Bay windows make a beautiful addition to any home, but they also come with a cost if not properly installed and maintained. As a homeowner, you don’t want just anyone installing a bay window. According to Home Advisor, the general costs for the bay window, installation, and removal of debris can range from $500 on the low end to over $3,000 on the high end. But, if not properly sealed, it will leak.
If you find your bay window leaking, give RoofPRO a call. We can repair your bay window leaks and prevent future issues.
How We Diagnose the Problem
Once you give us a call, we can typically have someone out to inspect the issue right away. We will do a complete repair inspection of your roof, gutters, siding, and bay window. There may be several factors contributing to a leak in your home. Our inspection includes an investigation of the gutters, siding, sealant, and wall around your bay window. We will then write an estimate for the bay window repair. This inspection is always free of charge to our Howard County, Baltimore, and Washington area customers.
Reasons Bay Windows Leak
Other than the common reasons your home may leak, including age or damage, bay windows have a few other reasons. If your bay window was installed as a a DIY project, you are more likely to have problems with it. While we understand that doing it yourself is very economical for some home upgrades and repairs, a bay window is not the time to cut corners. YouTube will not be your friend for a home improvement project like this, so leave it to the experts.
If you did hire a contractor, but still notice early signs of leaking such as watermarks or excessive condensation, they may have done a haphazard job. You should not be seeing issues within a couple of years of installation. If you are, do not waste your time calling the same company for repairs. Ask around for trusted recommendations in your area for a second opinion. Bay windows are easy to mess up if you’re not familiar with the process.
Another reason you might be seeing a leak in your bay window is that your home’s foundation is not equipped to handle the addition. If your foundation settles, a bay window will not be able to withstand the adjustment. Also, a bay window must be able to bear its own load so that no additional strain is placed on your home’s foundation. This increased stress on your foundation can begin to erode the window from the rest of your home.
Learn More: Why is the Roof Over Your Bay Window Leaking?
The Importance of Prioritizing Repairs
If left unattended, these leaks can cause further damage such as:
- Structural Damage: Continued exposure to moisture can result in rotting of the wooden parts of the window or surrounding walls. This could ultimately undermine the structural integrity of the bay window and the part of the house it’s attached to.
- Mold and Mildew: Prolonged moisture and humidity create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Not only are these fungi unsightly, but they can also pose serious health risks, including allergies and respiratory issues.
- Energy Inefficiency: Leaks can lead to drafts, causing your heating or cooling systems to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This inefficiency will likely result in increased energy costs.
- Interior Damage: Leaks can damage the interior of your home, including walls, floors, and furnishings.
To prevent these negative consequences, always respond to leaks promptly. Often, the solution might be as simple as re-caulking or sealing the window. However, if the problem seems more complex or if you’re dealing with a persistent leak, it’s advisable to call a professional. RoofPRO’s trained experts can thoroughly inspect your bay window, identify the source of the leak, and provide an effective solution that gets the job done quickly.
Preventing Issues
Becoming proficient in bay window repair and installation is hard, but the RoofPRO team are experts in this area. As with any home construction or repair, prevention starts with proper installation. Repair and future issues are much less likely when you do it right first.
If your bay window is made of a different material than the siding on your house, it must be measured perfectly and installed seamlessly to ensure there is nowhere for water to get in. Brick siding also adds extra complications because it requires meticulous planning on the bay window contractor’s part.
RoofPro has experience with this. First, we take the measurements of every angle for the window. Next, we use a grinder to cut a small area in the mortar for tucking the counter flashing inside. Tucking it inside allows for that seamless transition. After the materials are joined, we use a silicone roofing sealant to adhere the flashing to the brick. The materials are then cut and bent for proper placement of the bay window.
Missing or broken flashing, old windows, and missing sealants or caulk are other reasons leaks can happen on your bay window. When we do a yearly maintenance inspection of your home and bay window, we will thoroughly check these areas for damage. Prevention is key. We always recommend yearly inspections of your roofing system and bay windows to guarantee that damage or old age doesn’t go unnoticed for too long. The longer you wait to complete repairs, the more expensive they tend to be.
Get It Right The First Time
At RoofPro, we understand that bay windows add an aesthetic that cannot be found with other home additions. We want you to have a bay window that is beautiful and functional. Let us help you get it right the first time. Our contractors have many years of bay window installation and repair experience. Call us today at 410-862-3717 to start installing a new bay window on your home or getting your bay window in tip-top shape. You can also request an estimate with our convenient online request form.
Watch Now: Roofing it Right the First Time
Article Updated May 24, 2023.