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The Dos and Don’ts of Caulking Windows
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The Dos and Don’ts of Caulking Windows
Caulking windows—to give them a finished look (inside and out) and seal out leaks and drafts—is a fairly common DIY task. But if done incorrectly, it can lend a sloppy, amateurish look. Caulk is not a design element; it should blend in with the window and be unnoticeable. “Running a bead,” as the process of caulking is known, requires applying a long, narrow strip along the entire length of the seam—and it takes a degree of skill. Keep reading to learn the techniques so you can caulk like a pro.Get more news about Windows Sealant,you can vist our website!
You’ll find dozens of types of caulk at your local home improvement store, and each type is intended for a specific situation.Exterior windows: To stand up to the elements, exterior caulk should be impervious to harsh sun rays, water, and fluctuating temperatures. The tube of caulk should specify it’s intended for exterior surfaces; we like Sashco Big Stretch Caulk (available from Amazon).
Interior windows: Caulk used on interior windows should not emit toxic fumes, and it should hold paint well. High quality, paintable latex, such as White Lightning’s Painter’s Preferred Acrylic Latex Caulk (available from Amazon), is a good choice for interior windows.
Humid rooms: Caulking windows in a room with high humidity, such as a bathroom, calls for interior caulk that’s both waterproof and mold-resistant. Kwik Seal Ultra (from The Home Depot) works well in steamy situations.
Masonry siding: When caulking seams between windows and masonry siding, including basement windows and windows on stucco or brick homes, you’ll need an exterior caulk that’s compatible with both the window and the masonry surface. General Electric Max Flex Acrylic Urethane Caulk (available from Amazon) is a solid option for these types of uses.
Cheap caulking guns come with a ratchet-style handle that must be twisted loose to release the pressure on the caulk in the tube. With this type of gun, caulk will keep oozing out until you loosen the handle with your hand, resulting in excess caulk on the window. A better choice is a caulking gun with a thumb release you can press to instantly release the pressure on the caulk so it stops flowing when you’re done running a bead. We like Newborn’s Superior E-Z Thrust Smooth Rod Caulking Gun (available from Amazon) for its convenient thumb release.