How to fix gap between brick and timber window?

[victorht]

  

 

 

I just found this gap on my 25 year old house between the brick veneer and the timber window.

i suspect it’s due to ground movement since I can see some little cracks inside the house too.

And it seems like the whole brick wall have shifted it’s place.

is there any way I can cover this gap up? Or should I be calling in a building surveyor to give it a look before doing anything to it.

thank you all

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @victorht. It's splendid to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about sealing a gap.

It looks like the gap between your brick veneer and timber window is likely a result of building movement, as you've mentioned noticing cracks inside as well. Movement in the foundation or structure can cause such gaps to appear, and it's important to address both the gap and the potential underlying issues.

As a temporary fix, you can seal the gap effectively with an aluminium angle in the corner to bridge the gap adhered with Sikaflex 11FC, a high-quality adhesive and sealant. This would help prevent weather and pests from entering the space. Ensure that the angle's sides are wide enough to cover the distance between the wall and window frame. While Sikaflex alone should be strong enough to hold the angle, you can use additional fixing if desired for extra strength.

However, if you’re concerned about building movement, particularly with the visible cracks inside the house, it might be wise to consult a building surveyor. They can assess whether there are structural issues that need professional attention before you proceed with any further repairs.

Addressing the gap now will help prevent any weather or pests from entering, but getting an expert opinion might save you from potentially larger issues down the track.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[victorht]

Thank you so much for your reply! For the aluminium angle, I have draw up a little section (yellow is brick, red is timber frame, white is the angle and blue is the window), should I be putting the angle like this? So it sits one side to the brick and the other over the gap and possibly on top of the outer side of the window frame?

 

[MitchellMc]

That's it, @victorht, but I'd place it right in the corner with a bead of Sikaflex on the brick wall and the window frame so it's adhered to them.

Mitchell