Window Damage – Water Intrusion

We helped a homeowners insurance carrier to conduct an on-site review of conditions for an independent engineering evaluation report.

The Challenge

In early 2026, the homeowners of a two-story, 4,000 square-foot residence located in Wylie, Texas observed water damage to the interior of their residence after an ice and snow event. They decided to file an insurance claim for water damage to interior elements including window damage with their insurance carrier claiming that the storm event caused the damage.

Higgins & Associates were contacted by their insurance carrier to conduct an on-site review of the conditions and to develop an independent engineering evaluation report identifying the contributing cause(s) of the water damage to the residence.

Our Approach

Upon us arriving at the residence, the homeowners directed our attention to areas of water damage on the interior near the rear wall in the living room of the home, then directed our attention to the windowsills on the rear wall of the living room. The homeowners added that during the last ice & snow event, ice and snow had piled up against the exterior brick wall below the lower installed windows.

Higgins & Associates conducted detailed observations of the affected interior and exterior building components and were able to determine the primary causes of the water intrusion to be from deteriorated window framing damaged by hail impact which were previously paid for in a prior claim around 2016. The homeowners only replaced two of the original windows, which left 5 original windows from 2010 in place. Due to prior storm impact to the original windows, as well as improper drainage from the pool deck surface directly adjacent to the window bank, routine water intrusion appeared to have been ongoing for years. There was also evidence of heavy water staining, corrosion and degradation of building components, specifically the windows and windowsills, due to long term exposure to water. In short, it was determined that the water intrusion and resultant damage was caused by voids to the original window frames, missing and/or degraded sealant and the subsequent failure to repair or replace them from the previous claim. Additionally, the lack of proper drainage slope along this exterior brick wall section is likely a contributor to water intrusion at this wall and window bank.

The Results

Higgins & Associates were able to determine the exact cause of the water intrusion at the residence so that the insurance carrier could make a determination regarding peril coverage for the claim. Additionally, due to the extent of damage to the windows and building components, we recommended that the original deteriorated vinyl windows be replaced, replacement of sealants on both sides of the window openings, repair brick mortar joints as required. Repairs should be made to the interior elements affected by long-term water intrusion, specifically the windowsills. Correction of the drainage slope of the concrete pool deck to a minimum of 2% from the perimeter of the foundation toward the 4” drain and the pool should be completed as well. Additionally, it may be helpful to install a rain gutter along the perimeter of the gazebo roof with downspouts to ensure that rainwater from the gazebo roof drains away from the Residence foundation. The gazebo should also be properly anchored to the concrete pool deck to remain secure and not be affected by high winds.