How to stop water coming in around windows?

[dzg]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi, I am seeing some water symptoms internally around window - salt pimples, and a moisture patch (see bottom of window). Also some holes in the outside brickwork. Looking for advice on how to fix, what products to use, guidance on whether the flashing needs fixing somehow. I have already sealed the edges where the timber meets brick.

thanks 

[JacobZ]

Hi @dzg,

In order to fix the moisture issue, we'd first have to identify where it is coming from. 

As it is rendered brick, locating the source of the leak can be a bit tricky. It could be finding its way in through a seam around the window. It could also be finding its way behind the render and into the wall through a pin prick or gouge somewhere in the render. Being brick, water can also wick up from the ground and transfer up through the bricks if there is no dampcourse or adequate ground-level waterproofing. It can also come from above, then seep down through the bricks, if there is a leak in for example the roof. 

Unfortunately, due to the complex nature of locating the leak, your best course of action would be to contact a leak detection specialist for their assistance in locating the source of the leak. They will have tools such as thermal imaging cameras that they can use to help locate the source of the leak.

Once the source of the leak is identified, we will be able to have a better idea of how to fix it. It could be that something around the window needs to be sealed with a silicone product, or it could be that there is no dampcourse in your brick, so you would need to work on waterproofing at ground level.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @R4addZ to see if they have any thoughts.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @dzg,

That's a nice set of photos and not wanting to be a pest I'm thinking to ask for some more.

Is that the only area (under the window) along that side of the house where the bottom of the wall looks like that?

If not could you please post some more photos along that wall so we can determine if you have have a general rising damp issue on that side of the house. If that's the only area (under that window) I may also ask you (or someone) to do a bit of digging with a Mattock or similar garden digging tool.

Turning our attention to above the window is the eve discoloured which could indicate water ingress from above - check gutters.

Cheers

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @dzg 

Its a hard call to make tho those areas of green mould growing tend to make me think that the area below the window and above may not get a lot of sun/breeze to dry out. So that any water/rain stays in place and wicks back up the render. 

Does that area fill with water when it rains? It almost looks like a tide mark around the base of the wall? I leak detection specialist that @JacobZ 

has suggested might be a very good shortcut to take as hopefully it will show where the damp areas are and where they are making their way through the wall to inside.

I also think along the lines of digging up with a mattock to see what the soil is like/drainage wise that @AlanM52 has suggested.

Dave

[dzg]

Thanks JacobZ, much appreciated for the advice, and the tagging of other helpful reviewers. I'll look for holes in the render, add sealant, and yes have contacted a damp specialist

[dzg]

Hi AlanM52, thanks for the review. Yes the whole length of that wall has similar moss / discolouration. picture attached that shows area to the right of the window. i'll do some digging but not sure what to look for, although am fairly certain the ground 1) doesnt get much sun, and 2) retains water due to the nighbour's property not having stormwater drainage and some failing gutters only a few metres away

Above the window, no i dont think there is any discolouration on the eve. 

[dzg]

thanks Dave. yes you are right, the area doesnt get much sun / drying time. and neighbour's property has no stormwater drainage and some failing gutters to unfortunately the ground on their side of the fence (not seen in photos, but opposite house approx 1 meter) is very wet.

I'll try to improve teh window sealing so and fill in the various holes in render as the easy wins, but getting the neighbour to fix issues will be harder