Browse Forums Windows & Doors 1 Apr 03, 2013 6:24 am Hi all, I'm after any help or advice to fix a leaking window problem. I've had 6 windows that I know of that have failed and leaked. These leaks have caused some minor to major damage to flooring, walls and structural beams. The windows are an aluminium sliding type that are approximately 1.5 X 1.5M with one fixed 5mm glass window and one sliding 5mm glass window. They all seam to be leaking from the sides as if the gaskets that seal the bottom profile to the uprights has failed and water is leaking from hear into the houses timber frame. The external drain holes are clear, the frames and lower profile are clean and clear with no obstructions. It is a timber framed home with foam insulated fibre cement cladding that is rendered up to the window frames on the outside. I've had the window company out and was advised to drill some more drain holes. I've used Sikaflex 11FC to seal the lower corners but the leaks continued. The window sills were a 10 degree render to the front face of the lower frame with a 0 degree cutout at each end to accommodate the drain holes that exit through the bottom of the lower profile. This was a water tight installation for many years but we have had some big storms and cracks between the render and the lower window frame was evident. I have cut away and lowered the existing rendered sill and installed plastic sills that are sealed to the underside of the lower profile clear of the drain holes. Hopefully this has fixed the problem but we haven't had a decent storm since. Initial estimates to repair the damage included the cost of window replacement as if there was something wrong with my windows. This prompted me to visit some window manufacturers where I discovered most windows are constructed in a similar way and standard. I know this previous statement could be debated but the point is that my windows have no significant difference and I cant see the point in replacing them. One point that does disappoint me is that all the manufacturers I visited offer a seven year warrantee which I find to be a bit poor when you consider the average home mortgage is thirty years. Before any repair work begins I must ensure that the windows are watertight. The lower corners appear to be a weak spot with a simple gasket and one screw. I understand the design with the flashing and waterproof membrane but surely it would be better to keep the water out than let it in and funnel it out. Lets assume that the flashing and membrane have failed, how can these corners be made watertight? Why aren't windows manufactured with welded lower corners? I don't want to replace like for like. If I have to replace the windows I want to go for stronger ones. I didn't have much confidence in the existing windows in our last big storm. Can I replace the existing 5mm float glass with 5mm toughened in the existing frames or will the frames be a weak point and need replacing/upgrading also? If anyone can help or offer comment it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Steve. Re: How to fix leaking windows? 2Apr 05, 2013 10:16 am Hi Can you put up some pics? Why do you think the windows are leaking, could it be the roof? Often leaks will manifest around windows but originate elsewhere. If you have sealed the aluminium joins, then this is unlikely to be the point of origin. I don't understand how the drain holes are clear, but you appear to have render up to the sill with cutouts at the ends. Drain holes are positioned evenly spaced in the sill so are likely to be behind the rendered part. Have you tried filling the track with water to see if it runs away? You can replace the float with toughened glass, but I don't think it is necessary for a sliding window, 5mm float should be strong enough. Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 Re: How to fix leaking windows? 3Apr 06, 2013 9:13 am Thanks for your reply Ed, I did tip water in the track prior to the corners being sealed and water came out and down the outer wall but also came in and was seen in the subfloor space too. Will toughened glass offer improvements in thermal and noise properties? Is there any point without upgrading the frames? Thanks Steve Re: How to fix leaking windows? 4Apr 06, 2013 1:50 pm SFC Thanks for your reply Ed, I did tip water in the track prior to the corners being sealed and water came out and down the outer wall but also came in and was seen in the subfloor space too. Will toughened glass offer improvements in thermal and noise properties? Is there any point without upgrading the frames? Thanks Steve Hi Steve, I don't undertand how water is escaping into your home from the track when the corners are sealed. Post some pics of the sill, are there drain holes that have been covered up and are leaking under the render and into your home? Toughened glass offers no thermal or acoustic benefits. Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair Hi, I've got a brand new (2nd hand) Bosch Hydropower 16H tankless hot water heater. Since it was installed I have noticed it leaks a lot. I took the cover off and it looks… 0 24134 Hey guys, what’s everyone opinion on James Hardie linea direct fix to frame? Would this be the most common method and anybody ever had any problems down the track? 0 5116 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair If the railhead is so poorly fixed it is also likely that the railhead is also non compliant, what about overflows and sealing railhead to the gutters?. 3 5963 |