldn’t assume same-aged window units sustained identical failures. Rate of deterioration could depend on their amount of use, which side of the building they are on, and other factors that an expert will evaluate during assessment.

Poor Installation

Windows don’t have to be decades old to start failing. If poor installation is at play, water leaks may occur immediately or a few years after window units were installed – and that’s likely not your policyholder’s fault.

Evidence of poor installation includes water intrusion inside the window unit and joinery, gaps in joints causing leaks and stains or stains on rails and sills.

How a window is installed could impact how soon water intrusion occurs.

Poor or inadequate flashing installation can also result in water intrusion that looks like a leaking window unit. If a window unit is properly flashed, exterior sealant failures may not cause interior water entry. Inadequate flashing may be noted through stains at the top of the window frame or more commonly below the window. This could be considered more of a wall leak than from a window.

Inadequate drainage can also cause losses if a proper pathway doesn’t exist or if it’s angled to direct runoff in the wrong direction. This may occur if windowsills or fascia boards tilt toward a window instead of away from it.

Damage caused by installation failures might extend from the windows into the exterior or interior walls. An assessment could determine the scope of the loss to help prevent further damage or other claims.

Manufacturing Defect

Your policyholders’ windows may have been damaged before they ever came on the property due to manufacturing defects.

Water intrusion that occurs in other places than the overall window frame may be a sign of a defect in how it was made. Like installation problems, these could result in poor quality gaskets and gaps in joints, among other losses.

If an assessment determines the cause of loss is a manufacturing defect, adjusters may need to initiate subrogation efforts to recoup losses.

Window assessments may determine the failure was caused during the manufacturing process.

What To Do If You Have a Windows Claim

It’s critical to determine the scope of damage in case window failures affected the property’s walls or structure. This could lead to larger losses if not corrected.

Though leaking windows are common, other window failures, such as binding, may be the result of a variety of perils. Claimed losses could stem from wind or impact damage, in addition to age-related deterioration, poor installation, and manufacturing defects.

Adjusters who have a claim involving windows, window leaks, or a recommendation for window replacements should obtain a windows assessment to confidently take the next steps. Actionable intelligence will help them to settle the claim, to have the needed information to prove it’s not a covered peril, or to consider starting the subrogation process if another entity is responsible for the loss.

Donan Engineering can help. Our team of licensed forensic engineers investigates every window unit to note how each is functioning and uses property descriptions, interior and exterior observations, weather data, and other research to form objective conclusions in a timely manner. Submit an assignment to obtain answers to difficult windows claim questions.