Window Leak Testing in Los Angeles by Water Intrusion Expert
Are you experiencing window leaks when it rains? Better yet, do your windows leak when it rains all the time or just when there is heavy wind? Leaking windows here in Los Angeles is far more common than you might ever expect. Here in LA there are homes which are newly build and others that are over 100 years old. Leaking in windows is not necessary the result of age, but rather many different conditions, which all can lead to windows leaks. Here are three of the most common reasons which may cause window leaks.
- Your windows leak because they are older
- Your windows are damaged and leak because of this
- Your windows were installed incorrectly and now they leak
We can re create window leaks and solve your problem, easily!
This is how we test for window leaks. The first thing to consider when testing for window leaks is the type of leak you possess. Some windows leak from the window itself, some windows leak from the windows installation. It’s important to consider the fact that both types of leaks will generally require the same exact test protocol with a slight difference in the test.
Rather than set up the calibrated spray rack system agains the window, and simply spraying it, the window is masked off and just the perimeter is sprayed.
For test “A”, the stucco is isolated and the window frame and glass are sprayed and tested. Effectively, this will determine if the window product itself is the culprit for the window leaking. In some cases, a pressure chamber has to be added to the interior of the window frame and pressurized. This will generate higher pressure which will test the window against the products manufacturers specification rating.
Let’s call this test “B”. This test will let you know if the windows “installation” is the issue. So in essence, the manner in which the window was installed into the wall may have some condition which will allow the window frame or stucco wall to leak. Water proofing is generally the issue when it comes to the windows installation leaking in Los Angeles or anywhere for that matter.
As a homeowner, how can I find the source of a window leak?
- Infrared camera
- Moisture meter
- Water (soaker) hose
Here is some FREE advice and how to locate rain leaks in your home
- With the soaker hose, place the hose above the window or door that you think leaks. Have the water trickle down the wall.
- On the exterior, make sure your test is of the window and no penetrations.
- If there are penetrations like plugs or lights, those will need to be tested and ruled out separately
- You can choose to remove the interior drywall or leave it in place. Open walls is far more convenient to locate rain leaks.
- Start the test. Your testing time per section will hoover from 15 minutes to an hour. Watch as the test progresses into the latter minutes or time.
- If the drywall is in tact, use the infrared camera or moisture meter to trace any moisture entering the home or building
- Once you locate the moisture mark where you see the water entering on the interior.
- On the exterior, ,make sure you are testing a manageable area. You wont wanna test a large area because it will make it more difficult to isolate the exact location.
- When you locate then source, call your contractor to make the necessary repairs.
The importance of window leak testing and the consequences of ignoring leaks
The importance of having a window suspected of leaking tested immediately as opposed to waiting, is significant. The longer a person waits to have a window or a windows installation water leak tested, the better chance there is of significant damage to the interior of the buildings structural members and even dangerous mold. I’ve witness windows which have leaked for many years and once the wall was opened up to expose the inner framing, there was significant rotting of the wood, mold and deterioration.The repairs for this project was in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Window Leak Testing services and methods here in Los Angeles
The ASTM E1105 window leak test is the go-to testing method for testing the integrity of the window and its installation into then wall. Using a water hose is absolutely not an effective way to perform a water intrusions test on a window, wall or anything for that matter. Spray from a water hose is far too powerful when compared to a spray rack system which administers water at a rate which more or less simulates rainfall.
How does the E1105 water spray test actually work?
- The first step in administering the E1105 is to place the calibrated spray rack up to the specimen, or window.
- The area within the frame is masked off as not to get the glass wet but just the areas around the window
- After this test has been administered for 15 minutes minimum, the plastic cover is removed from the window glass
- A second test is performed providing the first did not procure any leaks, in the same manner
- Afterwhich a report is written which will document the windows performance and any leaking within the window or surrounding the window
How much does a water intrusion rain leak test cost?
Our testing fees run roughly $1200 for a half day of testing and $2200 for a full day of testing. With different testing agencies or water intrusion specialists in Los Angeles, there are many different fees for testing. A full day of testing can include a bunch of windows believe it or not. Whereas testing a stucco wall for example, may take a full day or two depending on the size of the wall. Some testing agencies in Los Angeles require retainers for work while other can cost as much as $2800 per day of water testing.
Make sure you test your newly replaced or newly installed windows
When you replace your windows you are strongly urged to have them water leak tested. When you have brand new windows installed you’re suggested to have the windows and the stucco installation both, water leak tested.
Newly installed window water testing in LA
When it comes to a new nail-in fin type window installation, you will not only want to test the window product, you will want to test the water proofing around the windows frame where the window is installed into the wall. This will confirm if the contractor did a good job with his work prior to having the wall stuccoed and then having the stucco removed.
Retrofit window water leak testing in LA
Retrofit windows much like new nail-in fin type are suggested to be tested every time, and every window too. Most people don’t think retrofit windows have to be water tested. People tend to assume that because the window is new, there is not possible way it can leak. Thats not true. A retrofit window simply fits into the original windows frame. If the original window frame is defective and leaks, so will the new retrofit window. Additionally, the window trim as its attached to the exterior wall, may leak if the trim is not sealed properly.
Best water intrusion expert Los Angeles
Make sure you contact Building Leak Detection Company for any water intrusion related investigations or testing here in Los Angeles.
