Major window leak via cracked lintel?

[rfos]

Some (potentially less experienced) builders installed window in garage year ago, now water streaming in through top of frame when heavy sideways rain

Suspect they didn't put any waterproofing/flashing above (now slightly cracked) lintel and sideways rain soaking into and down the bricks above.

Pre frame install

Would chopping out bricks above, replace lintel with flashing/waterproofing fix this? Any other thoughts of cause

Thanks!

 

[Ollyfp]

I think your extractor vent could be an entry point for rain. It doesn't appear to be sealed well, and the little solar light might also be causing an issue. I'm thinking that the water ingress and lintel crack are unrelated.
Over to you guys!

 

[Ollyfp]

Out of interest, do you know if a cavity tray was installed when the lintel went in?

 

[rfos]

I don't unfortunately, trying to find out from the builders what they did (or didn't do)

 

[rfos]

Perhaps this is what was needed, pic pre frame above doesn't appear to show anything of cavity tray below lintel.

Why 2 cavity trays for one head / lintel?

Are two cavity trays necessary in this situation? How important is the lower tray?

forum.buildhub.org.uk

I'll try also sealing the vent (strange then when sudden heavy rain, starts pouring in again), but the water leakage inside is quite evenly saturated across full width of window (not just where vent is)

Stone lintel & bricks porous, so probably reach saturation point whereby bit more rain suddenly unleashes the torrential inside (and then quite quickly stops)

Was fine for first year and a bit after install. Weird

 

[jj4091]

What is the vent for, if there is no extractor fan inside I think I would tape it up, as you have the top of the window, or at least replace the vent with a cowl and see if that improves things. As Ollyfp says I would also be wanting to know if a cavity tray has been installed. I am wondering though how so much water seems to be getting into the cavity when the brickwork/ stonework pointing looks in such good condition. Yes I think you are correct in so much as that is how it should have been constructed especially in view of the fact that the lintel has cracked. If the window ever needs to be replaced there could be a serious risk of the outer skin collapsing. Either way it is up to the builder to sort it out so get them back again.

 

[Ollyfp]

What is the vent for, if there is no extractor fan inside I think I would tape it up, as you have the top of the window, or at least replace the vent with a cowl and see if that improves things. As Ollyfp says I would also be wanting to know if a cavity tray has been installed. I am wondering though how so much water seems to be getting into the cavity when the brickwork/ stonework pointing looks in such good condition. Yes I think you are correct in so much as that is how it should have been constructed especially in view of the fact that the lintel has cracked. If the window ever needs to be replaced there could be a serious risk of the outer skin collapsing. Either way it is up to the builder to sort it out so get them back again

 

[Ollyfp]

All good JJ, but would you get 'that' builder back? Personally, I'd get an old pro in to sort it out. I'm not familiar with this type of lintel, so it's hard to judge whether or not it would have been strong enough to support the load.

 

[jj4091]

Why should he pay twice. He knows what needs doing now. Personally with the weight of the 2 story gable on it I don't think that lintel would be deemed suitable on it's own, in fact why else would it have cracked.

 

[Ollyfp]

Why should he pay twice. He knows what needs doing now. Personally with the weight of the 2 story gable on it I don't think that lintel would be deemed suitable on it's own, in fact why else would it have cracked.

Fair point, but I don't think the original builder would actually know how to sort it out. That's just me. I've been in that situation and I think sometimes it's best just to move on.

 

[rfos]

Thanks chaps, no way gonna trust the original builders to fix will move on with someone experienced, hopefully before side of house collapses

 

[Ollyfp]

Thanks chaps, no way gonna trust the original builders to fix will move on with someone experienced, hopefully before side of house collapses

I'm sure you've made the right call. Keep us posted!