How to stop water leaking through wooden window frame?

[yZh1990]

Hey everyone

I noticed a puddle of water on the floor below this leak today. When I looked further, it was water dripping down. These windows are wooden framed. I live in an older apartment on the second floor, so there's no way to go outside and inspect where the water is entering without a ladder (Don't have one) 

I know ultimately its probably best to replace the frames but i'm not really financially able to do that, is there any way I can fix this myself? And what products would I be looking at getting if so? 

Thanks everyone 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @yZh1990. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about fixing a leak.

As long as the window frame hasn’t been structurally damaged by rot or decay, it can be repaired and the leak stopped. But the key thing here is that the fix needs to happen from the outside. The window frame likely needs to be resealed and proper flashing installed to prevent water from getting in during rain. Once water has made it to the inside of your wall or window frame, there’s unfortunately nothing you can do from the inside to stop it—it’s already inside the building envelope at that point.

If you’re in a strata-managed building, it’s worth checking with the body corporate. Water ingress from the building’s exterior is often considered a common property issue, so they may take responsibility for investigating and repairing it, especially as leaks can affect the overall building integrity.

Until someone can get up there safely to investigate and seal the exterior properly, your best bet inside is to dry the area thoroughly and keep it monitored for any signs of mould or wood softening. But for a long-term solution, an external repair by a professional (or arranged by strata) is really the only way to go.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[yZh1990]

Hey Mitchell 

Thanks so much for your helpful reply 

I sent through a quote request to a place and they quoted $953 for this. Based on your experience of fixing things, is this normal? It seems absolutely ridiculous to me. The issue does seem small with the key being that it has to be investigated from the outside. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @yZh1990,

It all comes down to the scope of the repair. If the repair was just a quick bead of silicone around the window frame, then $953 is pretty ridiculous, but if the job requires removing and replacing elements of the window, adding things like flashings, waterproofing tape, or house wrap, then the price seems more reasonable as there is more time, effort and materials involved.

I'd suggest getting 2 more quotes and asking for them to break down what they will do to carry out the repair. You can then compare them and choose the one that seems best to you.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their thoughts.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @yZh1990 

@MitchellMc makes some good points re: strata title being responsible for making the repair as any water ingress will be from an external building source. If not, then I would start with a plumber to inspect the window again externally to check the condition of the window flashings and establish if that is the source of the water ingress. If not then that same person can start investigation on an above window issue. Bottom line is that needs to be identified and rectified before the window can be repaired. 

If you can follow this plan first, we can then advise on any next steps re the window being repairable or in need of replacement. Remember it's not worth fixing or replacing anything if the cause is not FIRST rectified.

Regarding answering the question of if $953 sounds reasonable I agree with @JacobZ that this is ridiculous and more inline with an entire window replacement depending on its size and whats is required to replace.

Nailbag

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good afternoon @yZh1990 

When you say "send through a request" did anyone come out to inspect the window?

I agree with @JacobZ  in trying for a few more quotes. A timber framed window can have a bunch of issues with it but until someone gets up there then a quote is a ball in the sky type deal. 

Keep in mind a timber window repair can cost more depending on the issue with the runners and counterweights in the sides. I would like @JacobZ has suggested get them to list the issues and explain each and why they need to do so.

Dave

[yZh1990]

Hey there

No, no ones actually come by to check it out yet. It's been hard. I've emailed a bunch of places but its been way harder than I thought. The quote came from a place which asked me to send through a photo - the same one I posted here was what I sent. 

Also, just re the above. Can a plumber actually come and look at my windows? That's so weird to me, thought they'd only be dealing with pipes but I really am out of my depth with anything DIY which is why i'm here lol. Also just for clarity, I'm the very top apartment so there's noone above me that could be creating this issue. It's also been advised that this is my responsibility to rectify as its only affecting my windows. 

Good idea to just keep trying and asking them to clearly state what each instalment costs/why its needed. I might keep trying w that in mind. 

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @yZh1990 

You could also search for a window glazier for a quote. They spealise in the repair and install of windows. 

I would generally forget anyone who quoted something sight unseen btw. There is no way in you know what I am parting with money over someones pricing without them seeing the actuall issue

"Out of your depth" well at first it may feel that way but give it a few months of hanging out amongst these pages and you will pick up terms and the general steps things get done. I have seen some pretty concerned people stretch their legs and become very proficient with their knowledge. We all start from somewhere

We are a friendly bunch of people and remember "There is no wrong questions"

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @yZh1990,

It can be a bit confusing working out what trade is necessary when you aren't 100% sure what the actual issue is, you can just see the effect of the issue.

Plumbers deal with roofs, gutters and any leaks associated with them, so if the source of the leak is the roof or gutters above, then they are certainly a potential option.

The other trade you should be looking at is a glazier. They deal with the installation and subsequent sealing of any glass in your home. If the source of the leak is the seal around the glass, then they would be the best trade for the work.

Due to the proximity to the glass, I would probably look at a glazier before a plumber. Have one come to quote and ask them for their recommendations. If they say the leak isn't actually from the window seal and it is coming from the roof, then a plumber who specialises in roofs (roof plumber) is the way to go.

You can use a service such as HiPages or True Local to find local tradespeople who should be able to come out and give a quote.

If you have any questions along the way, as @Dave-1 has said, we are always happy to help.

Jacob