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How to Caulk Windows
Tips for Caulking around Exterior
Windows
By Mark J. Donovan
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Appling caulk around
exterior windows can help keep your home feeling more comfortable
during winter months. Caulking exterior windows can prevent drafts and
heat loss, as well as save you money on your home heating bills.
To caulk around exterior
windows you will need silicone caulk, a caulk gun, a utility knife, a
putty knife, a long nail, and a few moist paper towels.
The first step in caulking
windows is to clean around the exterior edges of the window making
sure to remove any old dried-out caulk. |
Use a putty knife and paper towels to
clean the exterior window edges.
Next, insert your tube of silicone
caulk into the caulk gun.
Using your utility knife cut the tip
off of the caulk tube. Make sure when you cut the tip off of the tube that you
cut it at about a 45o angle, and such that the opening has a diameter
that is equal to the width of the seam you are going to caulk. Slide the long
nail into the caulk tube a couple of times to break the seal within the tube.
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Proceed to caulk the exterior window
edge at a controlled and measured rate, making sure you apply even pressure to
the caulking handle at all times. If you move the caulk gun too slowly you will
end up applying too much caulk on the window seam. If you move the caulk gun too
quickly you will end up with an insufficient amount of caulk on the window seam.
After applying a bead of caulk to the
window make sure you pull back on the caulking gun’s ratchet rod to relieve the
pressure in the tube of caulk.
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This will prevent excess caulk from
spilling out of the tube.
Once you have caulked around the
exterior window use a damp towel, a plastic spoon, or your wet finger to smooth
the caulk bead into the seam.
Allow the caulk to fully dry before
applying paint.
For information on
Installing a New Window, see the
Installing a New Window Ebook from
HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing a New Window Ebook provides easy to
understand, step-by-step instructions, on how to remove an old window and
install a new one. Pictures are included for every key step in the process.
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