Window caulking is denoted as the process of sealing the cracks around a window using a waterproof sealant. Easy as it is to execute, window caulking can save you from tremendous damages. However, it is mandatory that you do optimal caulking in your home so that it is better guarded against the intervention of moisture, drafts and heat leakage.
A good caulking job can protect your home for years to come. Conversely, there are also a number of mistakes that can direct all your caulking efforts to waste. So if you are planning to begin caulking your window frame, here are some common mistakes that you should avoid.
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1. The Wrong Caulk
This is one of the obvious mistakes that you might make when caulking a window frame. The quality and the nature of caulk in of increased importance in determining how long-lasting protection would your caulk provide. To ensure that you have a prolonged protection, choose a silicone or polyurethane made caulk.
Silicone is waterproof, flexible and shrink-proof with a life of almost 20 years. Low quality or less expensive caulk can suffice the purpose only temporarily because they are not as flexible as silicone, and they do not have as robust an adherence ability. It will come off right away, compelling you to do it all over again.
2. The Wrong Applicator
Caulking a window frame can also go wrong if you do not use the right applicator for the procedure. Caulking requires a cartridge as well as a cartridge gun for the appropriate application of the caulking gel. The mistake that people often make is the direct application of caulk through the cartridge.
This results in improper dispense of the caulk and inadequate outcomes. If you want to execute the process properly, hunt for a model of caulking gun that suffices your grip comfort and has a smooth plunger rod. Low-quality guns lead to the unequal application of caulk and give an untidy appearance.
3. The Wrong Amount
If you have the right caulk and appropriate tools for caulking your window frame, your attempt may still fall apart if you do not use the right amount of product or caulk. Applying too much, or too less, can lead to failing results.
It is often assumed that larger gaps would mean more caulk – it is not. If you have cracks that exceed half inch width and half inch depth, ensure that you fill the gap using a backer rod and then filling the rest of the gap with caulking. Only then will you get productive and long-lasting results.
4. The Wrong Surface
While caulking a window frame, you need to make sure that the surface you are about to work on does not have any existing old caulk. People tend to apply new caulk over the same surface without taking appropriate measures to even the surface and remove the old caulk.
Leaving the old caulk on the window frame has sufficient risk of leaving behind the old moisture on the surface that may result in damaging the new caulk. You need to ensure that the window frame surface is adequately scrapped with a knife or a sharp tool, and any old caulk is removed completely before you begin to apply the new caulk.