Is this the result of a badly sealed in window?

[Vicki29]

My windows appear to have damp patches internally running down both sides as in the picture. The white silicone seal around the windows is old. Do you think the picture looks like wet as a result of the white silicone not being weather tight?

 

[opps]

The sealant in the photo is not silicone. You cannot paint over silicone, it repels paint. It is more likely to be a combination of caulk and filler.

I cannot say if it the result of condensation or thermal bridging. Sometimes caulks just discolour the emulsion applied over them though. In the absence of further info, I would not be overly worried.

 

[Vicki29]

Ah no I meant the seal on the outside of the windows is in poor condition. I’m just waiting for the bad weather here to improve before I have it redone. I was just wondering whether that could be the cause of it.

 

[opps]

Ah no I meant the seal on the outside of the windows is in poor condition. I’m just waiting for the bad weather here to improve before I have it redone. I was just wondering whether that could be the cause of it.

It is difficult to say without looking at it. On the balance of probability, I would not expect water ingress to discolour from the bottom of the window upwards. Additionally if it were down to water ingress, I would expect the emulsion to blister/etc.

 

[Vicki29]

Ah right. It’s on most of the windows. The paint isn’t blistering so maybe it is just if it’s been painted over something like you said.

 

[opps]

Ah right. It’s on most of the windows. The paint isn’t blistering so maybe it is just if it’s been painted over something like you said.

Some caulks will discolour the paint months down the line. I am a professional decorator. I do not understand why. When presented with such cases, I apply a coat of shellac paint, eg Zinnser BIN or Smith and Rodgers Blockaid as a primer.