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Original poster

Sealant around upvc windows

17 replies

DetailMouse · 15/02/2022 18:44

The sealant around my (20yo windows) is all broken and coming away on the inside. I've noticed it in the soundproofing more than the draughts.

Can I replace with the same "mastic" sealant I use round the bath or do I need something specialist? The old stuff seems harder, less pliable than bathroom sealant.

Thank you!

OP posts:
trumpisagit · 15/02/2022 19:09

You can get window and door sealant to do this job from DIY stores.
Similar tube to ordinary mastic.

Original poster
DetailMouse · 15/02/2022 21:06

Excellent, thank you

OP posts:
GurtBusty · 15/02/2022 21:18

I recommend Screwfix No Nonsense acrylic frame sealant. Cures quickly and is paintable when dry (next day). Just done a couple of windows using this.

Original poster
DetailMouse · 15/02/2022 21:21

@GurtBusty

I recommend Screwfix No Nonsense acrylic frame sealant. Cures quickly and is paintable when dry (next day). Just done a couple of windows using this.
Apologies for the daft question but can anyone use screwfix or is it just for trade?
OP posts:
Original poster
DetailMouse · 15/02/2022 21:22

Also do it before painting? I was thinking it's the thing to do last.

OP posts:
Whattochoosenow · 15/02/2022 21:32

The sealant on the interior is designed to be paintable so you have a neat edge with the frame. It’s not the same as the silicone sealant on the outside with is not paintable.

GurtBusty · 15/02/2022 21:34

Scrape out the old sealant. If there traces remaining buy some sealant remover (cheap from Screwfix). You will also need a sealant gun - put the sealant tube in and press the trigger repeatedly to squeeze out the sealant (after cutting off the end of the tube). Lots of videos on you tube. Sounds tricky but is easy. Seal first then paint. Anyone can use Screwfix - not just trades people

Original poster
DetailMouse · 15/02/2022 21:46

Thank you. So I shouldn't use ordinary mastic? I only ask because I already have that. What's the advantage of the acrylic one, other than being paintable?

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 15/02/2022 21:49

Anyone can use screwfix. I bought no nonsense sealant (plus all the other bits and pieces i needed) from screwfix to reseal around my bath. Had to go to Toolstation too

dementedpixie · 15/02/2022 21:51

@GurtBusty

Scrape out the old sealant. If there traces remaining buy some sealant remover (cheap from Screwfix). You will also need a sealant gun - put the sealant tube in and press the trigger repeatedly to squeeze out the sealant (after cutting off the end of the tube). Lots of videos on you tube. Sounds tricky but is easy. Seal first then paint. Anyone can use Screwfix - not just trades people
I bought a mini scraper from toolstation and it was great for getting the last very thin layer of sealant from the tiles round my bath.

I didn't rate the sealant remover

Thewindwhispers · 15/02/2022 21:58

Our builder insisted using the hard ‘caulk’ not silicone sealant on the windows, he said that’s the proper way to do it. It’s true that it’s paintable I suppose. But it’s gone all cracked and looks yuk and the silicone in the bathroom is designed to stretch slightly and looks lovely still.

So depends what you want, if you want to paint it you use caulk, if you just want a tight waterproof seal than can stretch slightly use bathroom sealant.

CasperGutman · 16/02/2022 09:49

@Thewindwhispers

Our builder insisted using the hard ‘caulk’ not silicone sealant on the windows, he said that’s the proper way to do it. It’s true that it’s paintable I suppose. But it’s gone all cracked and looks yuk and the silicone in the bathroom is designed to stretch slightly and looks lovely still.

So depends what you want, if you want to paint it you use caulk, if you just want a tight waterproof seal than can stretch slightly use bathroom sealant.

Ordinary decorator's caulk is too inflexible and will crack, as you found, but silicone bathroom sealant often isn't ideal either as you can't paint over it.

The best option is probably an acrylic frame sealant like this: www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-acrylic-frame-sealant-white-310ml/57529

As it says on the pack, it stays permanently flexible and can also be painted.

User639710 · 16/02/2022 10:03

If you haven't been to Screwfix before, OP, it's a bit like Argos, I find it easier to have a look online first to see exactly what I want and then either click and collect or have a note of the thing I want as it is not a place you can browse like Wickes and B&Q and look at everything they sell, it's mainly behind a counter.

dementedpixie · 16/02/2022 13:39

Yes I also order online for click and collect
It's not a place you can browse products in person

maurive124 · 22/08/2023 12:56

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

GrassWillBeGreener · 22/08/2023 16:03

Shouldn't bump this, but really? Double glazing is hardly a thing in Australia in my experience ....

VeniVidiWeeWee · 22/08/2023 22:45

GrassWillBeGreener · 22/08/2023 16:03

Shouldn't bump this, but really? Double glazing is hardly a thing in Australia in my experience ....

Then very little experience.

A quick search will confirm it's quite common.

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