Large gaps between frame and wall: filling techniques

[mike004]

70s bungalow. Just been redecorating the spare room.

On removing the existing wallpaper round the window reveal, I found that the previous occupants had wallpapered, then applied sealant *on top of* the wallpaper to fill the gap between the UPVC window and the wall.

Removing the wallpaper pulls away the sealant bead. This has revealed some pretty large gaps between the window frame and wall. I can poke my finger through some of the gaps!

Question: To fill an half-inch gap round the window frame. Apply sealant with a "gun" or rough-fill first with something else (polyfilla?) to get the gap down to decent proportions.

Mike

 

[DAZB]

It would be better to use Expanding Foam to fill the gaps and then cut it back and fill over when it is set. Be careful with the foam though because a little does go a long way.

 

[mike004]

It would be better to use Expanding Foam to fill the gaps and then cut it back and fill over when it is set. Be careful with the foam though because a little does go a long way.

Yes, I've heard a few stories about this stuff.
As I'm a relative DIY newbie I may stick to polyfilla to reduce the gap in places.

Mike

 

[breezer]

no stick (literaly) with the foam, pollyfilla will shrink and crack

 

[jbonding]

like dazb said put a thin bead of foam along the gap stand back and watch, it grows and axpands, they should call it exp..... to late. if the gap is too big maybe stick a plastic bead on.

 

[mike004]

>if the gap is too big maybe stick a plastic bead on.<

Thanks for your reply.

I've decided to stick on a white rubber bath sealing strip, rather than mess about with silicone sealant. It shouldn't be exposed to too much water -- I see there is some sort of black plastic layer behind the UPVC frame.

Mike

 

[sandwell]

I think expanding foam is ideal for this job.