Leaking & Defective Windows

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Leaking or improperly sealed windows rank among the most frequent sources of water intrusion in newer Florida homes. When windows aren't installed correctly or builders omit proper waterproofing materials, rainwater penetrates through gaps around the frame, damaging walls, flooring, and interior finishes. Without correction, window leaks rapidly trigger mold growth and create chronic moisture problems within the structure.

Green Home Builders' Inspection Department specializes in detecting these defects and documenting them thoroughly so homeowners can compel their builder to make repairs under Florida's seven-year construction defect protections.

In new construction, window leaks nearly always stem from installation errors or missing waterproofing components. Common causes include:

Many builders fail to adequately seal around window frames, leaving gaps where water easily enters. Problems include:

• Missing or inconsistent caulking
• Gaps between the frame and stucco
• Separation at corners
• Dried, cracked, or poorly bonded sealants

These openings allow rainwater to flow behind the stucco and directly into wall cavities.

Every window requires a waterproof flashing system and weather-resistant barrier (WRB) behind the wall. When these components are absent or installed incorrectly, water cannot drain away from the home and instead travels inside the structure.

Common WRB failures include:

• Missing flashing tape
• Improperly lapped WRB
• Absent sill pan beneath the window
• Poor integration between stucco and window frame

Without proper barrier protection, even minor openings permit substantial water intrusion.

Sometimes the window unit itself is the problem. Examples include:

• Factory defects
• Warped or damaged frames
• Malfunctioning tracks
• Gaps in the assembly
• Loose or failing window seals

These defects cause persistent leaks during heavy rain or wind-driven storms.

Once water enters around a window, it often migrates much farther than homeowners expect. Moisture can:

• Run down inside wall cavities
• Saturate insulation
• Travel along floor plates
• Pool beneath flooring or baseboards
• Wick up drywall
• Spread into adjacent rooms

Water frequently appears far from the actual leak source, making professional inspection critical.

Homeowners typically observe symptoms such as:

• Water stains around window frames
• Mold or mildew near sills or on drywall
• Soft, swollen, or bubbling baseboards
• Warped or damaged flooring near windows
• Peeling paint or blistering finishes
• Moist or humid air concentrated in one room
• Visible gaps between stucco and window frames

These indicators often reveal deeper problems hidden behind walls.

Leaking windows extend far beyond cosmetic concerns—they create genuine structural and health hazards, including:

• Mold growth behind walls
• Deterioration of structural framing
• Damage to flooring and interior finishes
• Elevated humidity and compromised air quality
• Progressive structural decay
• Electrical hazards when water reaches outlets

Early detection is essential to prevent widespread damage.

Green Home Builders' inspectors evaluate every component surrounding the window, including:

• Exterior sealant
• Stucco integration
• Flashing and WRB installation (where visible)
• Moisture readings in surrounding walls
• Evidence of concealed or active leakage

We deliver a comprehensive report with photographs and findings that homeowners can use to notify their builder and demand proper correction under Florida's seven-year construction defect rights.

Our mission is to help homeowners halt water damage early and ensure their builder makes repairs correctly and permanently.