Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The Handyguys discuss the the energy saving task of caulking windows.
Announcements
Before we discuss caulking windows we would like to remind our listeners and viewers of our recent video production on replacing a flush valve. In addition, we will be re-doing our “Fixing a Dishwasher” video in High Definition for additional clarity on the repair process. We hope to do a video showing some caulking techniques in the near future too.
Window Caulking
Handyguy Paul was asked by a friend “where do you caulk a window?”. That’s a pretty broad question. Is the window wood, vinyl or aluminum? Do You want to caulk it for aesthetics or because of drafts? We will assume drafts. Also, what is the siding material? new replacement windows in old frames? There are a lot of variables. We ramble on in the podcast discussing different places we caulk.
Vinyl windows and vinyl siding
Click to see a full sized image. Image © Andersen Corporation
Vinyl windows, if installed correctly shouldn’t need to be caulked in too many places. Caulking on the interior is mainly for aesthetics. You will caulk where the drywall meets the frame or the casing meets the frame. You can use some painters caulk on the inside where the window meets the casing or the drywall. If it was installed correctly there shouldn’t be a draft coming from this area.
Wood windows with wood siding
Click to see full sized image
These windows require a lot more maintenance. All gaps should be re-caulked. If caulking after painting or if you have natural wood, you use a clear caulk. If caulking before painting you should use paintable caulk rated for exterior use.
Replacement windows
Click to see a full sized image. Thanks to Champion Windows for providing this image.
Replacement windows are installed in existing wood frames. The windows come as a unit and should be caulked properly when installed. In situations with replacement windows, you have the area between the new window and the existing frame to keep caulk maintained as well as around any old trim.
Handyguy Tips
During a new segment to the show, the Handyguys each provide an important tip for the typical homeowner.
Thanks
Related shows:
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Over the past few months my electric bill has been going up, and this winter it hit a high point. A friend told me that it might be time to replace my windows. I’m hoping that there would be a cheaper option. Would re-caulking my windows be a good step to take before replacing my entire windows, or just a waste of time and money?
It would depend on the age of the windows, the age of the house, the type of glazing on the windows as well as how well your house is insulated. For example, if you have old single pane glass but have storm windows but no attic insulation then I would add insulation not do new windows. If you have gaps outside definitely seal them. If you house is well insulated but has old single pane windows with no storms then yes replacement windows may make your home more comfortable.
I’ m replacing aluminun windows for impact when installer removed old window the new one was smaller there was a gap between the concrete and the frame of the window possible 1/4 to 1/2 inches they applied screws and a rubber foam and caulking is this correct? I feel that the entire window will come of during a hurricaine (I live in Florida) that is why I’m changing the windows.I was able to see the screws between the frame and the concrete.Any advice will be helpful they are coming tomorrow to continue and I,m scare to death
Thanks again
marisela – I sent you an email but haven’t heard back. Some pictures would help us determine if its okay or not.
I have wood widows with wood siding. Should the top of the drip edge be calked along the bottom of the siding and should the bottom of the trim be calked where it meets the sill?
Thanks.
The drip edge flashing goes under the siding and over the top of the window. It shouldn’t need caulked there if the flashing is installed correctly. If in doubt you can caulk it, it wouldn’t hurt anything.
The bottom trim should be caulked where it meets the bottom of the sill but not below it. Make sense? Email us a picture and we can try and help out more us@handyguyspodcast.com
I have old single pane windows with storms windows on top. Do I caulk around that?
yes, the outer frame holding the storm window should be caulked where it attaches to the window frame. At the bottom of the storm window frame there are “weep holes” to let out water that could get between the storm window and inside window. those should not be caulked and kept clean so water can drain.
Great podcast! Look forward to the video you mentioned you’d be making. Any advice on the best time of the year to caulk? Can it be too hot out to caulk your windows?
Best time? When its dry out and the temperature is within the range stated on the package. If its freezing cold that’s bad and if its blazing hot that can be bad too.
I have a fairly large gap on my inside window where the framing of the window should meet the dry wall. How do I seal this area? should I use some kind of exspandable foam? I am asking because we have had an ant problem this fall and they are coming in around that area.
Shawn – Use some paintable caulk. if the gap is really large you may want to re-install the trim first. It should sit flush. Send some pictures to us@handyguyspodcast.com and we may have better suggestions.
Also, ants wont come in if there is no reason for them to come in. Make sure you clean clean clean. Things like dog or cat food, crumbs, etc will attract them. Eliminate their food and they will go elsewhere. Sometimes even water in the kitchen sink will attract them. Wipe the sink after using it if you get ants in the sink.
If they are carpenter ants then you may have other issues. Carpenter ants tunnel in wood.
Hi! We have added an addition using James Hardi shingles and Maritech vinyl windows. There are gaps where the shingles meet the vinyl windows. There is no molding trim around the outside other than what is pre-attached to the window. Should we caulk around the outside where the shingles and the window meets and if so, what kind of caulking should we use? Should we use trim pieces to finish the windows and then caulk? The inspector will be coming this week and any timely advice would be much appreciated!! Thanks for the info!
Haley – I cant positively say. In researching the Maritech window construction, if they were installed correctly, there should not be any need for additional caulking. Adding trim would be an aesthetic choice which I would consider doing if your budget allowed.
{ 2 trackbacks }