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Pete_G
Junior Member
Joined: 11 Aug 2008
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 8:10 pm Post subject: New UPVC Windows - Drainage Issue |
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Hi,
Had the windows replaced in my house a week ago after lots of research and all seemed well...until the monsoon hit this weekend.....
A few windows started leaking around the internal beading - a couple had just a slow drip, but one quite had a lot of water seeping through.
I phoned the installer, who promptly attended and told me the drainage was the problem and he would sort it.
He has drilled through the underneath of the window opener creating drainage (alongside what looks like the original drainage?) and drilled matching hole on the outside of the base of the frame.
Is this solution acceptable? I carefully chose the windows/glazing based on u-values/ratings and it just seems a bit ham fisted (and possibly not energy effecient!) to just drill through like this.
I've attached a pic below;
Cheers for any help/advice,
Pete
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peter c
Senior Member
Joined: 14 Sep 2007
Posts: 326
Location: Suffolk
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| Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:06 am Post subject: |
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Pete
Many years ago I made D/G windows using Wickes frame kits. You need lots of drainage holes, if the D/G units sit in water for any length of time they can "blow". In other words damp gets between the two panes and the unit is ruined. I have to replace a unit in my current house that has little or no drainage (if and when the rain stops) 
Peter C
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Pete_G
Junior Member
Joined: 11 Aug 2008
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:27 am Post subject: |
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Cheers for the response;
It seems weird that there is simply so much water to drain in the first place (I know we're having a wonderful summer, so that's not helping), but surely there's too much water getting in somewhere?
Also, the manufacturers drain seems to be dry, so so is it either blocked? or built incorrectly perhaps?
The holes drilled through just look a bit unsightly, seems a bit of a botch....
Ta for any input. |
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thescruff
Senior Member
Joined: 10 Mar 2008
Posts: 4657
Location: Bath
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| Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:28 am Post subject: |
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Also, the manufacturers drain seems to be dry, so so is it either blocked? or built incorrectly perhaps?
The holes drilled through just look a bit unsightly, seems a bit of a botch.... |
My thoughts as well, why does it need 3 hole right next to the manufacturers, which seem to be dry.
It says to me that water is getting in where it shouldn't or there's design fault
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lockie
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Jun 2008
Posts: 153
Location: dan sarf
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| Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:38 am Post subject: |
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You also need to check the seals and how much the window "compress's" the seal when you close it.It is possible the window has been fitted out of square making for loose seals.
Check each window by closing them slowly and how much pressure there is on the handle s you turn it. My betting is the one with the leak is easier to turn than the ones that dont leak.
It may be possible to cure the problem by adjusting the hinges but it does sound like a fitting issue.
also would you be happy if i as a locksmith came back and made marks on your new door if you called me back to a lock problem ?
Those holes are unprofessional and look bad considering the money involved. |
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fin
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Apr 2008
Posts: 264
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| Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:46 am Post subject: |
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sounds to me like the op means where the glass units fit into the frames.
Ive known this to happen a couple of times in the past where ive had to drill similar holes to aid drainage. perhaps theres some kind of blockage inside the pvc section. but theres no way to tell unless you break it all apart i guess. that was why i just drilled a few extra holes.
however thje ones i did were in non opening sections so were invisible |
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iceni
Member
Joined: 01 Aug 2007
Posts: 57
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| Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject: |
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Water always penetrates PVC windows, so its presence is not a concern.
Therefore, drainage is provided to allow it to exit the frame. This is the slot that can be seen in the photograph.
What does concern me though is that the water is in parts of the frame that it should not be.
The frame profiles normally consist of three compartments; a central compartment that contains the metal stiffening members (Aluminium or steel), then a small compartment on either side that are the drainage channels.
There is one on each side because the same proflie may be used in different applications that mean the drainage path is on the other side.
As I said above my consern is that water is where it should not be, namely the centre compartment. This houses the metal stiffening and consequently this will corrode.
The slot that can be seen probably goes through at 45° and does not enter the centre compartment.
The holes drilled by the installer go straight into the central compartment.
Did the installer fabricate the windows himself?
Do you know who's system the window is made from? |
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Steve 200
Junior Member
Joined: 09 Aug 2008
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:31 pm Post subject: |
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Hi, in the photo above it shows the drain hole but is that a pic of the head of the window? Is the window open in or open out?
I design aluminium windows & have never known a drainage slot at the head of the window!
Windows are not designed to be 100% water tight, its a case of controling the water that dooes get in.
Are there any drainage slots in the bottom of the window? |
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Steve 200
Junior Member
Joined: 09 Aug 2008
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:32 pm Post subject: |
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| PS is the window side hung? |
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