Step By Step Process Of Sealing Aluminum Window Joints
If air comes in or goes out of your home, that means your aluminum windows are allowing it to do so. However, you can easily solve this problem by simply sealing the joints. Silicone caulk is the perfect choice when it comes to sealing around metal as well as glass, therefore, this is the preferred type of caulk if you are looking to seal gaps 1/4 inch wide or less on aluminum windows. This sealant is flexible, which allows joints to contract as well as expand as the temperature changes. Ideally, you should apply caulk when the temperature outside is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are looking to seal joints of the aluminum windows, then go through the below-mentioned step-by-step process carefully:
- Remove All Old Caulk & Clean Windows’ Joints
First of all, remove all old caulk on the outside of the windows with the help of a putty knife. Use a ladder in order to reach windows that are out of reach. Clean the windows’ joints with the help of an all-purpose cleaner and a cloth & try to get rid of dirt. Allow all joints to fully dry. - Cut The Nozzle Of A Tube Of Transparent Silicone Caulk
Now, trim the hose end of a tube of transparent silicone caulk at a 45-degree angle with the help of a utility knife. Insert a nail into the end of the nozzle in order to puncture the seal. - Put The Tube Of Caulk Into A Caulking Gun
Next, place the tube of caulk into a caulking gun before pushing the plunger up as long as it is snug against the end of the tube. Squeeze the gun’s trigger as long as the caulk appears at the end of the nozzle. - Apply The Caulk To The Joint
Then, position the tip of the nozzle on the edge of the window joint, before squeezing the gun’s trigger in order to apply the caulk to the joint. Keep squeezing the trigger as well as sliding the tip along the joint as long as the caulk is applied to the entire joint. Position the end of a plastic spoon in a bowl of water, before using the wet spoon to smooth out the bead of caulk. Repeat the same process to seal all joints on the windows. - Clean The Tracks Using An All-purpose Cleaner And A Rag
Open the windows before cleaning the tracks with the help of an all-purpose cleaner and a rag. Compute the length of the track with the help of a tape measure and use a utility knife in order to cut rope caulking to fit in the tracks of all windows. - Seal The Tracks On All Windows
Finally, put down a piece of rope caulking in the window track before pressing it into the track using your fingers. Repeat the process to seal the tracks on all windows before closing the windows. Compute the lengths of the tops of the sashes on the windows before cutting rope caulking to the length of all sashes. Press the rope caulking into the top of the sashes on each & every window.