How to fix gap between window and wall?

[LN1]

I removed a damaged and rotting pelmet which the old blind was attached to. Not sure how to fix the gap between the window and the wall so that a new blind or curtain can be installed.

[JacobZ]

Hi @LN1,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

Is it possible to get some photos showing how the window is finished on the sides?

Is there an architrave, or was the plaster just run straight up to the window frame?

Do you know what the wall is made of? Is it a timber or steel frame? Or is it brick or block?

Physically, there shouldn't be anything stopping you from installing a blind there, as there will be some kind of framing or structural member above the window. We just need to work out what the structural member would be to select the right kind of fixing.

Your issue is more of an aesthetic one, and emulating how the window was finished on the sides is likely the way to go. 

When we can see what was done on the sides, I will be happy to advise you on how to go about replicating it to ensure you have a uniform finish around your window.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[LN1]

Hi Jacob

Here is a photo of the window. The window was put in before I moved in and was previously a balcony. 

I think there was a problem with rain coming and new flashing was put in by former owner and a pelmet was used to hide everything.

The wall is brick.

Any advice on how to proceed?

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @LN1 

Thank you for sharing that extra photo of your window. It appears that a timber panel mould was used to trim your window assembly. I propose placing a piece of paper over the end of the panel mould and shading or tracing its shape with a pencil. I suggest brining this tracing with you to the store and see if you can find a similarly profiled piece of timber. Once you find a panel with a similar profile you can then install it above your window to cover the gap. 

However, before covering the gap, it's important to find out if water is entering through this gap from the outside. If it is, it must be addressed first and that will involve caulking the outside area of the window to make sure it is watertight. Once the outside has been delt with, the gap inside can now be filled in with a gap filler.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.  

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @LN1 

@EricL and @JacobZ have given the same route I would follow through, first to make sure its not allowing water to enter from outside and then to repaiur the window edge/sill.

As to the blind, I have seen blinds attached to the arkitrave around windows (Mine is even tho Im not supper keen on the idea. Mine is flat tho and yours looks like its shapped. So we are back to the make up of the wall itself? It kind of looks like a masonary wall but could you verify it?

I like the idea of added blocks to attach the curtain rail to. It distribuates the weight of the attachment around the area, Wether its plaster or masonary a timber block is a tidy solution. (Tho as a reminder you can attach the curtain to the arkitrave )

Dave

[LN1]

Thanks Eric 

I will do try and match the timber panel mould as you suggested.

[LN1]

Thanks Dave

The idea of the blocks sounds good.

[Nailbag]

Hi @LN1 

Assuming the water ingress is resolved then as @EricL mentioned covering the gap with a matching trim architrave profile will work. But I would use a silicone filler in the gap first to prevent any airflow from outside.

If the interior walls are masonry/double brick, you wont be able to brad nail the architrave into place. Instead it will require masonry fasteners. And as such I would avoid fixing curtain/blind brackets to the architrave as it will eventually pull out during use. Use masonry fasteners direct to the wall instead.

Nailbag

[LN1]

Thanks Nailbag . 

Very helpful advice.