A Complete Guide on Where to Caulk and Where Not To.

ByHenry Brown

Introduction

Installing a new window can definitely increase the value of your home. It can also dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your house. Proper installation requires caulk around the edges of the window, which must be done correctly for you to reap all of the benefits that windows have to offer.

So before you hire a professional handyman in Corpus Christi for your window installation requirement, check if he knows where not to caulk.

Where Not to Caulk

Around the Windows

  • Don’t caulk over the metal tracks that hold the window in place.

  • Don’t caulk around windows that slide.

  • Don’t caulk the air gaps between the window and the wall.

You may ask why not caulk over these areas? Well, because they are meant for easy removal in the future if necessary. If you seal them, then it will be almost impossible to remove or replace them in the future. If your handyman in Corpus Christi caulks over these areas, you can help him out by letting him know immediately.

Avoid the Weep Holes

Another trick that you should keep in mind when installing a window is to avoid applying the caulk in and around the weep holes. The reason for this is simple: even though it may help to fill any gaps between the frame and pane, doing so can create an obstruction when your windows are opened vertically. 

This may cause air or water seepage into your home. If you do happen to caulk around the weep holes, be sure to remove it when winter rolls around so that ice doesn’t form inside them and expand until it damages the window’s frame.

If any of these mistakes are made during installation, they can severely decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. This will impact on how much money you save on utility bills each month. If you are planning to install new windows at your home, be sure to hire a reliable home maintenance services provider who knows where not to caulk around the window’s frame.

Do not Caulk the Parts that Move

The first and most important mistake that should be avoided is to caulk around the window frame. You should also keep an eye out for any areas where pieces of your window move, such as the hinges or sash rods. Do not apply the caulk in these areas as it can prevent them from operating correctly. Be sure to avoid all of the common mistakes when installing a window.

The Doorway Frame

When it comes to installing windows in a doorway, you should also consider using silicone sealant instead of traditional caulk. The reason for this is that the vinyl or aluminum frame on your door will have a tendency to expand and contract depending on the weather. This movement can cause gaps to form between your window and its frame, which can then allow water into your home or make it hard for the window to operate as it should.

Now that we are aware of the places we need to avoid caulking let us go one step further and learn about the places to caulk.

Where to Caulk

Once you’ve finished your window installation project, the edges of all your newly-installed windows need to be filled. This process is known as caulking and there are two best practices when it comes to this important step in ensuring that your new windows remain durable and waterproof.

First, a professional handyman in Corpus Christi who is experienced with window installation will caulk around both the interior and exterior frames of your new windows. Not only does this help prevent water from entering your home from outside sources but it also seals off any gaps that were left as a result of incorrect installation. Second, they will apply caulk to any gaps that may have formed between the frames and the walls surrounding the windows.

Since silicone sealant is better than acrylic caulks, these are recommended for both interior and exterior uses. Just be sure to choose one that will work best with your window frame material so as not to cause further damage. If you’re not sure which one to use, always call general maintenance services providers for their advice.

What Are the Benefits of Caulking Around Windows?

Caulking around your windows not only helps prevent water from entering your home but it also acts as an important first line of defense against possible vandalism and helps maintain the integrity of your window’s weather stripping.

There are a number of benefits you can enjoy from hiring a professional handyman in Corpus Christi to caulking around your new windows or fixing any gaps that you had missed during installation.

Improved energy efficiency

Caulking your home’s exterior helps prevent air leaks, which makes it easier for the Central AC team to maintain an even indoor air temperature. This results in lower utility bills for you each month.

Protection against the elements

Air leaks also result in frequent condensation across your window’s frame, which can eventually lead to cracks and warping of wood frames. Silicone sealant helps keep out water, which means it prevents further damage from occurring to your new windows.

Waterproofing

Another important benefit of caulk is that it provides a waterproof seal around the window’s exterior frame. This helps prevent water from seeping in through cracks, which can lead to damage of wood frames and warping over time. 

Easy maintenance

You will also appreciate the fact that caulking around your home’s windows is easy to maintain. After the sealant is applied, you can clean any debris from it and even re-apply it if necessary.

How to Caulk Windows?

If you are planning to take up a DIY caulking project, be sure to prepare by gathering some tools and materials. First, you will need a caulking gun that holds the sealant in place while you work it into the gap. You should also have on hand some silicone caulk with primer already mixed in, along with an appropriate spreader for applying the mixture.

Next, ensure that the area where you will be applying caulk is properly prepared. You should remove any debris or dust that may be present around the window frame and wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to make sure it’s dry. Now apply a bead of caulk to your freshly-installed windows. Then, use a caulk gun to apply a smooth strip of caulk along with the window frame where it meets the wall around it. To smooth out the area, just drag your finger or a popsicle stick across it. Finally, take a wet rag and clean up any excess that you see on the exterior or interior of your windows.

Conclusion:

Caulking is an important part of window installation. And hiring a professional handyman in Corpus Christi to do the job is a worthwhile investment.  Not only will they caulk around your windows for you, but they can also install them in a quick and efficient manner. Call them today and protect your house from water seepage.


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