Seal around windows

Jupiter01 · 23 Feb 2020

I had these windows installed 4 years ago and have noticed rainwater seeping through the sides. Upon closer inspection, I can see that the caulk/sealant has deteriorated and there are clear voids which may have been breached during the recent downpours.

I have a few questions please:
- is it normal for this to happen after a few years and this requiring re-sealing?
- am I better served by using a plastic moulding (similar time the top) along the sides?
- I have sealed my bath a few times using a fugi profiling tool but never approached this. I would welcome any tips.

Thanks in advance.

plastic_peanut · 23 Feb 2020

The recent wind driven rain has higligbted I have a similar issue.
I can also see where the sealant has been badly installed so I will be tackling it with my silicone and caulking gun.

I wouldn’t say it is necessarily normal but depends on the quality of the installer

CBW · 23 Feb 2020

Wouldn’t have said normal after 4 years, but I suppose it depends on quality of sealant used and it’s expiry date. Nothing lasts forever

opps · 28 Feb 2020

Glazers often use the cheapest silicone that they can find.

Consider a dedicated silicone frame sealant such as Dow 796

https://www.screwfix.com/p/dow-796-upvc-silicone-sealant-brilliant-white-310ml/40004

Jupiter01 · 2 Mar 2020

Thanks for the responses. How does this differ to the process of sealing around the bath please? I am familiar with this.
I assume that the fugi spreader doesn't have any applicability here as the surfaces are not smooth i.e. bricked walls. This product is always less smooth and aesthetically pleasing compared to bath sealant in my experience. I am guessing this also means it has a different application method.

I would appreciate any insight and advice into this please.

opps · 2 Mar 2020

The Fugi won't help given that the bricks are rough. I would recommend using masking tape and dipping your finger in dilute washing up liquid. Smooth off and remove the tape. Then run your finger over it again. If you accidentally stray over the tape the fugi can be used to remove the excess silicone.

jj4091 · 2 Mar 2020

Low Modulus Neutral (LMN) Silicone Sealants Choose a seal, don't cut the applicator hole too big, get the sealer into the gap between frame & bricks, keep applying until it comes above the surface of the window by a couple of mm. Then as opps says very. gently run a wet finger over the surface to smooth without creating a bow wave.

Jupiter01 · 2 Mar 2020

https://www.screwfix.com/p/dow-796-upvc-silicone-sealant-brilliant-white-310ml/40004
Is this a LMN Sealant?

opps · 2 Mar 2020

Jupiter01 said:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/dow-796-upvc-silicone-sealant-brilliant-white-310ml/40004
Is this a LMN Sealant?

Yes it is.

https://www.dow.com/en-us/pdp.dowsil-796-neutral-silicone.04008636h.html

Jupiter01 · 2 Mar 2020

Are these as sticky and messy as the bathroom sealants?
Also, why are they rarely finished to a smooth finish? i.e. usually like this:

opps · 2 Mar 2020

That was badly applied.

Silicone will not stick to a finger that has been dipped into dilute washing up liquid.

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