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Window Caulking
Caulk Exterior Windows to Prevent Cold
Air Drafts from Entering Your Home
By Mark J. Donovan
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Window caulking plays an
important role in keeping your home energy efficient and warm during
the winter months. Every year you should inspect the outside of your
home and caulk exterior windows and doors as required. Caulking
windows is simple and inexpensive to do. All it requires for tools is
a caulking gun, a utility knife, a long thin screwdriver and a ladder.
In the fall, when the weather is still above 40o Fahrenheit, you
should inspect the exterior of your windows and look for any open
seams around the windows where the house siding abuts the window
frame.
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If you do find open seams around the
window frame apply window caulking. Make sure to use a window caulk that is
designed for exterior applications. An elastomeric Acrylic Latex Caulk with
Silicone works best as it is extremely durable and flexible. A urethane caulk
also works well for outdoor applications.
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Window caulking comes in a variety of
colors, however I prefer to use a clear caulk as it works well with any house
paint color. Many caulk vendors offer clear caulk that comes out white when it
is applied, but then dries clear, so don’t be alarmed when you see white caulk
coming out of a tube of caulk that’s labeled clear. If you prefer to paint the
window caulk make sure you select a caulk that is paintable. Silicone based
caulk is not paintable.
Window caulk is also sold by a year rating system. For best results with
exterior applications, I prefer to use window caulking rated for at least 35
years.
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Caulk meant for exterior or wet
applications is also available with a mildewcide integrated into the formula to
retard mildew growth.
To caulk exterior windows make sure the window frame and the
house siding adjacent to the window frame are clean and dry. Then, with the
tip of the caulk tube cut at a 45 degree angle, use a caulking gun to apply
a 1/8 to ¼ inch wide bead of caulk around the window frame. Make sure that
the outside temperature is above 40o Fahrenheit. If necessary use your
finger to press the window caulking into the seam and smooth the bead.
Also make sure to caulk around your exterior doors as well. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
Finally, it is important to remember to check the door and window caulking
annually as caulk can dry out, the home can settle, and doors and windows can
contract or expand. All of these factors can cause new cracks or seams to open
up around the door and window frames.
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.
Related Information
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