Hole in uPVC window frame normal??

[barnabybear]

Our house (built 2013) has a non-opening uPVC window which has started leaking. Inspection outside revealed a big hole near the bottom, partially covered by a plastic strip (left). A neighbour's window has the same plastic strip but no hole is visible (right). Presumably the strip covers some kind of hole.

Window frame with hole

• barnabybear
• 31 May 2014
• 1

Neighbours window frame

• barnabybear
• 31 May 2014
• 1

Does anyone know if it's normal to fit windows like this? If so, should there be a big rough hole like the one shown?? (I've never seen a window frame with external holes.)

I've reported it to the developer but expect them to say it's normal and merely stick a bit of mastic over the hole, or something. I would be glad of any advice.

 

[crank39]

That is a drainage slot, it allows water to drain out of the hollow pvc frame, they then tidy it up with a cap that clips on, the slot should be a nice tidy 1 inch long and level, looks like your slot was drilled on a windy day,I guess all you can do now is situate the cap higher up to and hope you don't see the slot underneath

 

[Gazman16]

As mentioned its a drainage hole and unlikely to be causing your leak.
Adjust the cap up or put a small bead of silicone to make it look neater, Just dont block it up.

Can you show some picks of the leak area?

 

[crank39]

Is it me or is that cap on upside down too ?

 

[Gazman16]

lol good eyes. Looks like it may be

 

[phatboy]

A drainage hole on a welded corner? Seems unusual to me...?

 

[Gazman16]

I'm assuming from the picture that its a diamond shaped window in which case its the only place for it really

 

[crank39]

Unless the op has a thicker sock on one foot or maybe is even stood with one foot in a hole?

 

[barnabybear]

Thanks for the ideas. Yes, it's definitely a diamond-shaped window.

I've just taken another shot from a higher angle. Does this look right? Any clues about whether it's upside down?

Window hole from above

• barnabybear
• 1 Jun 2014
• 1

 

[crank39]

Most certainly upside down, just flick it off and turn it round to see how it fits

 

[phatboy]

Definitely looks upside down.

The mortar around the frame also is looking very poor for a 1 year old house.

 

[crank39]

Definitely looks upside down.

The mortar around the frame also is looking very poor for a 1 year old house.

Its in a sandstone surround, wheres the mortar?

 

[phatboy]

Well, its in poor condition for something 1 year old anyway. Looked like light mortar to me.

 

[barnabybear]

As mentioned its a drainage hole and unlikely to be causing your leak.
Adjust the cap up or put a small bead of silicone to make it look neater, Just dont block it up.

Can you show some picks of the leak area?

Here is a pic of the inside: not much to see except a water stain and the sealant has separated from the frame.

Window leak

• barnabybear
• 1 Jun 2014
• 1

But I'm curious why you said the hole is unlikely to be causing the leak? The site manager might well say the same thing and I need to know whether he's right.

To me (not an expert), a downward facing hole makes sense for drainage but an upward facing hole looks like it would just let water in rather than out.

Thanks a lot!

 

[barnabybear]

The mortar around the frame also is looking very poor for a 1 year old house.

Its in a sandstone surround, wheres the mortar?

Yes it's a sandstone surround (I think), but the mastic around the window is in poor condition: it looks like the bottom part of it has been replaced for some reason.