Timber Cladding Advice Needed

[somhairle]

Apologies if this is a rather strange request. It relates to a potential house purchase and I am not sure about this type of construction.

Attached is a pic of a house that I am interested in purchasing. Short story....... Previously owned by an elderly person who has since died and the house is a bit of a state. My issue here relates to what appeared to be leaks at the windows.

The fornt windows are uPVC. Pretty basic and I would guess at least 20 years old. There is evidence of leakage on the sills of all front windows. Some clearly due to ill fitting windows and porr closure. However, the front window below the timber cladding has significant water staining and the plastic trim above the frame has been resealed and has a few holes in it which to me suggest they have been drilled to drain water which has gathered above the frame.

The home report on the house mentions condensation and there has been water damage to an en suite shower.

Can anyone explain to me the type of construction above this type of window where cladding is in place instead of brick/block and render? Is it prone to leaks? What is the remedy for this type of issue where it has failed? And what is the likely cost and work required?

I know the easy answer to this is to walk away from the property. But it is a very desireable area and my wife and I love it. However, we need to consider the economic side of buying a house with a significant problem. Believe me, I have identified plenty of other problems in that house already.

BTW, the timber has been re-painted since the pic was taken.

[dewaltdisney]

I would say the cladding is just a style to break up the rendered elevation. It would appear to be a 70s build so that would indicate a block construction rendered over. As the boarding is well under the eaves I doubt that there would be leaks but there could be rain run off that is finding the easy way through the window joint. I would replace it with coloured cement board ( see Marley Internit ) In all probability the frames just need the mastic raked out and a new frame sealant applied. There is nothing there that would raise alarms for me, it just needs updating and a bit of TLC. It is things like roofs,damp courses, and signs of subsidence that are a turn off. Take off the rose tinted glasses and take a good cool look. Make a list and offer accordingly. It give nice vibes.

Good luck, keep us posted.

DWD

[Someone-Else]

Can anyone explain to me the type of construction above this type of window where cladding is in place instead of brick/block and render? Is it prone to leaks? What is the remedy for this type of issue where it has failed?

Decorative. It beats having a plain wall, there will be bricks behind it.

And what is the likely cost and work required?

[somhairle]

Got some images images of that timber cladding. Looks like a bit messay around the window and wall joints.:

[dewaltdisney]

Any easy job to do, pull off the old weatherboard, it will only be fixed to battens. Replace with this https://www.marley.co.uk/cladding/marley-weatherboard and add a dripsill above the window. THe grey would suit the house. With the old boards out rake out the old dry window mastic and reseal with new caulk. You can see where it is leaking.WE can talk you through it.

DWD

[somhairle]

Any easy job to do, pull off the old weatherboard, it will only be fixed to battens. Replace with this https://www.marley.co.uk/cladding/marley-weatherboard and add a dripsill above the window. THe grey would suit the house. With the old boards out rake out the old dry window mastic and reseal with new caulk. You can see where it is leaking.WE can talk you through it.

DWD

Many, many thanks @dewaltdisney