Window panes that are loose let cold air in, warm air out and rattle annoyingly on windy days. Window frames shrink and expand with the seasons. Caulk and putty break down over time. Apply new caulk to window panes to re-seal them as soon as you notice the old caulk beginning to dry and crumble. Caulking will save money on heating and cooling costs as well as eliminate uncomfortable drafts. New caulk will make your old windows look fresh and new. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Scrape away any remaining old caulk or putty from around the window pane using a putty knife. Brush away any debris with a whisk broom, and wipe the area with a rag to make sure there is no remaining dust.
2. Clean the area to be caulked. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a rag, and wipe down the window and frame to remove oils and grime. Allow to dry completely.
3. Put the tube of caulk in the caulking gun. Cut the nozzle to allow for a 1/4-inch ribbon of caulk flow.
4. Apply the caulk. Hold the nozzle of the tube of caulk at a 45-degree angle. Begin at the top corner of the window. Squeeze the handle on the caulking gun to create a slow flow of caulk. Draw the caulk nozzle slowly along the top of the window, running the bead of caulk along the groove where the window and frame meet. Continue around the side, bottom and other side of the window pane.
5. Push the caulk into the groove where the window pane and frame meet using the putty knife. Force the caulk as far into the groove as possible. You need enough caulk between the window pane and frame to form a good seal.
6. Smooth the caulk with the smoothing tool. Push the caulk into the groove as you pull the tool along the caulk line. Remove excess caulk from the tool with a damp rag as it accumulates. Use a wet index finger if you don't have a caulk smoothing tool.
7. Wipe away excess caulk from the window pane and frame. Pour a small amount of vinegar on the rag. Wrap the rag around your index finger. Wipe excess caulk off the window pane and frame using your index finger covered with the vinegar soaked rag. Scrape any remaining caulk off the window pane and frame with the putty knife taking care not to disturb the new seal.
Tags: window pane, pane frame, window pane frame, caulk into, caulk into groove, caulk window, excess caulk
