How to Caulk Outside Windows
Caulking outdoor windows is necessary for a variety of reasons. Some of the benefits of caulking include improved insulation, improved aesthetic appeal and protection from mold and mildew development in the creases of your windows. Whether it be to improve insulation in your home or to just improve the overall visual appeal, caulking is something you will encounter at some point. Caulking is also a fairly straightforward process if you follow a specific set of instructions to do it properly.
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Things You'll Need
- Polyurethane caulk
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife
- Pliers
- 5 in 1 painter's tool
- Cloth
Instructions
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1
Use a utility knife to cut through the existing caulk on the windows. The majority of the caulk should fall off immediately; however if multiple layers of caulk are on the surface, use a pair of pliers to remove it.
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2
Clean the surface of the windows and the area where the old caulk used to be by removing all dirt and dust that may be present. Do not use a pressure washer for this process as it may force moisture into the exposed gaps and cause moisture damage in the future. Instead use a cloth to gently remove all dirt and grime.
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3
Load the caulk gun by pulling back on the plunger and dropping the new caulk tube into the opening. Use a pair of scissors to cut the nozzle of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle to allow optimal application to the windows.
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4
Squeeze on the trigger of the caulk gun to apply a polyurethane caulk along the joint of the window between the glass and the wood. Polyurethane caulk is best because it does not completely harden and tends to last longer than others. Smooth out the caulk using a five-in-one painter's tool to improve the overall look of your windows.
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Repeat this process as necessary to complete caulking on the remainder of the windows of your home.
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