How to apply Caulk to a window

Caulking refers to the process of sealing a gap between two surfaces for the purpose of making it air and watertight. Below is the recommended process of caulking your Vinyl window. The caulks are available as an option when you purchase your window. You can also buy the separately at a hardware store.

Let's start with a basic informational video about How to Caulk Windows:

When doing a window replacement, There are 3 different places to seal the window.

1. The gap around the outside edge of the window where the Flush Fin touches the outside wall.
2. The gap between the window frame, and the wall.
3. The gap that the trim creates on the interior of the window.

    

    

   1. The Gap around the outside edge of the window

   Put additional polyurethane sealant around the outside of the exterior of the frame as needed to ensure a good seal between the wall and the window frame.Remember to leave 2 or 3 gaps at the bottom to allow moisture to seep out.

    

    

   2. The Gap between the window frame and the wall

   The space between the window frame and the wall varies on each window. That space should be filled in to insulate the window. To do this you should use an expanding foam sealant. You can buy expanding foam sealant in a can that dispenses through a straw.

   Tips: place the foam as close to the exterior wall as possible, use only enough foam to bridge the gap to fill the void. Do not overfill the void, a ½ inch bead will stop the draft and match the R factor of most energy efficient windows. The foam is not an insulation material where more is better, foam is intended to bridge the gap and be an air barrier. Let the foam cure and then review each window to assure all voids are sealed.

    

    

   3. The gap that the trim creates on the interior of the window.

   To fill this gap you should use a siliconized acrylic caulking. Clean the surface, apply the caulking lightly, and wipe any remaining caulking off with a rag. You can see this 2 minutes into the following video: