Tag Archives: caulking tips

Window Caulking Tips and Tricks You Can Do Yourself

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Do you want to know one of the most effective and easiest methods to improve your home’s energy efficiency? Then answer is optimal window insulation! In fact, window caulking is one of the most common best practices for reducing energy consumption while still maintaining comfortable indoor environments. So, it’s important to know the condition of your existing window caulking if you want to improve your energy efficiency, save money on monthly utility bills, and feel more comfortable indoors.

Continue reading to learn more about the ins and outs of window caulking, including some tips and tricks for leaks, weatherstripping replacement, and more.

Window Repair and Replacement 317-454-3612
Window Repair and Replacement 317-454-3612

Window Leaks

A gap as little as an eighth of an inch can lose just as much conditioned air as a window open six inches or more. A tiny air leak really does make a difference. Large or small, a leak must be stopped as soon as possible, or it will affect several other areas of a home. To check for air leaks, you must first wait for a still day, and then turn on your attic fan to create negative pressure indoors. You can also turn a bathroom or stove fan on if you do not have an attic. Light some incense and carry it from window to window, looking for drifting smoke. Since checking for air leaks is a tricky task, calling a professional might be the best option for all home and property owners.

To fix these leaks yourself, simply purchase a good-quality quick-release caulking gun and caulk bottles from your local hardware store, and address the issue head on. But for those who are not very “hands-on” when it comes to home repair, contact a local handyman for professional assistance and service. Fixing window leaks will greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Window Caulking Tips

The best climate for effective window caulking is mild, dry, and warm weather. It’s best to wait until it is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit before caulking windows. For this reason, Hoosiers are encouraged to have their windows inspected and re-caulked at the start of spring, and before summertime. Also, don’t stop at windows when checking for air leaks, be sure to inspect doors as well. And be sure to check your home for window and door leaks on a routine basis.

Indianapolis Window Repair and Replacement You Can Trust

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 when you are looking for qualified general contracting services for window repair and replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Common Types of Caulk and Their Recommended Applications

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The type of caulk you require for your home improvement project depends on the particular application. For instance, you probably wouldn’t do well to use the same product on your kitchen sink as you would on your gutters or roof. In order to get the best results, you must choose the proper caulk for your caulking needs. A simple review of the most types of caulking sealants will help you with this.

Continue reading to learn about the most common types of caulk found on the market, and the applications they are most recommended for.

Home Remodeling and Renovation 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Renovation 317-454-3612

What is Caulk?

Caulk is a constructing product universally used to create a waterproof, weatherproof, or insulated seal between two materials. Most often, caulk is used to fill in gaps and crevices in objects like bathtubs, counters, tile, pipes, windows, doors, flooring, concrete, siding, roofing, gutters, and more. Although the product is used for the same universal purpose of filling in and waterproofing, the type of product varies depending on the application, and plays a vital role in the quality of your results.

☑ Kitchens and Bathrooms

Because areas like bathtubs, sinks, countertops, and tile need to be waterproof, it is important to use a caulk that provides the proper level of performance and protection. For this reason, a job like this would require a siliconized acrylic or polymer caulk product.

☑ Roofing, Siding, and Gutters

Roofing, siding, and gutter systems are susceptible to harsh outdoor elements, which means they need to be waterproofed and weatherproofed. For these kinds of caulking jobs, there are specific products to use. When caulking gutters or siding, look for a butyl rubber sealant product. Siding can also be caulked with polymer, silicone polymer, and paintable silicone sealants. For roofing, stick with a gun grade or brush grade polymer caulk that adheres well to metal and masonry.

☑ Windows, Doors, and Glass

Windows and doors need to be airtight and waterproof for optimal performance and energy efficiency. For this reasons, these areas are best caulked using polymer, silicone polymer, paintable silicone, and butyl rubber sealant products. As for glass, you will require a product that adheres well to glass surfaces, such as a silicone and siliconized acrylic caulk.

☑ Concrete

Concrete can be easily affected by harsh weather and natural wear and tear. When it comes time to fill in cracks and crevices, caulking can be done using one of two products. You can use a silicone sealant, however, it is more common to use a polyurethane caulk for concrete surfaces like sidewalks and driveways.

Important Note

Keep in mind that the best caulking is the caulking you don’t notice. Not only does installation require precision and acute attention to detail, it requires adept caulk removal, project management, and proper cleanup control, too. It should be sparingly applied in thin, straight lines, and all residue and drips should be wiped away immediately while working. For these reasons and more, it is recommended to hire a professional Indianapolis home remodeling company for your caulking or re-caulking needs. They have the necessary resources, tools, and equipment to implement the job, efficiently and accurately.

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Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis home remodeling and handyman services at competitive prices. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!