Wooden & Sash Windows

Stop water finding its way in through a cracked window frame, seal or pane.

“Have used product for many years, it’s ideal for refurbishing Georgian sash window glass/putty joints.”

– John Wood, Judge.me review

Hairline cracks in wooden frames and sash putty joints let moisture in, especially where the seal around the glass has shrunk or perished with age.

Captain Tolley’s Creeping Crack Cure uses capillary action to seep into these cracks and seal them in place, without needing to strip out the old putty or reseal the whole window.

wooden sash windows which can be sealed if there are leaks from hairline cracks using Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure sealant

“This works, cured a leak in my aluminium window frame on the corner mitre, took a few applications but I could see it getting into the gap and now all fixed, no more damp wall.”

– Alistair, Judge.me review

“Bought this to repair hairline cracking in my Victorian stained glass door and sash windows, it’s perfect!!! Filled the cracks and made the segments more robust, saving me having to have them repaired professionally at great cost. Thank you.”

– Laura Bucknall, Judge.me review

“I ordered a small bottle of the product to try to seal small cracks in wooden window frames. It has been used on some 14 panes with complete success so far. These windows are exposed to the full force of south westerly (our prevailing wind direction) gales and stronger. Very pleased with the product and the very quick postal delivery. Now also know where to buy it in Shetland.”

– Tom Stove, Judge.me review

How to use it on wooden and sash windows

  1. Clean the area around the frame joint, putty line or seal and let it dry completely. Gently pick away anything loose or flaking, but there’s no need to strip out the old putty.

  2. Place something underneath to catch any drips before you start. On a horizontal sill or overhead frame, the sealant can run through the crack on the first application before enough has built up to hold.

  3. Apply a few drops directly along the crack or joint. A fine artist’s brush or small syringe gives you finer control than the bottle applicator alone, especially near glass you don’t want to mark.

  4. Wait 30 minutes, then reapply if the crack is still taking up sealant.

  5. Wipe away any excess immediately with a damp cloth to avoid staining the frame or surrounding paintwork. Dried stains can be removed with industrial wet wipes.

  6. Leave for a minimum of 24 hours* before testing with a hose or waiting for rain.


*For best results, apply in dry conditions above 10°C / 50°F and keep the area dry while it cures.
Cold or damp weather slows curing, and moisture can dilute the sealant before it sets, so allow extra time if conditions aren’t ideal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it work on double glazing?

Possibly, on cracks in the seal and frame. But any moisture between the two panes needs to be dried out before you apply it, because the sealant can mix with the moisture and turn the window misty.

Yes, it can seal a crack in the glass, but the crack will still be visible once the sealant has dried.

No, the repair happens in situ. The sealant goes into the hairline cracks in and around the existing putty or seal. Just remove anything loose or flaking so it can reach the crack.

The seal around a window often runs deeper than what’s visible from outside, especially where an older frame has shrunk away from the surrounding wall or render. If it doesn’t seal on the first try, that’s usually why. Simply reapply, and most joints are fully sealed within several applications.

Yes, once fully cured. Let it cure before exposing it to water, because applying it just before rain or in damp conditions can wash it out before it sets.

Other uses

a cracked piece of crockery which can be sealed if there are leaks from hairline cracks using Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure sealant

Crockery

Cracked plates, bowls, and treasured china can be repaired before the crack spreads further with every wash and use.

a wooden kitchen counter top which can be sealed if there are leaks from hairline cracks using Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure sealant

Kitchen & Worktop Joints

Joints between sinks, worktops, and units are prone to fine cracks that let water seep through and damage the cabinetry underneath.

a toilets cistern which can be sealed if there are leaks from hairline cracks using Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure sealant

Ceramic Cisterns

Toilet cisterns and pans often develop hairline cracks in the porcelain that cause slow, easily-missed leaks long before the damage is visible.

a shower enclosure in the home which can be sealed if there are leaks from hairline cracks using Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure sealant

Showers

Constant exposure to water and weight makes shower trays and door seals especially prone to hairline cracks that lead to leaks in the floor below.