How to Install Caulking Around Windows

Stop those annoying little drafts in your home by caulking around the exterior of your windows. Use a paintable caulk so that you can paint over it if you like. Follow these few steps to prevent drafts from entering your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleaning Cloths
• Cleaning Cloths
• Ice Cream Sticks
• Utility Knives
• Caulking Guns
• Caulks
• Scrapers

1. Scrape and clean the area to be caulked, removing paint chips and dirt.

2. Cut 1/4 inch off of the tip of the caulking tube with a utility knife.

3. Slide tube into caulking gun.

4. Run a 1/8-inch bead of caulk between window frame and siding. Look for any area where the elements outside can get into interior of your home.

5. Smooth the bead of caulk with the edge of an ice cream stick. Clean excess buildup of caulk from the stick every 6 inches.

6. Let dry for 24 hours before painting.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply caulk on warm, dry days.
• Clean the tip of the caulk tube frequently to keep the caulk from building up and making it difficult to run a smooth bead.
• Do not use your finger to smooth caulk. Many of them contain chemicals harmful to your skin.

[erinuna]

on 9/23/2008 Does this technique work for interior of the window too? Is this hard or can a normal person do it? Do you have to be super crafty?

[projectmgr]

on 8/13/2008 I think you should dig out that dripless caulking gun for this job.

[pvmonaghan]

on 6/21/2008 How often should I replace caulking around the aluminium capping on my windows? And where should I caulk aroung the capping?

on 11/22/2005 Use dish detergent on your fingers when smoothing out a caulk line. There will be no sticky mess or unsightly lines.

on 11/22/2005 I worked at a paint store that colored caulking just like paint. Ask for this from your local paint store. If they can match it up, you just saved a step.

Note: This doesn't work with silicone caulking.