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How to fix small window leak?

Hi Everyone.

I'm new to Workshop.
During the recent wild storms in Sydney, I had rain coming directly at a southern window of my 'new' 1970's unit block with probably normal, but I call them rather small, eaves - and well there were a few small water leaks. Not major but still needs fixing. As a newbie please excuse if I don't know the terminology. The leak appeared to me to be coming from where the glass and frame are joined and sealed on the outside. I've been reading up on how to fix and what I need but I wonder how do I tell if the old window sealant is polyurethane and not silicone? And does that matter to what I patch it with i.e. thinking of going with the Bunnings recommendation of Selleys Clear Storm Sealant. Sorry I didn't think to take pictures at the time.

Thanks in advance

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Doors and Windows

Comments

EricL

Hello @NoWorries

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your window leak.

In order to give our members a better idea of your windows structure, would it be possible for you to post a few pictures of your window both inside and outside. We can then make recommendations on how to repair your window. For example, if you had a timber window that uses traditional linseed oil putty, I would recommend removing the old seal and replacing it with new Selleys 450g Linseed Oil Special Putty. But if it was an aluminium window, you can use Selleys 310g Clear Glass Silicone Sealant.

There are conditions when these simple repair steps are not applicable, so its best that we see the window first then we can make firm recommendations on how to repair it.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

NoWorries

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48301#Comment_48301

Okay - photos uploaded and where the cloths are, is where the leaks were. also was a purple cloth on the middle wood beam a couple of inches in from the right had upward frame but I moved it to see if there might have been a water mark left - but none. Now I am after a half decent and relatively quick fix for wild future storms. there have not been leaks in any other rain since I moved in in November - just the super gusty storm recently.

I do realise that the window could benefit from at minimum some bits of wood replaced if not complete replacement. And there are bigger external jobs that could be done however, I have just purchased the place and am still getting my head around how to get Strata to get jobs done in areas that are their responsibility [I've got a list] Thanks in advance. NoWorries 😁

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86235#Comment_86235

Hello @NoWorries

Thank you for sharing those photos of your window, they look fantastic by the way. They are timber windows and the seal at the front is linseed putty. If you are not yet prepared to remove the old linseed putty seal and put a new seal on, I suggest putting a bead of Selleys 310g Clear Glass Silicone Sealant inside and outside to temporarily seal up the window. This will seal up any gaps you might have in the timber window frame and prevent water from coming in.

However, at some point the old linseed putty will need to be replaced as they will continue to deteriorate. Before doing so I suggest sending an email to the strata of your plans as they might have a particular way of doing things.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

NoWorries

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108453#Comment_108453

Thanks Eric.

I'll get down to Bunnings and buy that product and any associated accessories required. And watch some how to do a half decent job videos 😁

I had quite a few big jobs completed prior to moving in, but still have some to do which involve Strata and possibly larger outlay [and I'm on the 3rd floor] but have already signalled some to them. I don't particularly like 'band-aid' solutions but in this case the quick fix will stop the water ingress while summer storms abound and until I can herd Strata and the relevant tradies [and my wallet 🤣] onto the same page.

Again thanks. I'll send through pictures of the finished work although that might be a couple of weeks depending on the weather!

😀NoWorries

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121515#Comment_121515

Hi @NoWorries

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your windows sealed.

If you need further assistance with any of your projects, please let us know.

Eric

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