Important Points About Caulking Around The Window
Caulking is a process that helps to give the window a finished look from both the inside as well as the outside part of the window and also helps to seal out leaks and drafts. But if it is done incorrectly, it can result in a sloppy, bad look. The caulk is actually not a design element, instead, it must blend in with the window. Running a bead of caulking requires applying along as well as narrow strip all along the entire length of the seam. Some of the important points that need to be avoided while caulking the window are as follows:
- Do not run a continuous bead of the caulk from the top to the bottom or even from one side to the other. By the time the user reaches the end of the bead, change the grip on the caulk gun, this will affect the uniformity of the caulk bead. Instead of this, the user must caulk starting from one end to the middle of the seam and then stop. After this, start from the other end and then caulk in a way so that it meets the first bead. This will help to maintain a very good steady hand position, which in turn will result in a uniform bead.
- Do not smooth the bead of the caulk all the way starting from one end to the other. After running the bead of the caulk, smooth it, either using a wet finger or with the caulk applicator. The best way to do this is to start applying the caulk about 6 inches from the bottom and then smooth out this small section first. After this, move on to another six inches and again smooth this section, pull it in a downward direction toward the section, this is smoothed. It is important to remember that the amateurs try to smooth the entire bead all at the same time, which in turn results in the excess caulk to build up as well as overflow from the sides of the seam. So smoothing a small section will give a professional look as well as also prevent a mess of the excess caulk from all the sides of the seam.
- The other point is that don't use the caulk as a filler for the poorly trimmed-out windows. The caulk is actually intended only for use on the relatively narrow seams, typically 1/4 inch wide or the tighter. If the caulk is applied to large gaps, then it can sag out from the gap as well as will create an unattractive mess. If the gaps are wider than 1/4 inches, then fill them first using a foam backer rod.
- The last important point is not to apply the caulk over old caulk. If the old caulk has been hardened and is pulling away, then running a bead of the caulk over it is going to be wasted. The old caulk will continuously pull away, also taking away the new caulk off with it and as a result, it will be a thick, messy caulk line. Scrape off all the old caulk using a steel putty knife.