General guidance only — all construction work must be overseen by a supervising engineer This handbook is compiled from standards and laws with every source cited, andis being reviewed for certification by engineers Use it to know what to look at, what to ask and what evidence to request on site It is not an engineering determination and can't replace an engineer · Terms of use · Limitations of the handbook

Walls and architectural work

Installing frames, doors and windows, and waterproofing around frames

Page code P15 · 76 inspection criteria · 9 illustrations

Long damp streaks on the wall under a window are one of the things homeowners complain about most after moving in, and one of the hardest to pin on anyone, because the frame installers, bricklayers, renderers, sealers and painters are all different teams. Each team says their wor…

This page contains
Can this wall have a window? — the law has already answered
The first thing to ask for — the installation manual for the frame system actually used
Three things must be around the opening before the frame goes in
During installation — three things that must be right together, each measured differently
Five things the supervision manual says to check together — and the accessories that are often forgotten
Around the frame — mortar that isn't packed tight is an invisible water path
Sealant around frames — why silicone that fills the whole gap fails first
Weep holes and water-spray testing
Bathroom windows — their size is set by figures in the law
Glass — whom the law applies to, and whether your house is included

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