Window position in a timber frame house (and damp issues)

[Kuro507]

We have a 2001 built timber frame house (large panel MMC), with concrete block outside and skim.

A number of the downstairs windows havesignificant damp at the topof the reveal. At the weekend, when it was raining heavily, I could actualy see water dripping down between the window reveal and the frame. 

I had removed the vent, to see better.

 

On the outside, I checked the upstairs windows directly above, which would be the most obvious way for water to get into the cavity.

Whilst there are some very small cracks, where the sealant has failed, I am not sure they are sufficient to cause this amout of water ingress?

I'm also aware there has not been any maintenance to these windows, so they urgently need sanding, filling and painting.

 

 

 

 

This also raised the question in my mind, as to where the windows should be installed in relation to the timber frame, cavity and concrete block finish?

 

 

I am aware the crack needs dealing with, although bizarely the window below that is the dryer one of the front ground floor windows.

This aspect is largely south facing and does get the sun all day and prevailing windows and rain.

 

They look like they are pretty much installed in the cavity gap. Is this correct?

 

Thanks in advance for suggestions and ideas.  

 

[dpmiller]

do you have cavity trays and weep vents?

[Canski]

16 minutes ago, dpmiller said:

do you have cavity trays and weep vents?

This would help divert the water to the outside but I’d be more concerned about how the water is getting in. Is there a drip groove below the cill ? I can’t tell from the photos. 

Edited November 28 by Canski