Garden windows are a popular feature that adds charm and extra sunlight to many homes in Maryland. They brighten up rooms and add a unique architectural touch to your house. But when a garden window starts leaking, it quickly becomes a headache. Water leaks around your garden window can cause damage to your walls, floors, and even threaten your home’s structural integrity.
Understanding what causes these leaks, recognizing early signs, and getting professional repairs from RoofPRO can save you thousands of dollars in damage. In this blog, Maryland homeowners will learn what they need to know about garden window leaks, including why they occur, what to look for, and how experts like RoofPro can reliably fix them.
Why Are Garden Windows Prone to Leaks?
Several factors combine to make garden windows a common source of water intrusion:
Complex Design: Unlike flat windows that sit flush with your home’s exterior walls, garden windows, bay windows, and bump-out windows project outward, surrounded by multiple seams and joints that increase their vulnerability.
Installation Challenges: Precise window installation is critical. Any gaps, uneven sealing, or poor flashing around the window increases leak risk.
Exposure to Weather: Maryland’s weather cycles (humid summers, heavy rainstorms, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles) can cause sealants and caulking to crack or degrade over time.
Drainage Issues: Garden windows usually have drainage systems to move trapped water away from the window. If these get clogged with dirt or debris, water can pool and eventually seep inside.
Aging Sealant: Ultraviolet rays can cause the sealant to dry. As it shrinks, capillary channels open. Even a one-millimeter void allows rainwater to seep inside during wind gusts.
Building Movement: Settling foundations or seasonal expansion shift frames. That twist strains corners and breaks the bond between vinyl and glass.
Early Warning Signs Your Garden Window Is Leaking
Early intervention can prevent small leaks from turning into costly repairs. However, water leaks around garden windows sometimes go unnoticed until damage appears inside your home. But homeowners in Maryland can spot certain early warning signs that indicate a leak is present:
Water Stains: Look for discoloration or staining on walls or the ceiling near the window. Water stains often appear as yellow, brown, or gray marks.
Soft or Swollen Drywall: When drywall repeatedly gets wet, it loses strength and may bulge or crumble. If the wall feels soft or spongy near the window, it’s a red flag.
Peeling or Bubbling Paint: Moisture behind walls causes paint to peel or form bubbles, particularly on interior trim or window sills.
Warped or Rotting Wood: Wood components around the window may warp, crack, or rot due to moisture exposure.
Mold or Mildew Growth: Musty odors, visible mold spots, or black streaks near the window indicate persistent moisture and poor ventilation.
Condensation Between Glass Panes: For double- or triple-pane garden windows, fogging or water droplets trapped between glass layers suggest a seal failure, which can contribute to leaks.
Repair or Replace: Deciding What’s Best for Your Window
Once a leak is confirmed, Maryland homeowners often wonder whether they should repair the existing garden window or get a full replacement. The answer depends on several factors:
Extent of Damage: Small cracks in caulking or minor gaps can often be repaired with sealing and flashing fixes. Extensive rot, mold inside the frame, or broken glass usually calls for a complete replacement.
Age of the Window: Older windows with outdated materials or designs might not hold up well with repeated repairs. Modern replacements offer improved energy efficiency and stronger waterproofing.
Energy Efficiency: Newer garden windows come with better insulation, Low-E glass, and advanced seals that reduce heating and cooling costs, a consideration especially important in Maryland’s seasonal climate.
Cost-Effectiveness: Repairing a minor leak may cost less upfront, but can lead to repeat issues. A replacement window may have a higher initial price, but it offers long-term peace of mind.
Professional roofing and window contractors like RoofPro perform thorough inspections and provide honest recommendations based on your home’s condition and your budget.
How RoofPro Handles Garden Window Leak Repairs in Maryland
Our process always begins with a comprehensive inspection. We use moisture meters and infrared technology to pinpoint hidden water entry points and evaluate the full extent of any damage. By understanding exactly where water is getting in, we can develop a targeted plan rather than simply treating symptoms.
Next, we turn our attention to seals, caulking, and flashing. Every joint is carefully examined for gaps or cracks, and we assess the condition of existing flashing to ensure it’s directing water safely away from your home. If flashing is missing, worn, or improperly installed, we’ll repair or replace it to restore protection. We also clean out weep holes, the often-overlooked drainage system, to prevent water from pooling and causing further issues.
Finally, our skilled technicians perform the necessary repairs. We reseal compromised joints, replace deteriorated trim and can even address any interior drywall damage.
If a repair isnt the best route for your window leak, we’ll guide you through selecting high-quality, energy-efficient garden windows and manage the full removal and installation. Throughout every step, you’ll receive transparent communication, detailed estimates, and the confidence that comes from a job done right.
Why Maryland Homeowners Trust RoofPro for Window Leak Solutions
Choosing the right company for window leak repairs is crucial. Since 2004, RoofPRO has inspected thousands of garden and bay window leaks (many of them on split-level homes built during the 1980s construction boom). RoofPro combines local knowledge with technical expertise to deliver exceptional results:
- Experience with Maryland Homes: We are familiar with local building materials, common construction styles, and the impact of local weather conditions.
- Certified Technicians: Our team undergoes regular training and uses industry-standard tools for precise leak detection and repairs.
- High-Quality Materials: We use premium sealants, flashing, and window products to ensure lasting durability from leading manufacturers such as ProVia and PlyGem.
- Customer Satisfaction: RoofPro has hundreds of positive reviews from Maryland homeowners who appreciate our professionalism and reliable work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Window Leaks
Small leaks might be fixed by homeowners with some DIY experience, but improper repairs can worsen problems. Professional assessment is recommended.
Repair times vary depending on damage extent but typically range from a few hours to a full day.
Some homeowner policies cover water damage from sudden events. Review your policy and consult your agent for specifics.
Yes. Their exposed roof panel and multiple joints face rainfall from above and the sides. Proper maintenance offsets that vulnerability.
Contact RoofPRO Today For a Free Leak Inspection
Water leaking around your garden window indicates a problem that can worsen without professional repairs. RoofPro encourages all Maryland homeowners to prioritize window leak inspections at the first sign of damage. Contact RoofPro to schedule a free inspection. Our expert team will identify any problem areas, recommend repairs or replacements, and protect your home from water damage.