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Monsoon Alert: How to Rainwater-Proof Your Windows? Aug 31, 2020 By Fenesta

The much-needed respite offered by the monsoon season is offset by the challenges it brings along. Water seepage can become quite an issue at this time, reiterating the fact that it is time to monsoon proof your doors and windows. Whether you have old or new installations, here are some techniques you can employ to ensure that no rainwater seeps into your home through your windows: - Get a New Window Frame

One of the best steps that you can take is to replace your old squeaky windows that leak when it rains. You can opt for uPVC frames that make for the best weather-proof windows today. Not only do they provide protection from rainwater seepage, but also have many other advantages to offer.

uPVC windows are wind resistant, have high thermal insulation, are durable and sturdy, eco-friendly, provide sound insulation, and much more. The best part is that uPVC windows come with three engineered innovations that help keep your home dry even during the monsoons:

Rain Track

An elevated section is clipped onto the inside track of the window system. This feature functions like a dam and captures and drains out the rainwater.

Sill Arrangement

This is a special system in the windows that prevents rainwater from being pushed inside by air pressure. Instead, it ensures that rainwater flows down vertically, at a distance from the outer wall.

Gradient Slope

This is a track fixed at a downward slope of 5 degrees. It makes sure that any accumulated rainwater flows out.

Caulking

Caulking to monsoon proof the windows is a method that involves sealing the joints between your window frame and the base wall. Some of the most common compounds that can be used for this purpose include silicone, silicone latex, and rubber.

Using a Sealant to Monsoon Proof Your Windows

Caulking compounds are easily available in the market in the form of cartridges and can be applied using a caulk gun. A bead of caulk is applied to the area that needs to be sealed. After that, it is made smooth with the help of a special tool to fill the gaps. Caulking is not a very complicated process but needs a certain amount of skill to ensure it is done properly. Hence, it would be a good idea to hire an expert.

Pro Tip: When you apply a caulking compound to an area, it takes at least 24 hours for it to set properly. So, you should ensure that the area has been washed and cleaned in advance and is dry before you start. In case you are re-caulking a window, you need to remove the dried caulk first. Try to schedule the caulking for a day when you are sure that the weather will be dry for a while.

Weatherstripping

Another effective and inexpensive technique, weatherstripping can help fix any draft-y or leaky windows in your home. You can get self-adhesive weatherstripping tapes and install them along the seams of your windowpanes and frames. The best part about weatherstripping is that the tapes do not hamper the look of a window and can be used without worry in the interiors.

The most commonly used materials for weatherstripping include rubber, vinyl, foam, and felt; based on which material would stick best to your windows.

Foam Sealants

If you see large hollow spaces in your window frames or if there are gaps forming in the jambs, you can use a foam spray to weatherproof your windows. Similar to caulking, foam sealants are also sealers and are applied using a foam gun. The foam that is applied expands to fill the gaps to provide insulation better than caulks or weatherstripping. Once the foam has dried, the excess can be trimmed down using a knife or peeler.

Pro Tip: A foam gun requires special skills to be used properly, all the more reason to rope in a professional for the job. Also, ensure that you use a low-expansion and low-pressure sealant so that the frame does not distort because of the foam expansion.

Self-Adhesive Tapes

Temporary, self-adhesive tapes are also a powerful solution to stop leakage. Here, a self-adhesive tape refers to gaffer tape. It is a cloth-backed waterproof tape not unlike duct tape. In certain instances, an all-weather flashing tape can also be used instead of gaffer tape. These tapes are very affordable and suitable for almost all surface types.

Window Draft Stoppers

Window draft stoppers are a quick fix for any leakage or drafts. These long cushion-like tubes are filled with absorbent materials. Placing them at the bottom crack of a window allows them to soak up any water that leaks into the house.

DIY Tip: You can make window draft stoppers at home as well. All you need to do is sew old fabrics like socks, t-shirts, pillowcases, etc. into a tube-like shape and will it with absorbent materials like beans, raw rice, or sand. You need to ensure that the fabric you choose is absorptive as materials like linen, rayon, or silk will not solve your purpose.

A lot of these measures can help deal with the problem of leaking windows, but the best solution, without a doubt, would be to opt for water-proof doors and windows to replace the old ones.