Noise from windows when windy

ThisIsWeird

That's a decorative quadrant trim that's presumably been glued/sealanted into place? What are the chances of the actual window behind it not having been sealed either?

And what are the chances of water coming down that brickwork finding its way directly into that gap?

Peter, when were these windows installed? Do you know the company that did it?

Any mileage in contacting them, and asking them 'nicely' to sort it correctly? Ie, oblige them, as they should feel obliged to.

If that gap is foghorning, then it suggests the actual window hasn't been sealed, let alone the decor trim.

At this time of year they are unlikely to be installing many windows, so should have staff falling over themselves to come out and sort this - ladder and 40 mins work. If they value their reputation.

peter021072

ThisIsWeird said:

That's a decorative quadrant trim that's presumably been glued/sealanted into place? What are the chances of the actual window behind it not having been sealed either?

And what are the chances of water coming down that brickwork finding its way directly into that gap?

Peter, when were these windows installed? Do you know the company that did it?

Any mileage in contacting them, and asking them 'nicely' to sort it correctly? Ie, oblige them, as they should feel obliged to.

If that gap is foghorning, then it suggests the actual window hasn't been sealed, let alone the decor trim.

At this time of year they are unlikely to be installing many windows, so should have staff falling over themselves to come out and sort this - ladder and 40 mins work. If they value their reputation.

I had the windows and door installed in 2011 with a 10 year guarantee.  There were a number of problems with the installation, mainly the related door, so not this gap business. I recall asking for a small reduction ~10% if the issue couldn't be rectified, then paying them in full anyway as a matter of goodwill. They didn't do anything. I complained on Checkatrade, whilst FENSA said it was Trading Standards I should contact. The company doxed me against the terms of the site. In short I don't think they will help, although if it's a clear problem of faulty installation, perhaps.

peter021072

I've sealed the gap this morning. Not the neatest job hanging out of the window, but if it's the cause it should work. It's going to to be a howler tonight, so a good test.

peter021072

I was getting confident until 3am when I was awoke by the 'foghorn'. According to forecast there were 50mph West gusts at that time, almost flush on to the window. So I gave up trying to sleep and got up at 4:30 am!   The next 50mph gusts are scheduled for 4am again tomorrow morning from the North.  Of course the direction is important.

To be fair I think it would have started at gusts above 30mph before, which was blowing in the late evening without a whimper, and it may be coming from a different window now, but I'm not sure.  Probably find out tomorrow when the weather gets better if the putty has held or if there's any more gaps I've missed.

ThisIsWeird

peter021072 said:

I was getting confident until 3am when I was awoke by the 'foghorn'. According to forecast there were 50mph West gusts at that time, almost flush on to the window. So I gave up trying to sleep and got up at 4:30 am!   The next 50mph gusts are scheduled for 4am again tomorrow morning from the North.  Of course the direction is important.

To be fair I think it would have started at gusts above 30mph before, which was blowing in the late evening without a whimper, and it may be coming from a different window now, but I'm not sure.  Probably find out tomorrow when the weather gets better if the putty has held or if there's any more gaps I've missed.

Since you're awake, best stick yer ear close to each window, and try and sort out where the issue is

I suspect a rubber seal vibrating like a reed, so the window openers will likely need tightening down more firmly, but don't know how to do this.

The gap you just filled, although looking suspect, would likely - if air were getting through - be more a whistle, as there's nothing there to actually vibrate like a 'horn.

peter021072

ThisIsWeird said:

Since you're awake, best stick yer ear close to each window, and try and sort out where the issue is

I suspect a rubber seal vibrating like a reed, so the window openers will likely need tightening down more firmly, but don't know how to do this.

The gap you just filled, although looking suspect, would likely - if air were getting through - be more a whistle, as there's nothing there to actually vibrate like a 'horn.

I'm reasonably sure the noise comes from the middle top of the west window  when a westerly wind is blowing, not far from the opening point, and somewhere around the north window when a northerly wind is blowing, but it's difficult to get up to that. It's the same horn type of noise though, and there's no open crack outside in the north window.

The rubber seal was always the chief suspect, but there's nothing obviously frayed.  They might be raised in the corners though. I've spent many hours over the years trying to locate a leak, it isn't easy when the noise sometimes comes every 5 minutes then does nothing for an hour, and not always when the wind is strongest.  I've tried placing soapy water over any potential crack to create bubbles and dangling bits of note paper to see if they flap, there's no draught I can detect. It might be getting through the outer and not inner seal. 

Last night I raised the seal thickness in the north window by 1mm by placing an extra strip around on top of the old one.  It still blew a racket in those 50mph gusts. The window in the other small office room and all the down stairs rooms were quiet during this time. 

I found a temporary solution, sleeping pills, the type which the GP told me to come off due to side effects. I've only got one left!