DIY Network

Check and Seal Windows Fall home maintenance window-sealing tips From "Home Maintenance" episode DHMW-103

In this first segment host Tim Hockenberry demonstrates how to check and seal the windows in your home in order to prepare for colder weather.

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	Cleaning leaves out of gutters is one of the many tips offered by host Tim Hockenberry for doing autumn maintenance around your house.
	Figure A
	Figure B

Materials:

Candle
Caulk softener
Polyurethane caulk
Caulking gun
Utility knife
Putty knife or 5-in-1 tool

Check and Seal Windows

• First you want to check to see if air is flowing through your closed windows. A great way to test for drafts is to hold a lit candle close to the window seams (figure A). If the flame bends then it could be signs of a draft.

• Then check the caulk on the outside window frame. Exterior caulk can dry out in the heat of summer. If you find a whole lot of gaps and cracks that means it is time to re-caulk.

• First you have to remove the old caulk. If you use a caulk softener you've got to apply it at least two hours before you are ready to take up the old caulk. That gives it time to work. Once it is soft enough it should come up fairly easily using a putty knife (figure B) or five-in- one tool. You have to remove as much of the old caulk as possible because new caulk won't stick properly if applied onto old caulk and you won't get a good seal around the frame.

• Polyurethane caulk works for both small and large gaps, so one tube should take care of a whole window. To begin, cut the tip off of the tube of caulk at a 45-degre angle so that it fits nicely into the window seam. Then load it into a caulking gun.

• When filling larger gaps, move more slowly to let the caulk adequately fill the space.

• In the areas that have had caulk before, make sure all of the old caulk has been removed and clean the surface as best as you can. With a smooth motion push the caulk along the seam. Finally, use a wet finger to smooth out the caulk to give it a cleaner, more finished look.

• The caulk should be dry in about 12 to 15 hours and once it is, your windows will be airtight for the season.

DIY Home Maintenance Seasonal Checklist "Take Care of Your House and It Will Take Care of You!"...and you can start by printing out DIY's PDF checklist file.