Why are Window and Door Sealants Important?

When our inspectors are on site assessing a property, one of the key items we look for is the condition of the window sealants, especially on wood trimmed windows.

The window sealant is a key piece of the exterior envelope on a building, and if the material has failed, you could be at risk of significant water ingress or even creating access for insects and pests like ants or wasps.

When sealants are applied at the time of construction, the wood trim on the window is new and fit flush to the window frame itself. Over time, the wood trim will shrink, cup or shift as the building settles to open up a gap which stretches the sealant, often beyond its tolerance. This will worsen if the protective coating on the trim board itself is not maintained and water is allowed to enter the wood. As the water evaporates out, the board will warp as it dries, speeding the process.

Over time, the gap that opens up costs the residents in heating and cooling costs, and if left for a prolonged period of time, the water ingress could cause rot inside the wall cavity requiring major surgery to the building to repair the damage.

If you’re at all concerned about the sealants or surface protection on your property, be sure to book an assessment with one of our experienced inspectors ASAP to get control of your exterior maintenance and prevent future problems on your building!