How to Seal a Drafty Window
Drafty windows are annoying but they can be quickly remedied with a tube of caulk and a caulk gun. This is a simple and cost effective way to take care of draft problems. The caulking solution is an alternative to replacing the windows. It is also temporary. Once the cold season is over or if you do decide to replace the windows, the caulk can be easily removed. Cleaning and caulking the windows should take no more than an hour of your time. Once the job is finished you won't have to worry about annoying drafts. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Candle
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
- Latex caulk
- Caulk gun
- Nail
- Rags
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Examine the windows on a cold windy day to find out where the draft is coming from. The chances are that the draft is coming from one or two windows. Locating the source of the draft is simple. Light a candle and check each window. When the flame bends horizontally you have located the problem.
-
2
Clean around the window frame. If the window has old caulking, check its condition. It may not be necessary to remove and replace all the old caulking. If the caulking is forming an airtight seal, leave it alone. Concentrate on the caulking that is loose or cracked. Remove it with a putty knife. It is important to remove all the caulk and debris or the new caulk will not form an airtight seal.
-
-
3
Cut off the tip of the caulk tube at a 45 degree angle. Use a good quality latex caulk. The plastic tube is easy to cut with a utility knife. Make the cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the end of the tube. Insert a nail into the opening to loosen the caulk. Place the caulk tube into a good quality caulk gun. (Cheap caulk guns are difficult to use; the caulk keeps oozing even after you release the trigger and this leaves you with a unnecessary mess.)
-
4
Apply the caulk around the window frame. Hold the caulk gun at the necessary angle and press the trigger to start the caulk flowing. Apply a bead of caulk and release the trigger 5 inches before you reach the end. The caulk will continue flowing for the final 5 inches.
-
5
Smooth the caulk with your index finger. The bead of caulk will be a little uneven and lumpy. Run your finger along the bead line, lightly pressing down toward the window frame. This smooths the caulk and helps makes a better seal. Wipe your finger with a wet rag. Use the rag to wipe away excess caulk on the window frame. Repeat the procedure until all the sides have been caulked.
-
1
