Where's the water coming from? (UPVC windows)

Ken2000 · 29 January 2016 at 2:38PM

Hi,

We have triple glazing in our house, which was installed before we moved in, however, it's still covered under the installer's warranty. That said their after-sales service isn't brilliant.

A couple of months ago, we noticed water pooling on the internal sill, and with the installers not being able to make it up for a couple of months, I put duct tape around the join between the window and the frame. The windows open inward, and I applied duct tape to the exterior. However, this made no difference to water coming in.

I would post photos, but am not allowed to.

Eventually, the installers did send someone round, who replaced both gaskets (shown on the attached photos) and checked the drainage channel, so we thought that that would be the end of it.

Nope. A few days later, we noticed the pooling again, so somehow, it would seem that water has passed through one gasket, skipped the drainage channel and passed through the second gasket. I've had a look, and the drainage channel is dry. So I'm at a loss as to where the water is coming from. Could anyone advise please?

phil24_7 · 29 January 2016 at 2:50PM

Condensation forming on the inside of the glass or window frame?

wrightk · 29 January 2016 at 3:16PM

Ken2000 wrote: »

Hi,

We have triple glazing in our house, which was installed before we moved in, however, it's still covered under the installer's warranty. That said their after-sales service isn't brilliant.

A couple of months ago, we noticed water pooling on the internal sill, and with the installers not being able to make it up for a couple of months, I put duct tape around the join between the window and the frame. The windows open inward, and I applied duct tape to the exterior. However, this made no difference to water coming in.

I would post photos, but am not allowed to.

Eventually, the installers did send someone round, who replaced both gaskets (shown on the attached photos) and checked the drainage channel, so we thought that that would be the end of it.

Nope. A few days later, we noticed the pooling again, so somehow, it would seem that water has passed through one gasket, skipped the drainage channel and passed through the second gasket. I've had a look, and the drainage channel is dry. So I'm at a loss as to where the water is coming from. Could anyone advise please?

Are you sure you're not over thinking this one? Sounds like condensation

Smiley_Dan · 29 January 2016 at 4:47PM

How wide are the cavities? A lot of so called 3G are sold by companies like Anglian but have the same total cavity as 2G, meaning no better. Hence, condensation.

For 'proper' 3G you have to be going some to get condensation. You're more likely to get condensation outside.

Furts · 29 January 2016 at 5:06PM

Ken2000 wrote: »

Hi,
The windows open inward. Could anyone advise please?

I do not know where you are located but standard UK made windows do not open inwards. The reason being the risk of rain penetration. (Windows open outwards and close against an upstand to prevent rain coming in. Also drainage slots direct water in the opening direction.)

From your explanation you have unusual windows hence it is not possible to give a reply. My intuition is it is either condensation, or water is in the profiles and coming out onto your cills

Smiley_Dan · 29 January 2016 at 5:15PM

Inwards opening may be a sign that they *are* proper 3G. Quite common in northern europe. Also quite convenient for cleaning and maintenance. Properly installed they are perfectly weather tight.

Furts · 29 January 2016 at 8:30PM

Smiley_Dan wrote: »

Inwards opening may be a sign that they *are* proper 3G. Quite common in northern europe. Also quite convenient for cleaning and maintenance. Properly installed they are perfectly weather tight.

A fair comment but many inward opening windows have shutters outside plus large roof overhangs and deeper reveals to the openings.

The give away guideline is the windows are made of pvcu. Good windows be they in apartment blocks, or commercial buildings, or good quality houses such as self builds and passiv haus are not made in pvcu.

I know the weaknesses of pvcu windows - they are dire but I have them on my home just like countless other people. I accept that they are cheap as chips and this was the deciding factor when I chose mine. Cost won over quality!