DIY NARROWBOAT WINDOWS No More Leaks!

[@annhay4572]

Oh, you did so well, in the end. 🙂 But no, even tho you measured the wood pieces so very well! And you caulked so very well. You did all of that on the inside of the boat. You needed to seal the OUTSIDE of the window frames ... outside, where the rain happens. But then, eventually you figured that out, and you did it. No one is born knowing anything, much less how to seal narrowboat windows, we all have to learn. And, kindness goes a long way, maybe especially towards ourselves, but to others too. Good on you for sticking to it and trying again, and again, and again. Gaskets are beautiful, yes? I bet you've changed your tune on that. Gaskets are super beautiful. 🙂

[@melvynforman7581]

Great stuff... I too was pulling my hair out trying to track down the window leak (and I've not got a lot to spare). Sealed all around the frame with reams of tape and still it got in. Then, like you an 'Eureka!' moment and so I sealed the gasket gap with silicone goo... Hey presto! Source detected... Would like to do the job properly though but bewildered by the multitude of seal profiles. Can you let us know what you got, it looks just what I need? x NB. Even us oldies can still learn from and be inspired by your youth, determination and positivity...

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww this is great thanks Melvyn. I contacted channel glaze and sent them a piece of the old stuff to make sure it works 😊

[@jamescollins9931]

Fairplay for having a go at it 💯

[@rodcharlton1889]

Well done on the windows and I'm glad you stuck to it and tried again. My grandfather use to tell me when you fail at something you actually learned that was one way not to do it. So just try again.... eventually you find the right way to do it. Too many people look, at a failure as a final ending. It's actually a lesson on how not to do it and you just need to try again. Even people that are very good at something failed the first time they did it.

[@wellbeingonwater]

So true! Love this and exactly how things work out for me!

[@julianjmillner810]

Jeez May! My heart goes out to you sweetie! All that window work! You need a cuddle! Not there to give you one though…xxx

[@wellbeingonwater]

💪

[@beccahart2087]

Wahooo May, I’ve been ploughing through your vlogs and I’m glad I did as I do believe you have solved my problem! Leaky window after I replaced it! I will be double checking my gaskets this weekend! Hoping it’s the same issue! All the best and keep up the good work! 😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Fantastic! Sooooo glad! Simple issue really yay.

[@beccahart2087]

@@wellbeingonwater can you remember the name of the gaskets you got! Mine are a miss match of different ones! They actually just look like draft excluders! Too weak! 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@paulbeard5146]

Hi may hope you're windows have stopped leaking I've watched quite a lot of them and enjoyed all of them Paul x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Update coming soon!

[@Martyn2021]

Each time you do a thing your get better and better at it. May. Like said nothing isn't unsolvable, and the real anwers and solution do to take time to get there. Hope you have a wonderful week

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Martyn, wise words! Same to you 😀

[@Iamjoeparkinson]

Nice work! 💪

[@wellbeingonwater]

Cheers pal!

[@markwilliamson9140]

Hey May, hope you are feeling better this week. Bless your heart, You're a good charismatic person. Hope you have a good Sumner. 😁

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you, much better this week 😀

[@markwilliamson9140]

@@wellbeingonwater that's good to hear, 😀

[@ianeglintine882]

Great vlog May ...my new word is figureoutable haha 🙏 for no leaks 🤞

[@wellbeingonwater]

Love that saying! It was raining earlier and annoyinly 1 window still has a leak! GAH. first one we did so ill have to try again...

[@ianeglintine882]

@@wellbeingonwater aaah just put that one down to a practice .... you'll get it everythings fixable 👍

[@bengunn9254]

It's the same 9 minute advert I avoided on Ula and Joshs channel. I suppose I can go make a cup of tea while it plays

[@wellbeingonwater]

Your'e kind to watch the ads but you can skip them :)

[@bengunn9254]

@@wellbeingonwater I thought if I press the skip option you won't get the royalties.

[@wellbeingonwater]

@@bengunn9254 this is true! really appreciate you watching them, hugs

[@bengunn9254]

@@wellbeingonwater well technically I didn't watch it, I just let it play while I got a cup of tea x

[@johncampbell4256]

Your doing a grand job may I wouldn't know we're to start on mine xx

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks John, I'd start by taking one out and seeing the damage! Well worth the effort in the end Id say

[@johncampbell4256]

@@wellbeingonwater thanks may x

[@shirleygreaves9650]

It’s surprising how water gets through the smallest gap, I hope it’s now sorted. 🤞🏻 You are amazing, so talented, I truly believe you can do anything that you decide to do. Take care May, lots of love. xxxxxx

[@wellbeingonwater]

I know right, cheeky water. Thanks Shirley, feeling the love from here! Biiiiiig hugs xxxx

[@mothmagic1]

Couldn't agree more. That's precisely the reason the sensible light aircraft owner invests in a good set of aircraft covers. Even parke with its back to the wind if there's as much as a pin hole the first time you get in after a shower is that the interior is soaking.

[@defshepherd9042]

A little tip I’ve noticed that when you use the saw you grab the handle with a full fist and don’t have control over the saw when you start the cut When you grab the handle extend your index out along the handle 👉which gives you more control over the saw If you look at the handle the black area on the saw handle shows the line where your hand and finger should go

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for the tips!

[@richardbrown7153]

Good skills May! Good to see you happy and smiling again. Richard

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you so much!

[@tangs167]

Well done May, hope you have a good week, keep smiling, Kevin x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks kevin, big hugs

[@kennethganser4119]

Hi, Ken here, you are truly a MAYzing. Fantastic job. Regards, Ken

[@wellbeingonwater]

Wow, thank you! So are you KEN.. doesn't have the same ring to it sorry. 🤣

[@richardterry9788]

Glad you fixed yer windows. Your perseverance and diligence payed off. Well done May, onwards and upwards xx

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Curve2Theatre]

Well done MAY looks like you have mastered the Window replacement nightmare . Good to see you sealing /painting your bits of timber BEFORE you fit them in place. I watch one of the other Narrowboat videos where they replaced the wood ( with out treating it) and GLUED them into place. Some small Nails or Pins would make life easier when you come to work on them next time. Do stay away from that Expanding Foam. It gets everywhere but where you need it and is a pig to clean up. Hope your enjoying the Sunshine. 😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks so much for this! Expanding foam is a nightmare but has to be done! Loving the sunshine thank you 😀

[@TeeMac68]

Hey beauty! That made me feel nostalgic for Thursday!! Well done though you utter have a go hero 😆 Have a wonderful week. Huuuuuuge big fat hug as always. Aunty T! (Thats going to stick methinks!) 🤗😘 xx

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Aunty T! I actually know what a Tracey hug feels like now woo! Thought of you a lot today big squeese xxx

[@TeeMac68]

@@wellbeingonwater me too!!! Can't wait for next time xx

[@maxiemills6982]

May you are incredible. Good job!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you! 😊

[@galaxywhispers1787]

Hi May, I hope those rubber seals have done the trick. Looking forward to your next video and yoga video. Have a good week. Take care. 🙂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you! You too!

[@andylane7142]

Oh well done Einstein. Now I’m going to have the “could be used for b******” jingle in my head whenever I find anything interesting around the house. I really hope you sort out the constant damp problem. I love how you instantly know the emotion you’re feeling and allow yourself to feel it. It’s a pretty recent discovery of mine and its very powerful. It’s so easy to start thinking about the emotion or finding solutions for it but actually feeling it first seems to clear a lot of space. Good luck with your journey.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Not too sure what you mean but I am sure its a cracker! In response to your comment about the emotions im really glad you've figured that one out, awesome job 😀

[@andylane7142]

@@wellbeingonwater Oh, You made up a cute little song when you found the window strip. That’ll be good for bondage. It popped into my mind whenever I came across anything useful. Probably didn’t make too much sense with all the stars but I didn’t want YT to block the comment.

[@wellbeingonwater]

@@andylane7142 ohhh yes, I forgot I said that!

[@KefaLyon]

Great Job, fixing up a Narrowboat is not easy

[@Justablokeonaboat]

Glad you got to the bottom of the leaky window debacle….literally a weight of your mind. 👍❤️

[@wellbeingonwater]

Literally! 😀 Cheers pal

[@howardbills2532]

I think that was a skylark singing above you whilst you made that blog....a heavenly approval of your window work! Best wishes from an ex-boater 😂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey! Aww ex-boater! Do you miss it? Love the birds this time of year but they do sometimes overtake the mic!

[@bobi2582]

Looks like you have it sorted sweet. More 🤗 s just to help you along!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks bobi 😀 its getting there!

[@jelliebean2260]

I love your videos May, so happy that the window situation is sorted! Woohoo!! Love the orange jumpsuit too, super cute x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Woo me too! Charity shop find yay

[@haydnreynolds626]

Omg i just pissed laughing happy listen and warching and the comment of bondage out of no where now all i can imagine is bondage on a narrowboat hiw is that working with the head room 🤣 😂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Pahaha anything is possible!

[@danielawaritefe4589]

You are an inspiration and your struggles are making me want a boat even more :) Love the resilience! Best advice i ever got from an old boss was "How do you eat an Elephant?? One piece at a time" 😄 All these issues are just small pieces to success. And PLEASE do a how to on the windows 🙌

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yeah love that advice! I've heard it as "how do you run 1000 miles, one mile at a time!". I do like elephants thought, hmmm eating them maybe not it would be VERY chewy!

[@margemaple6091]

Muchlove to you May ❣🙏>>>>>>

[@wellbeingonwater]

Much love to you too Marge 😀 x

[@NomadicNight]

Hi May. Well done on finally resolving your leaky windows ! - Far better to fix them in Summer while the weather is warm, than in Winter. I was quite concerned to see you not wearing safety goggles while sawing through your wood, but also, the most dangerous part was watching you saw though wood without using any table clamps. You can buy them from any good DIY shop, and they reduce the risk of cutting yourself with a saw to zero. I'm glad to see that you're using the tape measure that I gave you. Did you get a quote for having your boat taken out of the water yet ? - It's my birthday this month, so I was hoping we could meet up again to celebrate yours and mine. I have a birthday present waiting for you. 😎

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Logan, ah yes safety is very important. I think I had my glasses on maybe? Sometimes I forget if I have my contacts in. Its going to cost about £400 to get the boat out and still not sure on the issue so + that. Happy birthday for this month! You know where I work if you want to come in during office hours :)

[@NomadicNight]

@@wellbeingonwater I'm confused. I thought you resigned that job months ago.

[@wellbeingonwater]

@@NomadicNight I did, but they offered me a new role as they didnt want me to leave the charity

[@NomadicNight]

@@wellbeingonwater Wow ! - I'm so impressed ! - That's the true mark of a woman with passion AND conviction ! Way to go ! - I bet that was unexpected !

[@Tom-S1981]

I just went to flip a mattress, and realised water has been penetrating for God knows how long. Complete wall black with mold beneath and rotted. Just spending the whole weekend rebuilding the wall and sealing window. I feel your pain. New widows, especially double glazing are ridiculous price. 2k each. Good luck on-going Take care

[@seanmc1351]

May, the gasket shrinks over time, i used to work for a window company, gasket should be made a few inches longer, and put in, where possible in one lenght, one cut so to speak, you should also use a wooden block to put gasket in, not a knife lol. also what helps is a spray bottle with washing up liquid and water, Also i know its a cost thing, but you can fit double glazed pvc windowns, Thats more for anyone else thats thinking about it, and can be bought painted to match your boats, we made them for static caravans in durham, I dont work for the company now, but my email is on my channel anyone wants info to the company. On a second point May, think i can see new Job coming and new you tube channel, 'THE TINY LITTLE BOAT BUILDER' good job im proud of you.

[@wellbeingonwater]

OHH didn't know that. Maybe that is why... interesting. Thanks for letting me know. I would love to afford new windows but there are more important things like ensuring the hull is healthy and the engine to put my money into... I think I should start playing the lottery!

[@seanmc1351]

@@wellbeingonwater May, just a thought, every window even with rubbers has seepage (spell check), that why lets say on your house, you have window cill, one is to take the water away from the windon, but that cill has holes drilled in, botton of window, and the top of the cill and under the cill to drain water away, that gets through the rubber gasket, they can also block up and cause water to fill and come back in the house, where there is no cill needed, they drill the front of the frame and put caps on with small hole to let water drain, have a look at your dads house if he has pvc windows, just a thought for future

[@NBStoweAway]

Ohhh no, you really have had a rough time recently, ahh and at least you got to meet Nyx

[@wellbeingonwater]

Whos Nyx?

[@NBStoweAway]

@@wellbeingonwater Wayne and Amanda’s wee black dog lol 😂

[@huwevans2653]

Having fitted many of these type of windows, my top tips would be.... 1. Make sure there is absolutely 100% no debris or imperfections in the window surround material, and the frame. 2. Use a body bonding sealant like Sikaflex. It is more expensive than Silicon, but made for this type of application (the windows would probably have been fitted with this type of product when new). But make sure that job 1 is done properly because the frames will be a *^$%$£*&% to cut out when its gone off completely. 3. Over lap the runs of bonding material when applying it. I.e if the sealant stops coming out of the gun, dont butt up to the last run of seller but start say 25-30mm back and then continue passed the previous run of material. This makes a continues bead and no micro gaps for the water to creep through by osmosis. Good luck, and well done.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Brill! Thanks for your advice, really useful info 😀

[@stephenpyner4156]

Hi may, hope you've got all your windows totally sealed now, i know how frustrating it can be when you think you've sorted it out only to find out there's still a leak, perhaps when you do future projects on your boat you could ask for us to send comments on how to do them incase someone comes up with an idea you haven't thought about, good luck with other projects and remember to always keep strong xx

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yes it can be frustrating. Still got the other side to go!

[@stephenpyner4156]

@@wellbeingonwater at least you know how to do them now may when you start doing your other windows so best of luck with them when you're ready to do them

[@rickygreen3967]

Hi May I had the same issue with leaking windows thankfully they seem to be holding up well now. What is that gasket and is it just a part at Midland Chandler's? Could do with sizes if possible. Nice to have met you after your day at crick. Did you get any luck from the number I gave you regarding mooring?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Ricky! I took a cut from my old one and sent it off. No idea of the size of the one I used. Are our windows similar? I could try find the invoice... I haven't called yet! Thanks for reminding me 😀

[@rickygreen3967]

@@wellbeingonwater hey yea my windows are the same as yours by the looks of it and I did the same took them out cleaned foam tape stuff I was recommended 😀 and then had another leak which is missing trim. Currently got ali tape there 🙈 that stuff is a must have on the boat haha. No Hassel if you can't find the details but if you could that would be grand

[@dorsetallsorts]

Well done!! One very important point, always wear gloves when using expanding foam. It's terrible if it gets on your skin.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Great point!thanks

[@justmeEnglandUK]

Great job may finding the sneaky little leaks . . Years ago rubber was made from natural rubber now they are all synthetic and it degrades more quickly due to UV and temperature change and become brittle and can crack as it loses its elasticity . all the rubber is replaceable . the hardest part is finding a supplier with the right stuff . Another little tip . Tape the back of the wood and ends of the timber with gaffer tape that touches any metal or that's in a cold cavity space and not on show . You will always get condensation and damp transfer when a cold surface like external steel and aluminium window frames touch warm timber inside . It called cold bridging . It why timber goes black . It's usually due to condensation and not leaks . You can see where the aluminium and steel has reacted behind the window frames looks like you've got to it just in time , the two metals shouldn't touch each other cause rust and corrosion behind the frames . It why you fit a gasket tape or suitable sealants between the two different metals . Yep masking tape for sealant and washing up liquid with water to dip finger in to make a smooooth finish . Leadmate really good far better than standard silicone but it's gray and will match the aluminium but you can't paint over it . May the official leaking canal boat window repairer .

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for the great advice! I could also put a rubbery material along the edges of the aluminium on the insides... i've seen it done before. I know condensation is inevitable, good quality varnish should help

[@shogun666able]

Yep May! their not cheap, and for what they are a touch ridiculously priced. Double glazed units you would have to be laying down before looking at the price. Glad you have sorted you old ones for now, as if the frame is OK their always serviceable, glazing rubbers etc. Cut your internal window framing a touch longer so you have to gently tap it in, so it is semi self supporting. Best to foam through small nozzle size holes in the frame whilst it is wedge in that you can plug once the foam has expanded and dried. The last one will be the fastest, ha ha, but good to see your getting your head around it and saving yourself a bucket of money, plus the head trip of knowing you can do it yourself. Don't forget to use blind rivet ( blind rivets do not the hole right through so cannot let any water through) with a touch of silicon on them to fix the outside frame.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for this great advice 😀 Ill deffo take your tips onboard (haha boaty pun)

[@thegregdavieschannel]

Engineering is a strict process of reason and logic. That's a fairly common design of window used in boats, caravans and other coach building applications like lorry bodies. They're all prone to leaking. Yes I've been tempted to put a hammer through everyone I've worked with. Having the window flush mounted from the outside causes the top of the window frame to act like a rain gutter. It's only the seal that keeps the rainwater out. On a house, the wall is protected by the gutter catching most of the rain before it falls off the roof. The windows are then recessed in a little from the surface of the wall keeping that top part of the frame covered. I've got the same issue to tackle on my boat once I can afford to bring it back. It will be interesting to have a play and see what I can redesign.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey! Thanks for a great comment. I have seen this gutter like lip on a boat recently and thought what a great idea!

[@nickvaughan4069]

❤ RM next time x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Window specialist are ya?! 😀

[@nickvaughan4069]

@@wellbeingonwater well I could have fixed it yes, but then I can fix most things x

[@mikecroper8422]

Good work.... For the future, you now know that leaks come from the outside. Always best to seal the outside rather than the inside.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Started with the outside :) got to rebuild the frames next...

[@nigeltiffany4654]

Remember your window is not leaking, it is poor workmanship that is leaking! Clean them up right and seal them right then fit them correctly and they will be as good as new, easy

[@wellbeingonwater]

Easy !

[@nigeltiffany4654]

@@wellbeingonwaterMay, if you was moored anywhere near Halifax and I could get a lift i would help you with the window? I am a multiskilled joiner and can do just about anything i can invent, fabricate and mend just about anything. But i have no transport at the moment and would help you for free, Nigel

[@nigeltiffany4654]

@@wellbeingonwater Hi young lady, did you just ask me to tel.. gram you or is someone trying to scam me in your comments section!?

[@johnshaw4140]

Doh , who'd have thought that you need a gasket , ie a SEAL all the way around , surely hoping it would be ok should be enough

[@wellbeingonwater]

Doh doh and some more doh 😅

[@icooper5236]

Credit where credits due you give it ago. Expanding foam a third of what you need and it's shite breaks down after five years if your lucky

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks 😊

[@s1nb4d59]

You will find the leak may,walk away and have a think and come back later with the answer 8)

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yes! Good advice 😀

[@paulbeard5146]

I meant watching the video and not your windows 😂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Haha

[@rboston33]

LOL You really didnt know what you were doing, did you?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Well ...