Baytown commercial glass helps beautify your storefront, but leaks can be a major problem without the help of an experienced glass technician. The good news is leaks are uncommon if you properly maintain your storefront windows or curtain wall system. However, if you do end up with a leak, make sure you take care of it ASAP.
Why is My Baytown Commercial Glass Leaking?
There may be several reasons why your glass storefront is leaking. That’s why it’s important to get an expert out to find and diagnose the problem. You may even need a window leak test to find the source of the leak.
Older windows can start to leak due to normal wear and tear. Over the years, components of the storefront window may start to wear down, allowing water to infiltrate the system. This is especially true if they haven’t been well taken care of with regular cleanings, inspections, etc.
Also, even if your storefront glass is newer, it could be a manufacturer defect. In these cases, typically a warranty will help cover the costs for a brand new window.
In other cases, your windows may not be leaking at all, though it may seem like it. Just because you find water underneath a glass storefront doesn’t mean that it’s coming from the window itself. For instance, sometimes ceiling and wall leaks can deceive you into thinking your windows are leaking. Also, condensation from really humid conditions inside can look like leaks, but are a result of maybe a faulty HVAC system or the need for indoor dehumidifiers.
So, it’s important to have an experienced technician come look at your windows to find out whether they’re really the source of the leak.
Leaky Storefronts Cause More than Just Puddles
Now, when you think of a leaky storefront, you’re probably picturing puddles of water on your floors. This is definitely an unwanted consequence of leaky windows, but it’s not the only one. Window leaks can be more insidious than that.
For instance, if your commercial windows are letting in water, then they’re almost definitely letting in air, too. This means a drafty store that lets the cool, air conditioned air leak outside. So, with leaky windows, you may not just be dealing with puddles of water on the floor, but higher energy bills for keeping your interiors cool and comfortable.
Also, water damage is a serious concern with leaky Baytown commercial glass. Now, obviously if you don’t clean up those puddles in time, they can seep into flooring, walls, and inventory, causing expensive water damage. However, you may already have water damage before you ever see a puddle of water from a leaky window. For instance, commercial window leaks can let water into the window frames, which can corrode and rust. They may also cause water damage to surrounding walls.
Mold may also be a problem if you have leaky windows in your commercial building. Mold loves moisture, so it may start to grow inside your building if you have even small leaks. As you likely know, mold can also cause a lot of health problems, like respiratory issues and asthma symptoms. Visible mold also makes a bad impression on your employees and customers. Over time, window leaks can encourage mold growth in your building and may require costly removal and restoration services.
So, even if you only have a slight leak in your commercial windows, you need a glass repair expert to help you prevent the potential impacts of a leaky storefront.
How to Repair Leaking Baytown Commercial Glass
If you do have leaky storefront windows, then you’ll likely need commercial glass repair services. Depending on the issue, there may be several ways to help stop the leak.
Sealing the Windows
A common reason windows of any kind start to leak is that the sealants and caulking around the frame become cracked and worn. Generally speaking, your windows are going to outlast the sealants around them. That’s why many business owners schedule regular re-caulking and re-sealing as part of a preventative maintenance program.
However, many people don’t realize that this is an essential part of storefront maintenance. Over time, the sealants wear out and may crack, allowing water into your building. If this is the cause of the problem, then our specialists can re-seal the windows to stop moisture and leaks.
Replacing the Gaskets
Another issue that might cause window leaks in your commercial building is a worn out gasket. Gaskets are rubber components that provide a watertight seal for your windows. Once again, these can wear out with time, causing leaks.
Window gasket replacement is a potential option for these types of leaks. Just keep in mind that it often involves removing your Baytown commercial glass, installing the new gasket, and then putting the glass back in place. Also, in some cases this may not be an option for older windows, as replacement gaskets might not be available anymore.
Commercial Window Replacement
In some cases, it may be best to replace your storefront windows altogether. If the leak isn’t repairable or your windows are nearing the end of their expected lifespan, it may be time for new windows. Replacing storefront glass may also help with energy efficiency and durability, as window technology has come a long way in recent years.
Cleaning Weep Holes
Another common issue we see that causes window leaks is that the weep holes are accidentally blocked off. This is often after a general maintenance technician or someone who doesn’t have specialized knowledge of windows tries to caulk the window. However, this can also happen with just dirt buildup that blocks off the holes.
Weep holes are incredibly important for your Baytown commercial glass windows. Windows don’t just block rain from getting into your building, they also often have a sophisticated system to help redirect water. For instance, should water infiltrate one of the glass panels, the system uses channels to send that water down toward the weep holes. These then allow the water to escape.
The problem is, when these weep holes are blocked off, the water has nowhere to go, so it builds up and can cause leaks inside your building. If this is the root of the window leak, then our Baytown window repair technicians will need to clear the debris from the weep holes to stop the leak.
Call Joey’s Glass for Baytown Window Repair
Need help with your storefront or other glass needs? Choose our experts at Joey’s Glass! We’re an experienced Baytown glass company offering full-service solutions for your business, car, and home. We’ve been serving the greater Baytown area since 1973 and are here to help you find practical options that suit your needs and budget. Call us now at (281) 427-4705 to learn more and get a free quote!