"Serena"

SADLER 26 - Number 42 - Built 1983

Windows

February 2004 - Window Replacement

The windows came out quite easily. Removed all self tapping screws (mostly 8mm but for some reason a few 12mm) then tapped the windows gently from the inside and out they popped. The sealant was quite hard in places and black in colour where presumably water has penetrated.

The fibreglass was not in good shape around the screw holes. Looks like this method of fixing is only good for one go and some remedial work will need to be done to provide a firm hold for the screws when the windows go back in. Would prefer to use bolts and washers but the headlining makes this very difficult.

Old sealant came off fairly easily using a scraper.

Made up matching MDF panels to screw in place over the apertures and then sealed them with tape pending re-installation.

Starboard Fwd

Water ingress appears concentrated at the ends.

This window probably leaked the least.

Starboard Aft

The blackened area on the sealant at bottom right is more or less where water used to seep in.

Sealant was surprisingly thick in places.

Port Aft

This window had a lot more black stain than the others.

It was also the one which leaked the most.

The gap at the window between inner and outer mouldings is quite small and appears to be sealed.

Can it be possible for water to enter the void between mouldings at this join?

Port Aft

Close-up of black staining on the old sealant.

Fibreglass damage in way of screw holes is also visible.