Do you know that caulking a window helps in many ways? You don’t have to deal with the leaky windows. If you have caulked your windows properly, not only will it help protect your property from water damage, but it will also help you save on your energy bills.

Even a slight draft in your windows can increase your HVAC bill as you struggle to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.  However, with a little caulk, you can save on hefty bills and keep your house warm without an HVAC system.

In this guide, we will walk you through the importance of window caulking and how to do it yourself.

What is Exterior Window Caulking?

Exterior window caulking is an application of sealant around the edges of exterior windows to create a watertight and air-tight seal. It helps prevent drafts, water damage, and pest entry if it’s done right. If you don’t know what window caulking is, then you can reach an expert for exterior window caulking services. A window caulk is a silicone sealant that helps seal windows against drafts, pests, or worse, water damage. If it’s done right, then you can stay worry-free for years. 

Why Do You Caulk Windows?

Caulking a window does much more than just saving your property from water damage; it gives your property a more finished appearance while sealing any air leaks or drafts. When you detect a leak around your window, that’s when you know that it’s time to use caulk to seal the leak.

If the leak is bad enough, you can detect water damage around the window, and to fix it, you would require the help of exterior window caulking experts. However, you can detect small air leaks by yourself with some inspections. Here’s what you have to do to find whether your window is leaking or not:

1. First, you need to lock all your windows tightly.
2. Switch off fans, air conditioners, or any other appliance that helps to circulate air.
3. Light the candle and move it carefully around the windows.
4. If the candle lights flicker or get blown away, your window needs caulking.

What Do You Need For Caulking Windows?

Once you have detected the leaks, it’s time to gather up the tools and start working on them. You would need the following tools for caulking windows properly:

• Caulking Gun
• Smoothing Tool
• Painters Tape
• Putty Knife
• Small Nails or Pins
• Cleaning Rags
• Foam Backer Rod
• Utility Knife

After gathering the necessary tools, you can begin caulking your windows. Please note that you have to wait for a day with mild weather and low humidity. The temperature should be above 45℉, and there should be no forecast for rain for at least 24 hours. This will help the caulk to settle down and dry properly.

Step-by-Step Guide For Caulking a Window

Now that you have gathered all of the necessary tools, it’s time to caulk a window. Here is the step-by-step guide for mess-free window caulking for every type of window:

Step 1 → Remove The Old Caulk

To apply the new caulking to your window, you need to remove the old one. You can remove it by scraping it off your windows with the help of a putty knife. If you find stubborn caulk fragments, you will need to cut them using a utility knife. Please ensure that you have removed as much caulk from the window as possible. 

Step 2 → Surface Preparing

Once you have removed the old caulk from your window surface, wash away any dirt or other debris that may be present where you intend to apply the caulk. If you do not wash it, the caulk will not fully adhere to the windows. Also, check the window frame; if you find any damage or rot, fix it.

Please note that the caulk will work best as a sealant for gaps that are 1/4 inch or less. If the gap is larger than that, you will need to use a form board or apply painter’s tape parallel to the cracks, about 1/8 inch away. This will help you achieve a straight line and make cleanup easier. 

Step 3 → Prepare the Caulking Gun

All done with surface preparation? The next step is to prepare the caulking gun. You can find two variations for caulking firearms, including a manual caulking gun and a ratchet rod. We recommend buying the manual caulking gun, as it is easy to use and requires minimal force. Additionally, it features a thumb release mechanism that stops the caulk flow, preventing pooling and creating a neater finish. To prepare the caulking gun, you need to use a caulk tube, which is often sold separately from the gun. Load it into the gun as instructed on its box. 

Please note that you must ensure the rod is fully extended against the back of the tube.

Step 4 → Cut The Nozzle

Cutting the nozzle may seem like an easy task, but it is the most critical and complex thing to do. A minor mistake in cutting the nozzle can cause a larger bead of caulk. So you have to be careful when making this cut.

You can use the utility knife to cut the nozzle opening about 1/4 inch at 45 45-degree angle. You might need a pin to break the seal on the inside of the nozzle.

Step 5 → Apply The Caulk

Now it’s time to apply the caulk to your window. Start by applying caulking around the corners of the window. Press the nozzle tip against the surface while holding the gun at a 45-degree angle. Apply pressure to the trigger and start dragging the nozzle around the corner. This will create a smooth, continuous bead of caulk in the gap, ensuring a seamless seal. 

Step 6 → Smooth The Bead

Once you have applied the caulking bead, use the smoothing tool to drag the tip along the bead, smoothing it out. This will help you remove excess caulk, ensuring a perfect fill in the gaps. Once you have smoothed the bead, you can remove the painter’s tape before it dries. 

Step 7 → Allow The Caulk To Dry

Now, when your caulk is applied, let it sit for a day or 2 to settle down properly. Once it dried up, you can apply the paint over the dried caulk. 

Types of Window Caulk

You can find various types of caulk available at your local stores, and each type is used for a specific situation.

• Exterior Windows: When selecting the tube, please note that it is intended for exterior window caulking services. Exterior caulk is impervious to harsh water damage, fluctuating temperatures, and intense sunlight.
• Interior Windows: For indoor window frames, you will want a caulk that offers a smooth finish and doesn’t shrink. Acrylic caulk is the most commonly used as it is easy to apply. 
• Humid Rooms: If you’re sealing around windows in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms, go with a silicone-based or a hybrid silicone-latex caulk. These are mold- and mildew-resistant, built to withstand frequent humidity without peeling or turning yellow. Make sure the packaging says it’s designed for high-moisture environments.
• Masonry Siding: Windows surrounded by brick, stone, or stucco require a more flexible and durable solution, such as polyurethane caulk or specialized masonry sealant. These types adhere well to rough, porous surfaces and expand/contract with your exterior without losing grip. Just double-check it’s rated for masonry before buying.

How Often Do You Need Recaulk?

It depends on the various factors whether your exterior or interior windows need a recaulk service or not. Here are the factors that help in making this decision:

• The caulk type used to fill in the gaps
• The climate conditions. How often does it change
• The quality of the caulk that was installed at first

Also, we recommend that you inspect your windows manually first. You can recaulk your window about every three to five years when you see signs of deterioration. 

Looking For Experts’ Help? Contact us now

Are you finding your window caulking process a bit hard? If so, then no worries, you can contact Paradise Construction to get your interior and exterior window caulking. If your window has water damage during caulking, you can count on us, as we also offer water damage restoration services. We have all the experts and the right tools to restore your buildings and caulk windows.

So, why wait? Contact us at +1 718-238-9191 to book your appointment today.