How to Caulk Windows

Co-authored by Kevin Turner

Last Updated: November 30, 2022 References Approved

An energy efficient home can save money on utility bills and keep the internal temperature at consistent levels. Properly caulked windows are the first step to seal off air leaks and keep out moisture. Learning how to caulk windows is a smart move, and should be part of a thorough plan for weatherizing your house against the elements.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Planning and Prepping

1
Inspect the house. How many windows need to be caulked? Is there damage to the window casings that also may prevent a good seal? Determine how many windows need to be worked on and how much time each one will require before you begin this project. For reasons that will become clear, timing is important. You must have a sense of how long this project will take.
2
Identify the materials you need before you go to the store. If you don't already have one, you will need a caulking gun (a tool that pushes the caulk out of its tube). You may also need materials to repair your window frames if they are rotting (if wooden) or damaged. However, the biggest decision you need to make regarding materials pertains to the type of caulk you choose.There are a number of varieties, and each has attributes that make it suitable for certain situations.^{[1]
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- Acrylic latex caulk is not responsive to temperature changes--i.e., it will not flex or expand as it clings to the bonded materials. It is also not as durable in moist environments. It can be painted over, but in most places it is really not suitable as a caulk for window frames.
- Siliconized latex caulks have better adhesive properties than acrylics. The best quality siliconized latex caulks are also used as sealants in bathrooms because of the resistance to moisture. Like acrylic latex caulks, siliconized latex products can be painted over.
- Silicone caulk (different from siliconized latex) is considered one of the most durable caulks available. It is used as a sealant in a wide variety of places, and is especially noted for its water resistance. However, it does not seal as well to wood, and certain varieties even encourage metal corrosion. If you do have difficulties with it, you may be out of luck after you have applied it; it is very difficult to remove. Also, most varieties cannot be painted over.^{[2]
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- Polyurethane caulks are considered to be high-quality outdoor sealants, and especially good at sealing together surfaces of different types (such as metal and wood or wood and glass). It is considered relatively easy to work with, but if used outdoors they must be painted over because polyurethanes are not ultra-violet resistant and could break down in the sun. They also are one of the more expensive varieties, and that may be significant if you have a large number of windows to caulk.
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3
Watch the weather. If you are caulking or recaulking all of the window frames of your house, understand that it is a substantial project. It is also one that requires the right weather conditions. Exterior caulk should be applied when the temperature is at least 45 °F (7 °C), and it is also best if the humidity is low. The caulk may take 24 hours or more to dry, and wild temperature swings or rainstorms can ruin a hard day's work.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Caulking the Windows

1
Begin at a practical starting point. Choose a window that is safely accessible on the ground floor then move on to the upper levels where you may need to climb a ladder.
2
Remove any old caulk from around the window frames. You will get the best possible seal by creating two clean surfaces for the new caulk to attach itself. After the largest pieces are removed, use a putty knife to remove any remaining bits of the material.
3
Prepare the surface of the windows. Repair any rotted wood or damage on or around the window before applying caulk. Remove any dirt, debris, and old paint that will hinder adhesion. Wash the area, but make sure it is dry before caulk is applied.
4
Place the tube in the caulk gun. Pull the notched rod back. Place the tip of the tube in the yoke. Turn the rod so that the notching mechanism engages. Squeeze the handle just enough to move the plunger cup securely against the end of the tube, inside the cylinder.^{[4]
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5
Cut the tip of the tube. Cut it at a 45 degree angle about a ¹⁄₄ inch (0.6 cm) back from the tip. Use a slender nail to break the seal inside the tip.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Barry Zakar
Handyman
Expert Interview. 16 July 2020.}
6
Press the tip firmly against one corner of the window and apply caulk to the next corner in a continuous bead, just thick enough to fill the gap.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Kevin Turner
Commercial Handyman
Expert Interview. 15 July 2020.} Press the release mechanism to stop the flow of caulk. Continue around all 4 sides.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Barry Zakar
Handyman
Expert Interview. 16 July 2020.}
7
Use an object to smooth over the sealant and remove excess caulk.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Kevin Turner
Commercial Handyman
Expert Interview. 15 July 2020.} This process is referred to as "tooling." Some people use a popsicle stick or a rag over their finger (some also advocate use of an exposed finger, but that is inadvisable for certain varieties of caulk).
8
Allow the caulk to dry for at least 24 hours. Though a "skin" will develop before it has fully hardened, the caulk may still be unstable and should be left alone. As long as it gets a chance to dry in place, your project will be a success.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How much of the tip do you cut off on a fresh tube of caulk?

Barry Zakar
Handyman
Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University.

Barry Zakar

Handyman

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

This is one of the most common mistakes people make. Just clip the smallest portion off that you possibly can. You don't need a giant bead of caulk in most cases and you can always go over a section twice if you want the caulk to be thicker.
Question

How do you get an even bead?

Barry Zakar
Handyman
Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University.

Barry Zakar

Handyman

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Just try to maintain an even amount of pressure while you're pulling the trigger on the gun. If you squeeze really hard, you have to move the gun quickly, so work slow instead of fast if you want a consistent thickness.
Question

What's the easiest way to smooth the caulk down?

Barry Zakar
Handyman
Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University.

Barry Zakar

Handyman

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Stick your index finger under the sink, get it wet, and use your finger to smooth it down. This will give you a clean, even look.

Warnings

Silicone caulk will stain clothing, so be sure to dress appropriately.

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An essential part of weatherizing your house is adequate ventilation. Learning how to caulk windows prevents air from being displaced, but intentional exchange of inside air with outside air is necessary.

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