ᐅ Transition between brick veneer and uPVC window

Good morning everyone.

A few months ago, I joined this forum because I had a question about a house we were interested in buying. Now we have purchased it and moved in about two weeks ago. I have to say, there is still quite a bit to do.

First, I would like to start with the windows. There is a draft throughout the entire house. The house was built in 1998, and the double-glazed windows are from that year as well. The exterior is fully faced with brick. When I look at the transition from the brickwork to the PVC windows, there is a gap. On the right and left of this gap, black foam insulation is visible. The bottom edge is completely exposed, so you can even see the wooden blocks that were used to level the windows during installation.

I would have expected these areas to be sealed with silicone and would now like to do this myself. However, I am unsure because the house has been occupied for 18 years. Maybe this gap is normal?

Could someone give me some advice? That would be great. I can upload a photo if needed.

Thanks in advance.
Good luck
Mika

Yes, please take a photo.

However, silicone is definitely not what is needed; it is unsuitable for this purpose.

Thank you for the reply.
I thought construction silicone would be suitable? When I look at other houses (while passing by), they always have a white strip there that doesn’t look like a molding but more like a rubber seal because of its "irregularity."
Here are a few example pictures.
Good luck
Mika

So on the sides, we have foam rubber strips—compression tape. At the top and bottom, it is sealed with a rubber sealant (silicone?).

Normally, compressible sealing tape and a fleece membrane are used on the outside – this is standard practice according to the RAL guideline.

In a house from the 1990s, a sealing compound was usually applied, which also worked well as long as this compound was renewed at some point.

Of course, it’s unfortunate that the block is visible... usually, the battening is not visible from the outside. If you really want to, you can apply the appropriate sealing compound, but so far the method has worked without it.

Nowadays, new builds generally no longer use these materials...

Thank you for the replies.
Well... what does "definitely want" really mean... I would just prefer the house to be a bit less drafty. It feels like the wind is coming in everywhere or through gaps.
My impression is that the gap under the window could be a weak spot, especially when it rains... So I would like to seal that tightly.
On the sides, I see it more as an aesthetic measure. Based on your answers, I would say that is normal and correct.
Would it be wrong to seal the windows (except at the top, of course) with construction silicone?
Good luck and enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
Mika