How to Install Caulking Around Windows

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (20 Ratings)

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

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

Step1
Scrape and clean the area to be caulked, removing paint chips and dirt.
Step2
Cut 1/4 inch off of the tip of the caulking tube with a utility knife.
Step3
Slide tube into caulking gun.
Step4
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.
Step5
Smooth the bead of caulk with the edge of an ice cream stick. Clean excess buildup of caulk from the stick every 6 inches.
Step6
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.

Comments

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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?

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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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.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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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.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I use painters' tape to line off the area to be caulked. It takes a bit longer, but you don't wind up with a bizarre caulk line! Remove the tape as soon as you have smoothed the caulk.

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eHow Article:  How to Install Caulking Around Windows

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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