Damp patch by window

CatLady87

Hi all,

I have a recurring patch of damp by my living room window. The outside pointing was renewed a few years ago and looks okay. I had the room repainted but the damp patch has returned. Can anyone suggest a solution, please?

Many thanks

CatLady87

Doozergirl

Have you looked to see how well the window itself is sealed with silicon on the other side? 

CatLady87

Thank you. The frame has got pointing around the outside of the frame. I’m wondering if it’s damp because the plaster was exposed before and it probably needed sealing before painting?

CatLady87

Photo of outside - wondering if it’s sneaking in through there?

FreeBear

That is the most likely point where water is getting in. I'd suggest using some silicone sealant - Get the tip of the nozzle well in to the two holes, and pump it full. Smooth off with a damp sponge and leave to cure.

CatLady87

Thank you

Can you recommend any good brands please? Google is perplexing!

Jeepers_Creepers

CatLady87 said:

Photo of outside - wondering if it’s sneaking in through there?

As you suspect, that's by far the most likely point of entry. While you are at it, that sealant bead along the front of the plastic sill is also a bit ropey and would benefit from redoing.

Not sure what the best stuff to use is, but personally I'd steer away from silicone as paint doesn't tend to adhere to it. There must surely be some good quality frame sealants available that'll do the job better, and can be overpainted if needed.

I'll have a looksee - unless someone has a recommendation?

EDIT: Ok, most of the best do appear to be 'silicone' :-)

Dow and Everbuild seem well regarded. Dow 796 and Everbuild 825 LM.

Jeepers_Creepers

Worth also going for rubber shaping tools as these give a superb finish very easily. Something like https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-smoothing-tools-straight-joints/92313

CatLady87

Thanks folks! Dumb question, could I use the same silicone for said ‘ropey’ bit as well? Thank you!!

Grenage

I normally use Dow; you can use the same stuff for the ropey bit.