How To Prevent Air & Water Leaks From Windows & Doors

How To Prevent Air & Water Leaks From Windows & Doors

Fix Your Leaking Windows

When your home feels drafty or your energy bills start climbing, the culprit is often something simple: air or water leaks around your windows and doors. These leaks can make it harder to keep your home comfortable and efficient, especially during the Gulf Coast’s hot, humid summers.

At Window World of Gulf Coast, we understand how important properly sealed windows and doors are to maintaining comfort, energy efficiency and protection from the elements. Here’s how to check for leaks and prevent them from happening in the first place.

Why Air And Water Leaks Matter

Even small gaps around your windows or doors can cause significant problems over time. Air leaks allow conditioned air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and increasing your utility bills. Water leaks can lead to rot, mold and structural damage — especially in humid regions like Mobile, AL.

Preventing these issues isn’t just about comfort. It’s about protecting your investment and keeping your home energy efficient year-round.

How To Check For Air Leaks In Your Home

Knowing how to check for air leaks in your house is the first step toward solving the problem. Try these simple methods:

1. The Hand Test

On a windy day, hold your hand near window frames, door edges and electrical outlets. If you feel cool air coming through, you likely have a leak.

2. The Candle Or Incense Test

Light a candle or stick of incense near potential problem areas. If the smoke wavers or blows sideways, air is getting through.

3. Use A Flashlight At Night

Have someone stand outside while you shine a flashlight around window and door edges from inside. If they can see light escaping, air can escape too.

If you notice leaks, it’s time to take action before they lead to bigger problems.

Common Causes Of Window Air Leakage

Air leaks often occur for a few key reasons:

  • Aging seals or caulking that have dried out or cracked
  • Warped or damaged frames that no longer sit flush
  • Poor installation from previous contractors
  • Single-pane glass or outdated window materials that don’t insulate well

At Window World of Gulf Coast, our energy-efficient replacement windows feature high-quality weatherstripping and insulated glass packages that help minimize window air leakage, keeping your indoor environment stable and your energy costs low.

Why Your Front Door Might Be Leaking Air

A front door leaking air can cause temperature fluctuations, drafts and wasted energy. Common culprits include:

  • Worn or missing weatherstripping
  • Gaps between the door and threshold
  • Warped door panels
  • Improperly aligned hinges

Replacing old entry doors with new, energy-efficient models from Window World can help seal these gaps and improve insulation. Our entry doors and sliding patio doors are designed to create a tight, secure seal — protecting your home from air intrusion and water infiltration.

How To Prevent Future Leaks

Once your home is properly sealed, keep it that way with regular maintenance.

1. Inspect Annually

Check the seals, caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors each year — especially before hurricane season.

2. Re-Caulk When Needed

Replace any cracked or peeling caulk with a high-quality exterior-grade sealant.

3. Clean And Maintain

Keep frames and sills clean of dirt and debris to ensure tight seals.

4. Upgrade When Repairs Aren’t Enough

If your windows or doors are more than 15–20 years old, upgrading to Window World of Gulf Coast’s energy-efficient replacements can dramatically reduce leaks and improve your home’s overall comfort and value.

Protect Your Home With Professional Installation

Even the best windows and doors can’t perform properly without expert installation. That’s why every product from Window World of Gulf Coast is professionally installed by trained technicians and backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.

We proudly serve homeowners across Mobile, AL, and surrounding Gulf Coast communities, helping families achieve greater energy efficiency, comfort and peace of mind.

Schedule Your Free Estimate Today

If you suspect your home is leaking air or water, contact Window World of Gulf Coast for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll assess your current windows and doors and recommend energy-efficient solutions to keep your home protected and comfortable year-round.

Window World of Gulf Coast — Superior Products, Professionally Installed, at a Guaranteed Low Price.

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Schedule Your Free In-Home Estimate Today

Are you ready to take on your next property upgrade? Window World is standing by to serve you! We specialize in services that enhance the efficiency and aesthetics of Gulf Coast homes. Contact our expert door, siding and window installers to schedule your free estimate.

What Our Customers Say

"I recently used Window World for a window replacement project and couldn't be happier. Their prices are very competitive, making them a great choice. The installation process was smooth and professional, with the team completing the job efficiently and leaving no mess behind. Highly recommend Window World for quality windows at an excellent price!"

Phillip W.

"Our experience with them has been awesome. Blake, our salesman, was straightforward, honest, and knowledgeable. Couldn’t have been more pleased with our interaction with him. The installers were professional, knowledgeable, and completely cleaned up after themselves. Highly recommended."

Douglas L.

"We had an amazing experience with Window World. Josh was the best sales representative and made our decision easy! Following our experience with Josh, we had another wonderful experience with Mark and his installation team. They worked tirelessly in the high heat and humidity and did an amazing job! We highly recommend choosing Window World for all of your window needs."

Holli H.

"The quality of work was excellent. I had 12 windows installed with window world. Paid a premium price but did get premium windows and a very clean install. The windows are well insulated and look as if they are open because they are clear and non glare. Great job. Once in a lifetime windows."

Jack W.

"Excellent service. We order two impact sliding glass windows for our condo in Gulf Shores, great price, quick response time. Installation was done in one day, extremely clean and a very solid job. The quality of the doors is excellent! You can open them with one finger! Overall 10 out 10 for Window World!"

Joaquin D.

"We had a great experience from Sales to Install. The install crew was great, so thorough and respectful. We love our windows! We did have a minor issues with a few screens that they said would be addressed. I havent seen anyone yet but trust they will come back with replacements. We also discovered we have 1 window that pops up and needs to be held down to lock. This has been reported and, againi trust them to make adjustments as needed."

Joanne C.

"We had 5 windows replaced this winter and are very happy with the end result. From the point of contact to final install, Window World and all of their employees were professional, courteous and friendly. They delivered the windows well ahead of their original estimate, which was great. The installers were prompt and did a fantastic job with the install, including leaving the job site clean. I would definitely recommend Window World to my neighbors and friends."

Tom M.

"Staff from sales to service and install were so friendly and efficient. We always consult with our son before taking on projects and he said the pricing was right on point. Love our new windows and the guarantee that goes with them. We highly recommend Window World."

Nancy N.

"Professionalism from start to finish. Everything was exactly as described. Al except for the wait time between ordering to installation. Was projected 8-12 weeks and I believe it was right at 5 weeks I received the call to schedule installation. Would absolutely recommend to any and everyone needing windows. Not to mention 2 years same as cash financing. Make sure to choose Window World for your new windows! You will NOT be disappointed"

Brett H.

"We love our WW windows! WW installers were very professional, and performed the removal of our old windows, and expert installation of our new windows! They cleaned up after the job was finished, and you couldn't tell they had even been there, except for the beautiful windows they put in. We are extremely satisfied with our WW windows!"

Mark M.