Aluminium Windows leaking

[LindsayC]

Am not sure whether this falls within the plumbing catagory but I can't find a better alternative and hope someone can assist. I have aluminium windows and one on the "weather" side of the house is leaking - or at least the drain at the bottom of the aluminium frame is filling and overflowing back onto the window sill and then spilling onto the floor. Problem seems to be that there is a drainage hole at the bottom of the slot where the window slides but then nowhere for the water to escape other than through the silicone seal around the external of the window frame. All of our windows are like this and I am wondering whether I should just drill a small hole in the outer frame to allow the water to escape quicker. also wondering what is the usual method of allowing the water to escape. Any advice gratefully received - thanks.

[pushkins]

The drainage holes in the aluminum frame should be enough to take any water falling into the tracks. Make sure they are not blocked with a small piece if wire (bend out a paper clip).
There shouldn't be any silicone impeding this hole from allowing the water to drain, it could be you just need to carefully cut away the silicon from just around the hole, making sure not to remove it from anywhere that it is sealing out weather.

[LindsayC]

Thanks for the quick response and assistance. Actually, there does not appear to be any weep holes in the frame at all although the base of the frame seems to be flexible allowing several elongated areas where a small amount of water is seeping through but not enough. I am wondering whether I should drill a hole just above the base of the frame to allow the water to escapre quicker.

[pushkins]

There should be weep holes, so if there are none I'd have to agree with you to drill two in the effected frames, as long as your just drilling the extruded flange and not into the body of the frame.

[HayZee518]

older aluminum windows had a formed upside down U in the base frame for water drainage. like pushkins said drill a small weep hole where the water accumilates not to compromise the exterior frame.

[596]

There has to be drainage. Between condensation and rain, there WILL be water in the track. If the weep is blocked, or just can't be found, you need to drill a couple of holes. Be very careful drilling near the edge of the glass.