Once you have lived in your newly constructed home for a year or two it is time to inspect your exterior windows for sealant deficiencies. You want to check the perimeter seals of your window casings where they bond with your veneer. Whether you live in a brick, siding, or stucco home, your window casings were all sealed with caulking. After your home has experienced a cycle of seasons and has expanded and contracted some, materials on your home have also expanded and contracted. Caulking measures around your window casings is one of those materials that may have been compromised over those first couple years. You want to look for deficiencies in the caulking, like penetrations and shrinking. If you detect any of this activity it is time for you to recaulk those areas. The reason you want to recaulk these areas is to keep rainwater out of your home and to prevent your window sills and casings from rotting out.
Silicone, like GE Silicone II is one of the higher performing sealants. It is intended for exterior windows and doors. This product comes in a variety of colors. Silicone is easy to work with if you have the experience, but difficult if you do not. Although, it is not paintable. You may find some brands that are paintable, but since most are not pay attention . So, if you are trying to match your caulking to your trim color you need to rethink using silicone. Another option is using a latex sealant. Some latex sealants are siliconized, so it is like a hybrid. Latex can be a little easier for an amateur to apply. It comes in a variety of colors and some is paintable. This may be a good option if you are looking to match it. Consult with your local professional paint store or hardware store.
Existing failed caulking can be removed with a five-in-one. This is a classic painter tool that has various edges you can utilize to remove caulking. Once you have removed the failed sealant, you need to clean the area with a duster paint brush. I call it that since it is a secondary brush used for prepping and cleaning surfaces. You want to get rid of any loose dirt, dust, debris before applying your new caulking. To make the caulking application easier, I recommend a dripless caulking gun. With a dripless gun you will not need to worry about thumbing the button on the back of the handle every time you complete your line. Before loading your dripless gun you must open the tube of caulking. Your dripless gun has a razor cutter in the handle you can utilize to cut the tip off the tube. Be careful not to cut too much as that will determine the bead or amount of caulking the tube will distribute once you squeeze the trigger. The metal rod underneath the nose of the gun can be utilized to poke through the preserver barrier at the base of the nozzle. So, cut the tip of the tube, poke the preserver barrier, load the tube, prime the trigger a few times, and you are ready to go. Once you apply the caulking, run your finger down the freshly applied bead to smooth it out nice and neat. Have some rags on hand as you will want to wipe any excess off on the rag.
I recommend inspecting your home on an annual basis to maintain your investment. It takes little time and is very much worth it.
JR McDowell
JR McDowell Homes, LLC
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