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Window sealing

  • 22-01-2013 7:26pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,760 ✭✭✭


    I've just had new double glazed windows installed. The gaps around the windows were filled with expanding foam and then sealed. The outside has been plastered where needed and sealed. I've noticed that the bottom of the frame isn't sealed. Before the window boards went down there was a couple of spots where a fairly big draft was coming in. With the window boards down the draft coming inside is gone but I'm afraid it's just diverted. The wall construction is a cavity wall with the inside batoned and insulated then slabbed. I'm afraid the draft will reduce the efficiency of the wall insulation and possibly cause dampness too. In the bedroom there's a few damp spots on the vertical reveal and in the ensuite, which isn't heated and usually cold, there's a damp patch on the window board where it's meets the frame. The frame has a lip at the front. I'm considering as to whether I can fill this gap with expanding foam. I think this will seal the window at the bottom and offer insulation, however small. I've included an image with a side profile to show what I mean. The section I am planning to fill I have marked in red. Is it normal for the installer to leave the bottom unsealed? Any advice is appreciated.

    ay7v48.jpg


Comments

  • Subscribers Posts: 42,171 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    'most' windows have weep holes to drain condensate so one thing to ensure that you are not filling these. usually they are visible on the frame to the front, rather than under it, but just bear that in mind.

    also, are the windows taped in any way to the inner block wall?

    whats in your cavity?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,953 ✭✭✭aujopimur


    The bottom of the frame where it sits on the cill riser ie the green part, should be bedded in sealent.
    The red part sould not be filled as it interferes with drip/drainage of the window frame.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,760 ✭✭✭Effects


    I dont know if it's bedded in sealant. The fact that I could feel a massive draft would make me think not. While waiting overnight before the window boards went down i had to plug the draft with some news paper. Maybe that was just that section. Weep vents are at the front and not affected by the red zone. But then a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,760 ✭✭✭Effects


    I wasn't here for the install so didn't see if there was anything used to bed the windows. I didn't see any tape with the inner block wall but the cavity is filled in the window openings with concrete as far as I could see. The cavity is empty. House was build in the early 80s. I'm beginning to wonder if the damp spots on the reveals are due to thermal bridging where the plasterboard is blobbed on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,760 ✭✭✭Effects


    So here's a photo of what's happening. Droplets of water can be clearly seen. Obviously it's been happening with the original single glazed windows but not as bad. I assume that there's less heat escaping the area with the new windows coupled with the cold weather. It's in three spots, the top center and bottom. The bottom is by far the worst. Any advice? Can I redo the reveals with insulated board?

    9gwors.jpg


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