filling gaps around window frame/tricle vents

lydriver

trying to help eliminate road noise from outside

checked all round the window and found I could fit a credit card up between the frame and the side and top parts

took the trickle vent c off and found even bigger gaps above those, maybe 6-7mm deep and about an inch up the way again, problem is the vents go right up to the top of the frame so if I fill the gaps above the vents with silicon the covers are either going to get stuck to the silicon if I put them back on when it's wet or if I leave it to dry I doubt they'll go back on without removing some silicon

a pic to show what I mean...






post images

also the holes in the frames for the vents on this particular window are huge, it's only about 10 small drilled holes on a window in another room, there is also a gap between frame and ceiling that I think needs filled, but again the vents are so close to the top I'm not sure what to do

another pic of said window


should I maybe consider blocking the holes somehow, is that allowed?

also what kind of sealer to use? I have access to a gun and Purflex if that would do? or better to buy something specific for window frames?

Edit...actually...may have got this a bit wrong...is there supposed to be a seal of any kind on the inside? Just looking at other windows and see no signs of sealer on the inside

flashg67

Frame sealant or silicone should do I think. My vents are right to the top too - I took a chance and refitted them whilst the silcone was still wet.
My windows seem to be held in on a wing and a prayer with foam, so I have added sealant as the plaster board has shrunk back over time.
I'll end up posting on here no doubt at some point about how difficult they are to remove..... but I don't intend to remove them before I move again.

I have covered some of the holes in the vents with duct tape - no idea on the regs on this, but I'm sure I've seen that vents aren't currently needed, but nobody's going to remove them to check are they?

lydriver

the plaster shrinking makes sense
had a look outside, seal round the frame looks fine there
did filling the gaps on the inside help with yours at all?I take it you're trying to reduce noise too ro was it more for heat?

I've taped up all the vents now but can't really tell if it's better or not as I've had the windows open when doing it so just closing the windows has reduced the noise a lot!
should get a better idea tomorrow morning when the traffic gets heavy

phil24_7

I would personally run a bead around the inside and outside of the frame. The cracks are caused by different expansion and contraction rates between the wall and the frame. Even if it looks fine outside, it probably isn't.

Inside I would use acrylic sealant and externally I would use external frame sealant.