Many people will find that their windows are really drafty during the wintertime. This can be caused by air leakage from bad windows. One way to potentially fix this is to apply caulk to the windows.
Part 1 : Inspection
The first thing that should be done is to inspect the house. Check every room and count how many total windows will need to be caulked. Additionally, look for any other signs of leaks or air penetrations. You will want to ensure that the job is done right before it gets cold!
Once you count the total number of window units, assess the quantity of caulk that you will need to buy. You can estimate about 1 tube per window unit, just to be safe.
Part 2: Caulking Materials
As far as the actual caulk goes, we recommend OSI Quad Caulk for exterior purposes. This is every window contractor’s favorite caulk and for very good reasons. The polyurethane sealant provides a consistent bead that is flexible, yet very strong. It also acts similar to a glue, where it can connect different materials together. If you would like to use a different caulk, you may go right ahead.
Besides the sealant, be sure to pick up a caulking gun if you don’t have one. Every hardware store in the nation should have them in stock.
Part 3: Extra Work
After buying the supplies, the next step should be to remove any old caulk from the windows. This will give better adhesion and surface area for the new caulk to settle on. You can do this easily with a putty knife if you have the patience.
Before starting the installation, make sure the weather is good for at least twelve hours (typical, but check your caulking specs.)
Part 4: Getting Dirty
Finally, the actual caulking part (well almost). Using a utility knife, cut the tip of the tube of caulk at a 45-degree angle to match the profile of the bead that you would like applied. Be sure to cut away from yourself, as it is common for beginners to make this mistake.
Now take the gun and shoulder it. Point the tip towards the area that needs sealant and start squeezing the trigger until you get a constant flow. Be sure to move backward at a moderate to fast pace to prevent touch-ups. Continue this on all four sides of the window unit until you finish the first one.
After the caulking dries, you may now re-check the areas for any spots that may have been missed. It does happen occasionally (even for experienced window contractors).
