double glazed window frames leak

fruitpie

Hi all,

Our double glazed window frames are letting letting rain water in. Each time it rains, wet/damp patches are appearing on the inside window reveals damaging the wallpaper, and brickwork too I guess.

Moved into this house Dec 2005, and no paperwork at all relating to who fitted these windows ! we think that they were fitted about 2002/2003.

Is there anyway of telling from the markings on the frames which company fitted them?

woo

probably not - most companies buy in the frames and glass and just fit them.

nelly_2

Deffinately not I'd say, did you get a Fensa certificate in your searches?

Anyway get a joiner or window fitter to reseal them, it ai'nt a major job couple of hundred quid-ish.

fruitpie

nelly wrote:

Deffinately not I'd say, did you get a Fensa certificate in your searches?

Anyway get a joiner or window fitter to reseal them, it ai'nt a major job couple of hundred quid-ish.

Hi nelly, No, I know nothing about FENSA searches and our Sol never mentioned anything like that. What should we have a Cert for ?

nelly_2

I cant remember if it is 2002 or 2003 but all windows fitted after April in that year had to be fitted by a Fensa aproved company or have a council inspection, and that'd tell you the name of the firm.

However it sounds like they were fitted previous to that anyway.

Rex_Mundi

Part L of the building regs came into force April 2002. Any windows fitted before then don't need any certificates. Windows fitted after then need either a FENSA, or local council building regs certificate to say that they comply with these updated regs. Normally, when the property is surveyed when it's sold. The surveyor should pick up the approximate age of the windows, and whether they need the certificate. If this wasn't mentioned at the time you bought the house, I wouldn't worry about it. The surveyor must have judged that the windows were installed before the regs changed. If you replace any of the windows in the future, you must make sure that you have the certificate. You will need this if you sell the house.

As far as the seals go.................

It sounds like all the outside sealant needs cutting out and renewing. This is job a competant DIYer could do. All the silicone/mastic around the windows on the outside will need cutting, then pulling out. A new seal needs to be gunned around the frames. Frame sealant is good for this because it will move with the frame when it expands/contracts in the hot and cold weather.

To remove the old sealant.......First cut it both sides with a Stanley knife, pull out the sealant, then clean the frame, and wall as best you can. When the sealant is cleaned off, the new seal can be gunned in (a good seal is needed). I always like to use expanding foam first if the gap between the frame and the wall is more than about 5mm/6mm, but this is optional.

fruitpie

Many many thanks rex_mudi for your informative reply - its much appreciated. Will get the work done asap. Will use expanding foam but what sort/make of sealant should I use ?

The marking on the Ali strip is - ASU BS 5713 KM41482 any ideas what this means ? Cheers

Rex_Mundi

Any of THESE sealants should do you (I wouldn't be tempted by the cheapest ones though). Get the same colour sealant as your frames.

The mark on the Ali strip is the British Standards mark for the DG units. This just means that they comply to a certain standard.

fruitpie

Rex_Mundi wrote:

Any of THESE sealants should do you (I wouldn't be tempted by the cheapest ones though). Get the same colour sealant as your frames.

The mark on the Ali strip is the British Standards mark for the DG units. This just means that they comply to a certain standard.

Thanks again Rex Mundi - I will get the best sealant as I want a proper job doing. Cheers :beer: