Why Your Windows Are Leaking, And How Masonry Problems Occur
Why Your Windows Are Leaking, And How Masonry Problems May Be to Blame
A leaking window isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a warning sign. Homeowners across Newtown, Richboro, Holland, Southampton, Warminster, Yardley, New Hope, and Philadelphia, PA, as well as Lambertville, Mullica Hill, and Cherry Hill, NJ, often experience window leaks that start small but quickly lead to mold, damaged walls, and structural issues. While many assume the window itself is the issue, the real cause is often the surrounding masonry and waterproofing system.
At JLM Masonry & Waterproofing, serving Bucks County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, and much of New Jersey including Hunterdon, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties, we see these problems every day. Here are the most common masonry-related causes of window leaks and how expert repair can stop them for good.
- Cracked or Missing Mortar Joints
In many homes throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, aging mortar joints are one of the biggest contributors to leaks. Over time, mortar can crack, crumble, or completely deteriorate, allowing rainwater to get behind the brick and travel toward window openings.
Why it’s a problem:
Once moisture enters the wall cavity, it naturally runs downward, often ending up right above your windows.
Solution:
Repointing damaged mortar joints restores the protective barrier and prevents intrusive leaks.
- Failed or Missing Flashing
Flashing is essential to keeping water out of your home, especially in areas with heavy seasonal weather like Bucks County and Philadelphia County. When flashing above or around windows is missing, worn, or improperly installed, water is free to seep directly into your home’s framing.
Why it’s a problem:
Poor flashing is one of the most common sources of ongoing window leaks.
Solution:
JLM Masonry & Waterproofing inspects and replaces damaged flashing to direct water away from vulnerable window areas.
- Brick Saturation and Poor Drainage
In historic regions like New Hope, Yardley, Lambertville, and surrounding areas, older masonry homes often deal with oversaturated brick. Whether caused by clogged weep holes, improper coatings, or heavy exposure, saturated brick eventually allows moisture to push inward.
Why it’s a problem:
Moisture trapped within the brickwork will eventually move toward windows and interior walls.
Solution:
Restoring proper drainage and applying breathable waterproofing solutions helps protect both old and newer homes.
- Cracked Lintels or Shifting Masonry
Temperature swings in Montgomery County, Bucks County, and South Jersey can cause steel lintels above windows to rust and expand. As they shift, the surrounding brick cracks, creating new pathways for water intrusion.
Signs of trouble:
- Cracks above windows
- Bowing brick
- Rust streaks
Solution:
Repairing or replacing the lintel and restoring surrounding brickwork eliminates the structural gaps causing leaks.
- Improper Caulking or Deteriorated Sealant
Even with solid masonry, poor caulking can create persistent leaks. Homes in areas like Richboro, Southampton, Warminster, Cherry Hill, and Mullica Hill often suffer from caulk that has dried out or separated from frames due to heat, cold, and sun exposure.
Why it’s a problem:
Once the seal breaks, water can easily run behind the frame.
Solution:
A professional caulking job ensures a clean, long-lasting, weather-tight seal.
How JLM Masonry & Waterproofing Can Help
Whether you’re in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, or throughout Hunterdon, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties in New Jersey, leaking windows are more than just an annoyance, they signal a deeper masonry or waterproofing issue. Our team specializes in identifying the root cause and delivering long-term, durable solutions.
We provide:
- Masonry inspection and repair
- Tuckpointing and mortar restoration
- Flashing replacement and installation
- Exterior waterproofing
- Professional caulking and sealing
Protect your home before a small leak becomes a major issue.
Contact JLM Masonry & Waterproofing today for expert service throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including all surrounding areas.
Call us at 267-808-1470 or Contact JLM today to schedule a consultation and see why they are the leading name in masonry and waterproofing in your neighborhood.