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Bricklaying & Repointing

Rainwater coming from inside above the windows in the kitchen - how to fix this?

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.06 PM

I bought a property in August 2018. A month ago, so far twice during heavy rain and wind, the water started to leak above the kitchen window. There is a small gap between the window and the wall and water is coming through there. At first, I thought that I needed to replace the windows and fill the small gaps with a sealant so I called a designer to give me a quote. After he inspected the kitchen and the window from inside and outside he told me that there is nothing wrong with the window itself, but that water is coming from the outside wall somewhere from above. The roof is inspected and there are no leaks in the property above mine. As can be seen on the kitchen ceiling, there is no damp or leak. There were also no damps or leaks previously in the kitchen. The previous owner has done some work on the outside above the kitchen window. I am wondering whatever has been done back then could be botched work and what could be an issue? Lintel, cavity tray? I have no idea how to approach a problem. Should I call a local bricklayer or construction company? What they should repair? Lintel, cavity tray, or should they re-roughcast externally to weatherproof the exterior walls? Overall, the apartment is in very good condition, with no leaks on other windows and no sign of damp. IMPORTANT EDIT TO THIS QUESTION: The window from the outside is not sealed all the way around. Could this be the initial problem? Should I call the handyman to seal properly the window from outside and see if this will solve the issue? Or should I just call the handyman to fix the cavity tray and seal the window from outside?

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6 Answers

A.L Pearce

Rating: 5 out of 5
Tiverton
water proofer out side renew tray in cavity wall fill cracks and leave weep wholes so water can drain out and keep cavity dry
Answered15 January 2020
2

Anonymous user

Install cavity tray ,point and water seal above affected area
Answered16 January 2020
0

LJB Lee Botting Ltd

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Eastbourne
i would always want to inspect these situations for myself to be certain but the leading on your statements suggests all road due lead to Rome and in this case it is the tray
Answered16 January 2020
0

Ring'Er Builder

Rating: 5 out of 5
Kentish Town, London
Check top of wall, and rectify any damaged pointing to capping. Check damp coarse under capping. Check pointing and for any perished brickwork and rectify if necessary to above and around window. Damp tray above window is for moisture build up in cavity not for rain.
Answered19 January 2020
0

Anonymous user

First check the roof gutter isn’t blocked as large amounts of water could cascade down side of building causing damp issues, and also try sealing the window correctly all the way round before you worry about cavity trays etc. Don’t worry if weep holes haven’t been used with the cavity tray as they are not usually used on external rendered properties. If sealing the window doesn’t solve the problem contact a qualified contractor to have a look as it could be internal pipe work leaks from level above.
Answered19 January 2020
0

Anonymous user

if you say the window from outside isnt sealed i would say 99.9% thats the problem the water is blowing in. normally i would check allaround the window and brick above for cracks/gaps but i think you may have answered your own question if it isnt sealed
Answered27 August 2021
0