Caulking Windows

Caulking windows is one of those essential things that builders have to do for making your home proof from outside wind, dust and water (rains) that can enter through your windows. A caulk is a seal that helps make the applied area watertight. Poorly sealed windows or doors too for that matter, can be sufficient to cause damage related to humidity, water leakage and excess moisture.

Caulking windows is the most simplest thing to do as far as caulking is concerned, for the simple reason that unlike any other caulking, you do not have to look for or bother about leakage. I say this because as mentioned in the first paragraph, caulking basically deals waterproofing or leakage, is a more appropriate word rather. For example, in the case of caulking a shower.

So the first and apparently the basic step is to inspect the window panes, the area where the glass slides along, i.e. the channels of sliding glass doors. More often than not, gaps and crevices are noticed in between the channels and the concrete or wooden surface where the window is installed. So once you are done with having a look at such areas, you know where to caulk.

There are few basic steps for caulking windows, and keeping those in mind the following tips are sure to help you know how to caulk windows properly. Caulking window panes are the key and things required for doing the same are moist cloth, sandpaper, utility knife or a scraper, rubber gloves, caulking gun (optional) and caulk.

Selecting the Caulk
Depending on your budget you can opt for different types of caulks available in the market but remember to invariably, invest in a caulk that is oil free, i.e. which is not oil based. Amongst the costliest of caulks are the silicone ones. Only thing you gotta be careful about while doing this window treatments, is to avoid skin contact with the caulk as it is very difficult to get rid of it and that is why using the rubber gloves is recommended.

Please make sure you have gone through the variety of caulks available (tapes, paste, etc.) and use the one that is best suited for your windows and obviously the desired look too. Caulking, if done neatly, can be almost invisible. So, for the same, you need to buy a caulk that matches the color of your window siding and pane.

Preparation
Preparing the place for caulking is very important as the efficiency and lasting of the caulking depends on the same. Clean the area nicely off any dirt and grime. Follow this by removing the dried old caulk with help of the scraper or utility knife. The dried caulk is more often than not very hard to remove, thus for making it come off easily, you need to use a heating gun or else some softeners which is to be put on it two hours prior to attempting to remove it.

It is better to caulk the windows from the inside first as it gives you a chance to fill the outside gaps more appropriately. You have the freedom to spread the caulk using your finger, straight along the window panes. First, you need to squeeze out proper quantity (sufficient for filling the gap) and then quickly run your finger over it all along the length, smoothening it without stopping. In case some excess caulk is spread out of alignment, immediately wipe it off with the moist cloth.

Caulking windows from the outside is easy but it is recommended to use the caulking gun for the purpose as it gives perfect neatness. Start applying the caulk from the bottom and work your way up. Now let it dry!

Hope this article helps you in caulking windows whenever you feel it's necessary. Normally, a good caulking lasts for around five years, but keep a tab on the wear and tear of the caulks to maintain your home well.