If you’re reading this blog right now, there’s a rather large chance that you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the mysterious world of window caulking. Today, we’re about to turn the seemingly mundane task of sealing windows into an informative adventure. However, you might be wondering, “Why on earth should I care about caulking?” 

 

It’s simple. Properly sealed windows can save you money, protect your home from water damage, and even keep unwanted critters at bay. If this sounds like a win-win scenario, then read along to learn our handy do and do-not tips, so you can handle caulking jobs correctly, and stay safe. 

 

 

DO THIS, ALWAYS

The “do’s” of window caulking might seem simple enough, but it’s imperative to stick to them, so you can be sure the job will be done right, and you won’t suffer any leaks, damages or drafts. Here are the principles we stick to at Toronto Window Cleaners.

 

1) CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAULK

Don’t skimp out here. Rather, make sure you’re choosing high quality, paintable, siliconized acrylic latex caulk. It’s flexible, easy to work with, and can be painted over for a seamless finish. This makes the job much easier, now and in the future.

 

2) CLEAN & DRY THE AREA

Always make sure that both the window frame, and the surrounding areas are clean, dry, and free of debris before you start caulking. This will help prevent a mess, not to mention dirt particles and other materials getting into the caulking.

 

 

3) USE A CAULK GUN

Remember, a caulk gun will always give you better control and precision, which means less time cleaning up mistakes. Not only is it worth the investment, but it’s mandatory for making sure that the job is done with professionalism. 

 

4) SMOOTH THE BEAD

What exactly does this mean, you might ask? Simple! After applying the caulk, “smooth the bead” using your finger, a wet rag, or a caulk finishing tool to create a polished look. This is something the pros are quite handy with, so if you think you’ll have trouble, make sure to call them in.

 

5) ALLOW TO DRY

Always make sure to give your fresh caulk at least 24 hours to dry and set before exposing it to water, or painting over it. Some people are tempted to move to the next stage right away, but you’ll want to exercise patience here, so you won’t have to rip up the caulk and start all over.

 

 

 

NEVER DO THIS

The “dont’s” of window caulking aren’t always readily apparent to those who don’t possess the experience level of the professionals. In this case, don’t feel bad. We all have to start somewhere. However, always remember to call the pros if you think you’ll run into these issues.

 

1) DON’T OVER-CAULK

Less is more when it comes to caulking, so don’t squeeze too much out at once, or you could end up with a real mess on your hands. In some cases, you’ll end up creating a very messy and uneven finish, which won’t make your windows look any better.

 

2) DON’T CAULK OVER EXISTING CAULK

Old caulk should be stripped out and removed entirely before you apply more. If the caulk looks old or cracked, get rid of it, and then start over anew. Fresh caulk always requires a clean surface in order to bond properly.

 

3) CAULK DURING MODERATE TEMPERATURES

If the weather happens to be extremely hot or cold, consider waiting until another day to apply your caulk. The curing process is very important, and caulk requires moderate temperatures in order to bond and seal properly.

 

4) DON’T RUSH

Caulking is not a race to the finish line. It’s a methodical process that requires a steady hand, and a good degree of patience. Even if you’ve done the job a few times, you’ll want to take it slow, so that you maintain a professional look.

 

5) DON’T GET DISCOURAGED

Caulking is tricky, so make sure not to throw in the towel if you fail a few times. Keep trying, and persevere. You’ll soon find that your caulking skills are improving, and before you know it, you’ll be able to tackle more challenging jobs.

 

CALL THE PROS

If you’ve read all this, and you believe that caulking is still a rather intimidating, or tedious process, don’t feel bad. Toronto Window Cleaners recognizes that window caulking isn’t exactly high on everyone’s list of priorities. So, let us do it instead. We’ll come to your location, assess your caulking, and take care of the job for you, while you sit back and enjoy the professional we bring to your property. Contact us today for more info!