Replacing sealant

[bethrob99]

The sealant around the PVCu door and windows installed a little under 10 years ago has gaps all over. Frames and units are fine - just draughty, leaky gaps everywhere. I tried to replace some around the front bay window myself last year and made quite a mess so what do you advise?

I contacted the original installers who quoted £400 to replace all sealant to front of house but they have failed to a) put quote in writing or b) give date for work to commence so I don't hold much hope there.

 

[breezer]

also sounds expensive for a couple of tubes of mastic and a ladder

 

[bethrob99]

A very long ladder - 3 storey house!!

 

[breezer]

probably why then, they may be quoting for a cherry picker or scafholding

 

[bethrob99]

If the original installers aren't interested in making my allegedly Weatherproof Windows literally weatherproof, what chance have I of getting anybody else?

That leaves me then, and I need to know what materials I should purchase; there is a vast range of sealants and I don't want to pick the wrong stuff. Secondly, as I find it diffiicult enough to seal round a bath while keeping both feet on a flat surface, any tips on sliding down a ladder while running 2 metre + bead of recommended sealant.

 

[breezer]

practice on the ground floor windows first.

if its 3 storeys high, dont use a ladder too dangerous

 

[bethrob99]

I'll settle for ground and first floor for now. I can hang out of 2nd floor window later.

Do I need to remove all trace of old sealant or can I go over some bits?
Should I use a proprietary PVC cleaner before starting, any recommended or to be avoided? Which sealant should I purchase? Come on folks, someone must be able to advise me. Pleeeease.