How to Reseal a Window
A cold draft from windows not only puts a chill in a room, but also causes heating bills to rise. Old caulking cracks, leaves gaps and can’t do the intended job. Not only will cold air seep into your home, but old caulk is unsightly. Resealing the window gives the window a fresh look, saves you money and will last for years. Even the novice will catch on quickly to the technique of applying caulk to a window. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Putty knife
- Mild detergent
- Dry cloth
- Cutting tool
- Metal coat hanger
- Caulk gun
- Damp cloth
Instructions
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Remove old caulking with a putty knife or a flat-edged tool. Insert the putty knife under the caulk and carefully pry off the caulk using gentle pressure.
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Wash the window with a mild detergent solution. Dry the window thoroughly and check for any remaining caulk.
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Select a caulk designed for sealing around windows. Cut off the tip of the caulk tube at a slight angle to produce a caulk bead 1/4 inch wide. Push the end of a cut coat hanger into the tube hole to break the seal. Insert the tube into a caulk gun.
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Press the tube tip into the corner next to the window. Pull the gun trigger to produce a steady and even flow of caulk from the gun, and drag the caulk bead along the window. Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe drips from the tip.
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Tips & Warnings
A heat gun or hand-held hairdryer will help to soften stubborn caulk.
Insert glazier points as needed if the window pane if loose. Glazier points are small triangles wedged between the glass and the wood frame that secures the glass.
Read the caulk tube label to ensure that you purchase the appropriate caulk.
Clean the caulk tube after using to prevent caulk from clogging the tip.
A caulk gun holds the tube of caulk. Pulling the trigger applies pressure to push the caulk out of the tube.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
