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Resealing windows to exterior

  • 20-10-2013 9:55am
    #1
    ravendude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭


    Hi there,
    I just noticed that the mastic to the exterior of the window frames is pretty severely receded in places. There are gaps of several millimetres into the sides of the frames in places. I assume this would effect the warmth of the house?

    One thing is that at the bottom of the frames, down by the sill, there is no silicone. Is there a reason for this, (other than the usual shoddy workmanship) or am I good to silicone down along the sills too?

    Also, it's mostly around by the red brick facade that is siliconed (although not very well. Or it has receded at least). A few windows sit into plastered block and there is no silicone visible on these.
    I'm planning on siliconing everywhere including down by the sills and around the plastered block bits too. Any reason why I shouldn't do this?

    Also, should I remove the old/existing silicone(would probably be a pain I think), or is it fine just to silicone over it?
    Cheers!


Comments

  • #2
    whizbang
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭whizbang


    As you have noticed, its the quality of the mastic sealant used that determines how good the job is.

    So be careful what you use. Sorry i cant recommend any one in particular. Maybe some others can??

    Not sure about sealing the base of the windows. Sometimes there are drain holes or even vents in the frame, that exit at the base.
    Usually the sealing is done deeper in, when windows are installed.


  • #3
    Cycling Dumbasses
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 417 ✭✭Cycling Dumbasses


    At the bottom of the window you wont normally see any silicone as it is normally silicon-ed to the exterior window sill with non curing silicone, it sounds like your silicone is perished i.e its lifetime is up, silicone is not a main insulator for keeping a house warm.


  • #4
    ravendude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭ravendude


    Thanks for the feedback. OK, I was thinking the absence of any silicone at the bottom was a bit too conspicuous, so I'll leave that and just do around the top and sides.
    Yep, I'm aware silicone doesn't have insulating properties per se, - but the gaping holes around the frame can't be good for airtightness and cold air coming closer to the inside of the house may cause some thermal bridging etc..

    Some of the gaps are 5mm or more I'd say, - I'm wondering if there is any benefit from putting some expanding foam in there and siliconing over.
    - My past experiences with expanding foam haven't been great, - found it messy and awkward to work with, - (ie. expanding too much and very difficult to get off hands afterwards).


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