ANALYZING AND REPAIRING LEAKS

In general, a leak is:

     (A) water infiltration between the stationary glass and the window frame.

     (B) water running down the inside of a ventilating pane

     (C) any condition where water accumulates in the windowsill, overflows, and runs down the inside wall.

The following are not automatically leaks:

(A)   Presence of water in the windowsill.  Ventilating windows     will often admit some water; this is particularly true when 

     subject to directed high pressure flows.  They are designed

     to manage the water that comes in during average storm

     events and normal vehicle washes. They cannot withstand  

    submersion, nor extraordinary flow velocities and volumes.     All ventilating sliding windows, and many awning-type windows are provided with "weep slots" or "drain slots."  These allow any water coming in, whether through bypassing the opening pane, or from condensation, to drain out, rather than be trapped inside the vehicle. 

  (B)Water running down the inside wall. If water appears between the window frame and the clamp ring, there is an installation leak, or the water is coming through the wall. Installation leaks occur when the window flange has not  been properly bedded; when the frame bedding has  become brittle or has been breached, such as by racking of the unit wall; improper hole cutouts, causing insufficient coverage by the mounting flange; and walls curved, preventing a continuous seal under the window flange; Water leaks through the wall may originate in several areas, often remote from the window.  Examples are: improperly sealed  clearance lights and seams in sidewall skins.

(C)  Loose glazing vinyl; in most cases, the glazing vinyl is

      cosmetic only and does not seal.  Look for gaps in the  

      bedding under the glass. If present, they should be lightly

      caulked, allowed to set up, and the vinyl replaced.